Cost of living pressures and rising electricity prices are driving many homeowners to seek out more economical alternatives to traditional energy supply options. Solar panels are one such option that has been gaining popularity as people look for proven ways to reduce their energy bills while also reducing their carbon footprint along the way.
The big question most people have when considering the installation of solar panels is whether their roof is going to be suitable. Read on to discover the facts about installing solar panels on your roof in New Zealand and whether your roof will measure up.
15 FAQs About Solar Panel Installation On Your Roof
There are usually a lot of questions around installing solar panels on your roof and it can take some time to wade through all of the information and research. So, to help you out, we have put together this quick list of the top 15 frequently asked questions with answers relevant to local New Zealand circumstances.
1. Can You Put Solar Panels On Any Roof?
The short answer here in New Zealand is typically – yes! It is highly likely that you will be able to install solar panels on your roof. However, solar panels do add a little extra weight to your roofing system, which is a load-bearing structure, so it is important to assess any potential support or structural issues before proceeding.
2. What Roofing Materials Are Suitable For Solar Installation?
The best kind of roof for solar panels is the Colorsteel style metal roofing products. This is because the surface needs to be secure, durable and easy to work with. The good news is that the two most popular roofing materials found on nearly all houses in New Zealand are Colorsteel roofing iron and clay or concrete tiles, both of which are suitable for solar panels without the need for reinforcement before the solar installation process.
3. Which Direction Should Solar Panels Face In NZ?
In New Zealand, we are blessed with an abundance of sunshine, meaning that in order to maximise energy production from the sun, a north-facing roof is the ideal direction when installing solar panels. West and east facing roofs generally capture a little less sunlight but can still be suitable for solar energy systems dependent on the home’s geographical location and immediate surroundings.
4. Can I Install My Own Solar Panels In NZ?
Technically, you could install your own solar panels however, it is not recommended. The DIY restrictions are tied to voltage limits – officially systems that involve voltages “exceeding 50V AC or 120V ripple-free DC” require a registered electrician, as does any parts of the system that involve 230V terminations. Due to the risks of poor or improper installation that could result in an electrical fire or electric shocks, it is strongly advised (by Worksafe) that a registered electrician should be used to install PV systems.
5. How Big Does My Roof Need To Be To Install Solar Panels?
Adequate space is necessary to accommodate the number of solar panels required to meet your home’s energy needs. Most experts would recommend having around 25 square metres available – which is the equivalent of 5 meters by 5 metres (or slightly smaller than a standard double garage). But it’s okay if you don’t have this much space as you can always purchase higher efficiency PV panels (meaning fewer individual panels are needed).
6. Does It Matter Where My Panels Are Located?
Yes! Your solar panels need to be situated on the area of your roof that receives the most year-round sun, as the amount of electricity a Photovoltaic (PV) system generates is directly related to the amount of sunlight it receives. Shaded areas or places where chimneys, skylights, vents or aerials are located need to be avoided, along with any parts of the roof that might be impacted by neighbouring properties (tree growth or tall buildings that could reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches your solar panels). Although it does pay to note that PV panels do produce some electricity even in cloudy conditions, they just won’t be performing at optimal levels, so removing obstructions to maximise solar energy production is preferable.
7. How Old Is Too Old For Your Roof?
When considering installing solar panels, the age and state of your roof should always be taken into account. Roofing experts will advise you to replace or repair roofing to ensure adequate support for a proper solar installation and a worry-free solar system going forward. Common practice is to ensure your roof will last the expected lifespan of the solar panels (at the very least). As a guide, solar panel systems can last pretty well over a 20-30-year lifespan, so your roof should be in good enough condition to last at least this long.
8. What Is The Best Roof Pitch For Solar Panels?
The optimum angle of your roof pitch should be between 25 and 40 degrees for the installation of solar panels. However, don’t forget that solar panels can be tilted further when mounted, so the exact roof pitch isn’t as important as you would think (as long as you don’t mind the panels taking on a different pitch than the surrounding roof). For solar panels in NZ the optimum pitch should be set at around 30 to 50 degrees (depending on which part of the country you are located in, a slightly steeper pitch is ideal in the South Island).
9. Do Solar Panels Work On All Roofs?
A roof’s orientation and incline are significant factors in how much electricity your solar energy system can generate. Therefore, although the system would work in most cases, unless installed under ideal-ish operating conditions, it may not perform as well as expected, which will have an effect on your return on investment.
10. What Are The Biggest Problems With Solar Panels Today?
The simple answer to this one is that solar panels are not always as efficient year round as we would like them to be. In NZ, this can be due to a number of reasons including long periods of overcast weather, the panels and/or the electrical components incurring damage from severe weather conditions, and the regular cleaning and maintenance that is required (if not carried out, efficiency will be gradually reduced). The initial cost of solar panels has also always been a significant issue for some people, even though it has reduced quite a bit in recent years.
11. How Many Solar Panels Are Needed To Power A House?
A one-size-fits-all approach usually doesn’t apply when it comes to solar power generation, as every home is subject to slightly different conditions. Some of the most common factors that influence the size of the solar power system you might need are location, orientation, sunshine hours, and household electricity consumption. As a rough guide, a 3-5kW solar power system would be suitable for a three bedroom house and its occupants using a standard range of appliances (dishwasher, heat pump, washing machine, etc.) Larger systems around 8-10kW are more suitable for high energy consumption homes (4+ bedrooms, electric vehicles, pool/spa, battery storage systems, etc.).
12. Is It Better To Put Solar Panels On The Roof Or On The Ground?
If you do not have a large enough roof or your roof is not suitable for installing solar panels, building a ground mounted solar system is a great alternative (if you have room that is!). Ultimately you will need to select the option that best meets your specific circumstances, but as a general rule, if you have plenty of available roof space then a roof mounted solar system is likely to be the best/cheapest option.
13. Do I Need Building Consent To Install Solar Panels In NZ?
Local government in New Zealand does not require a building consent application for solar panel installations, however there are a couple of notable exceptions. Heritage-listed buildings, special interest zones and if the photovoltaic panels are your roof’s actual cladding are situations where you will likely require consent. Always check with your local council to confirm the latest recommendations and requirements.
14. What About The Return On Investment?
The return on investment you encounter when installing solar panels on your roof will depend on the “payback” period, which will in turn, be influenced by energy consumption, the initial cost of your solar energy system and local electricity rates. As a general guide, industry professionals seem to consider around 7 to 10 years as a standard payback period.
15. Is Solar Worth It?
Advancements in technology have meant solar panels have become far more efficient and therefore more cost-effective. They can significantly reduce your everyday energy bills and enable you to work towards lowering your overall carbon footprint. In some instances, they can also increase the value of your home! So really it’s for you to decide – is converting to solar energy worth the investment for you?
Additional Factors To Consider When Installing Solar Panels On Your Roof
There are a few extra things you should consider when thinking about the installation of solar energy systems that will help in the overall decision making process, these are:
- Energy Consumption. Carrying out a thorough and accurate assessment of your household’s energy usage is crucial in determining the appropriate solar panel system size you will need to make the most efficient contribution to your energy costs.
- Aesthetics. Solar panels are not invisible, they will alter the appearance of your home so it is essential to choose a system that you are comfortable with.
- Ongoing Maintenance Requirements. Solar panels do require regular maintenance (cleaning), and while this is not difficult or complicated it is something you will need to add to the ‘To Do’ list!
- Environmental Implications. Solar panels are seen as a sustainable and planet-friendly renewable energy source, the importance of this factor can sometimes outweigh the initial and ongoing costs for some people.
Benefits Of Collaboration Between Roofing And Solar Experts
Choosing the right roofing and solar installation professionals is the key to ensuring successful solar energy installation. Taking this collaborative approach to the project will aid in mitigating risks and maximising the benefits, ensuring the longer-term success of your solar investment. A successful collaboration should include:
- Developing a shared understanding of the specific characteristics of your roof
- Roof inspections pre and post-installation to ensure any existing or unforeseen issues are addressed
- Independent, unbiased advice for the work involved from both parties
- Consensus on the ideal placement and suitable fastening methods to preserve the integrity of the roof
Solar panels can be a valuable investment for homeowners looking to reduce their immediate energy costs while being conscious of more sustainable energy generation options. By carefully assessing your roof’s suitability and considering the points discussed in this article, we hope you can make a more informed decision about whether installing solar panels on your roof is right for you. If you have any questions or concerns about the suitability of your roof for solar panels or roofing repairs and replacements, consult with the qualified team at Action Reroofing for expert roofing advice and guidance.
