Use Solar Panels On Your Garage To Recharge Your Electric Car
Sales of electric and hybrid cars are rising quickly in the UK, with over 1,000 new vehicles registered in the third quarter of 2013.
People are switching to using electric cars because they are the environmentally friendly option, and less polluting than diesel or petrol cars. There are also many other incentives such as low levels of car tax, and being exempt from congestion charges.
Up until recently, the problem for many electric car owners has been finding somewhere to charge up their car during the working day or at night, and even though many towns and cities are introducing charging points, these are still few and far between.
Electric car technology is developing constantly, and one of the new branches of research is looking into converting power generated from your solar panels into power to charge the batteries of your electric vehicle.
What To Know About Olar Panels On Metal Roofs
Here are the top 5 things to consider if you want to install solar on a metal roof:
Read on for a more in-depth explanation of all of these topics.
A Storage Unit Barn Or Shed Can Make For A Perfect Spot For Your Solar Panels
For homeowners that have a barn, storage building, or large shed on their property, adding solar panels to those structures are also within the realm of something we can do. Like any installation, its important there is enough space to do a proper install. The picture to our right shows a sleek, clean installation on a large storage building.
Whats great about a structure like this is that it doesnt have any roof penetrations to work around, such as a chimney or skylight. That allows customers to fully deck out the roof with solar. As you can see, the solar panels almost look like part of the roof itself. Pretty great job by our team on the array here!
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Why Would You Consider Using Your Garage For Solar Panels
Even if you live in a very sunny climate, solar wont work on a site that has severe shade. While partial shading is common in many home installations and can be mitigated to some degree with equipment choices such as half-cut solar cells and microinverters, heavy shade can restrict your solar production to the point where its uneconomical to install solar.
But what if you have a detached garage with a south-facing roof that doesnt get any shade? That might be a great solution for you, but only if the factors are right.
Possibilities Of Installing Solar Panels Onto A Garage Roof
When it comes to making a garage as efficient as possible, then theres one step that could be considered, and this is using solar panels?
With solar power becoming more affordable, and energy prices forever on the rise maybe its time to consider transforming your garage into a greener entity?? But is it possible and worthwhile
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What Is The Best Way To Finance Solar Panels
Some companies offer integrated solar power system solutions. This includes features like a 25 year guarantee on all components and a financing option with 0% down payment. They can also adjust your eligible Tax Credit from the initial price.
You might want to check out SUNPOWER. They have an outstanding offer.
- The SunPower Equinox® system with SunVault Storage is the only home solar + storage system designed by one company. From record-breaking panels to seamless energy storage, every component is designed to work together perfectly.
- The warranty covers your whole system . They have got you covered for 25 years including performance, labor and parts.*.
- The SunPower Equinox® system features unrivaled performance with the most efficient solar panels on the market.*
- Their experts do the legwork. They are a national brand with a large network of dealers & installers.
- SunPower offers three flexible payment options, so you can choose whats right for youcash, lease or loan. And you may qualify for federal solar tax credits* with a cash purchase or our popular loans.
Do You Need Planning Permission For Flat Roof Solar Panels
Similar to installing solar panels on a slanted roof, in most cases, you wont need planning permission to install solar panels on a flat roof. The only exception is if you live in either a listed building or a conservation area.
Of course, when it comes to building improvements, not everything is so straightforward. If you have any doubts or concerns about whether you need planning permission, its a good idea to check with The Planning Portal the national planning application service for England and Wales.
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How Solar Energy Works
This section will cover exactly how sunlight turns into cash in your pocket. We cover how solar works in more detail, but in general, it is as follows:
1. Photovoltaic input – Light shines on the solar panels which generate DC electricity
2. Inversion DC electricity passes through an inverter which outputs AC electricity. Most Alberta homes and businesses use AC electricity so we must convert the voltage into a usable form.
3. Distribution The solar power system is tied into the breaker panel where the solar energy can be distributed/used throughout the home. You will use any generated solar energy first, and any additional energy that cant be supplied by the solar panels will be imported from the grid as usual .
4. Generate Credit – If you generate more solar energy than you need, you will export your energy to your retailer who will credit you on your monthly bill. By generating solar energy, you no longer import as much energy. By not importing energy, not only do you reduce your energy charge, but you also reduce your transmission and distribution fees too!
If you get a power bill every month, you are interconnected to the grid . By grid we mean the Alberta electricity infrastructure power lines running from you home to various substations and power plants that give you energy. Here is the best part:
Grid-tied solar power installations do not need batteries!
Solar Pergolas Gazebos & Patio Covers: A Quick Guide
When you think of solar power for the home, solar panels on the roof is what immediately comes to mind. But there are many other places you can put your panels to produce solar energy for your home.
Some of the more popular alternatives available in 2022 are ground-mounted solar panels and solar carports. Another approach is to go for solar structures on the patio or in the garden, which are often referred to as solar pergolas or solar gazebos. Read on to learn exactly what solar pergolas and solar gazebos are and whether they make sense for you.
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Increase In Value Of Property
This is a mixed benefit. Sometimes you reap it sometimes, you dont. Solar panels are becoming a recent sensation, and they should undoubtedly increase the value of your property. But, the propertys value is determined based on the utility that people will get. The utilities depend on each ones preferences. There are three types of the viewpoint of buyers.
- Buyers who like and prefers the solar panels on the roof or garage
- Buyers who feel it is a problem rather than a benefit
- Buyers who dont even care or notice that solar panels are attached.
To reap the benefit or not depends on the mindset of the buyer. Nevertheless, you can have a point to strike a higher deal.
Do I Need To Check All This Myself
It is for the MCS contractor to notify the DNO, not the customer. An MCS contractor will also confirm that your solar setup meets all the aforementioned requirements before the installation commences.
There are further rules that apply for installing solar panels in Scotland planning permission is required if they are to be installed onto the wall of a block of flats or on a flat roof. Contact your local planning office for more information if this applies to you.
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Can You Put Solar Panels On A Flat Roof
Solar panels come in all shapes and sizes. On the market today, you can find traditional panels, flexible panels, and even solar tiles, making them suitable for all sorts of properties even ones with flat roofs.
This particularly comes in handy for British homes, with our mix of new-build houses, old cottages, traditional farmhouses, and terraced homes.
But if you have a flat-roofed property and fancy getting yourself some panels, there are a few things you should know, including what extra equipment to get, how to look after your panels properly, and how to avoid damages.
Luckily, well tell you everything you need to know further down the page.
If youre already set on getting a solar panel system for your home, we can speed up the process for you. Rather than scouring the internet for the best companies and prices, simply answer a few short questions on this form. Well pass your details on to our trusted suppliers, who will then get in touch with free quotes for you to compare.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need For Detached Garages
Can I know the size and what equipment you have in your detached garage?
The number of solar panels depends on the number of equipment and power. If you have many electrical devices in the garage, it will need more power. At the same time, more power means several solar panels.
For example, if you have several lights and power doors, then you have to increase the power production.
Solar Lights Outdoor for Garage
A garage with simple equipment needs a minimum of 24KWhper month to run all the devices. A typical detached garage needs 45 KWh for operation every month.
With 6 hours of direct sunlight every day, you need 1 to 3 solar panels to power your detached garage.
The measurement varies depending on the structure, working capability, and additional devices.
For instance, some garages contain water pumps, washing units, and workshop machines. These heavy pieces of equipment require lots of power, and you have to calculate the needs before installing solar power.
So, it is clear that the number of panels completely depends on the energy consumption of the garage.
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Metal Roofs Are Durable Enough To Outlast Your Solar Panels
Solar panels are extremely durable and can last for 25 to 30 years, which is part of what makes them such a great investment for your home. However, in many cases, this means that your solar panels can outlive your roof, which can result in an added expense. If your roof is aging, you have to replace it before installing solar panels, or incur the additional cost of removing and re-installing your panels when the time comes to replace your roof.
Metal roofs, on the other hand, are the most durable conventional roofing material available. If you have a metal roof on your home, it will likely last longer than the lifespan of your solar panels, which reduces expense and hassle in the long term.
As A Solar Pergola Or Carport
A pergola, carport, solarium, or gazebo constructed to hold solar panels makes for another elegant choice. And when you build the feature to suit your solar production, you can optimize performance by choosing the ideal orientation, direction, and slope. These surfaces naturally receive tons of sunlight, so theyre great candidates for a solar panel project.
Garden features like pergolas and gazebos also work well as a place to install poolside solar collectors for solar pool heaters, while carports can be paired with a home charging station to power an electric vehicle. Either way, youll be adding a first-class luxury feature to your home, while saving money on your utilities. Pretty smart!
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How Long Does It Take To Charge An Electric Car Using Solar Power And What Are The Savings
This obviously depends on the amount of sunlight and the type of panels on your roof, as well as the type of wallbox charger you have. We visited one electric-car owner, Warren Philips of Shoreham-on-Sea, who uses solar panels to charge his Renault ZOE. On a sunny day, the panels on his roof can generate upwards of 40kWh of electricity, enough to charge the 40kWh battery in his car.
Most electric-car charging at home happens overnight, when theres no sun to generate free electricity. This is why its worth considering installing a home battery system like a Tesla Powerwall to store the solar energy to recharge your car.
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S To Installation Of Solar Panels On A Garage Roof:
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Can You Put Solar Pv Panels On The Garage Roof Which Is At The Other End Of The Garden
For Home
Figuring out whether you can install solar panels on your garage roof can be tricky process.
It can be easy to install solar PV on a garage within a property boundary, especially if the garage already has an electricity cable running to it. If there is a cable linking the garage and the main house, that would be able to support the PV system, a install on a garage roof can be straight forward.
If there is no cable linking the house and garage, a cable may have to be laid. This would mean digging a trench through the garden, which can be done by yourself.
As commercial solar PV installers, we would only be able to install on a garage roof which has an available area of over 300m2. However, you can discover how much energy you could generate from your garage roof with our solar PV calculator.
If you have a garage roof that you feel may be suitable for solar PV, you could contact a domestic installation provider who will be happy to advise you on a suitable system.
C o n t a c t u s
Can You Power Detached Garage On Solar Power
Yes, you can install and power a detached garage on solar power. This renewable energy switch will allow you to do everything in the garage that requires electricity.
Most importantly, you can power the lights, automatic doors, security cameras, and battery charging of the vehicles.
A solar-powered garage will give you access to the self-dependent power system. A detached garage can be a great idea to install solar power in modern houses.
You can use the roof of the garage to install solar panels. This extra space will allow you to install a solar panel on an unused roof instead of the home.
Besides, solar power will help you operate the door even in power outages if you use power doors. Its an advantage that you can not expect from the grid.
Another important thing you can expect from a solar-powered garage is vehicle battery charging.
Altogether, you can do everything on solar power in your detached garage.
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The Cons Of Flat Roof Solar Panels
- Flat roof systems take up more space per kW than on-roof photovoltaic systems. This is because, there must be a separation between rows of the PV panels, in order to prevent on row shading another.
- Installing Solar Panels on a flat roof is dependant on your roof structure, as it must be able to handle the additional weight.
The Advantages Of An Off
One reason why you might want to install solar panels on a garage or shed is to provide power to a structure that doesnt already have it. As mentioned above, the cost of running electricity to a backyard structure can get expensive – potentially thousands of dollars.
If all you want is to have enough power to run some lights, a garage door opener, and maybe some power tools, an off-grid solar array with a battery might be a cheaper option than paying an electrician to run grid power to the building.
A small off-grid solar panel system will consist of some panels, wiring, a battery charge controller, a battery, and an inverter. You can check out our article on solar panel kits for some recommendations. Most of these kits are designed for RVs, but can be made to work for a garage by adding a lead-acid battery and an inverter to convert DC to AC power so that you can run common household appliances and tools.
The great thing about these kits is they only involve a couple panels so youre dealing with low voltage DC power. Theyre simple enough that if you know how to work a power drill and are comfortable on a ladder, you probably have the skills to make this a DIY project.
To learn more about the components of an off-grid system, check out the article on kits mentioned above and our article on solar panels for RVs. While the article is aimed at campers, the components mentioned – charge controllers, batteries, and inverters – are part of any off-grid solar system.
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