[ellisr]

I know they are available but more for commercial settings, planners get a bit of a state in this country about using them on houses

[doganjo]

I think they may be concerned about the weight placed on a roof - perhaps joists/roof beams might need re-inforcing?

[ellisr]

The weight has to be taken into account for any PV panel in any setting so that is not the reason the planners don't favour them. It is more a problem with the way they look when angled

[kingnigel]

The weight has to be taken into account for any PV panel in any setting so that is not the reason the planners don't favour them. It is more a problem with the way they look when angled

do planners look different when they are angled

[ellisr]

Planners always look at them to see if they have a greater impact on the property and surrounding area, Some areas are better than others but if you are in a sensitive area they are really strict. The company I work for has designed and manufactured a solar panel that looks like a slate to try and help people in sensitive areas or with listed properties

[Juno]

Ellisr, I am investigating solar power for a single storey cottage i intend to reonvate, it has no power at all and i don't fancy the cost of running power lines to it, I think i would like to go down the 'no bill' route anyway, the one you mention that 'looks like a slate tile' would be a fab idea, any further info would be gratefully received

[ellisr]

Juno I have sent you a PM about that company

[Juno]

Thankyou x

[chrismahon]

The optimum angle for solar collectors in the Winter months is 50 degrees from horizontal. As most roofs are 30 degrees it may explain why the snow cover isn't melting.