Looking to make your home more sustainable? Solar power is the way to go.

While it’s easier to install home solar power systems in new builds, it’s also possible to retro-fit an existing house.

Want to read a bit more about installing a solar power system in your home? Read our guide here.

New builds

Solar power systems should installed to be oriented towards north and angled in order to absorb as much as sunlight as possible. So if you’re planning a new build it’s important to think about the shape, tilt and orientation of your roof in the early design stage. Planning it out early will ensure you create optimal conditions to generate power.

In addition to the solar panels and inverter, solar power systems include mounts that need to be secured to the roof with bolts through the rafters. It’s easier to locate the rafters before the roof is put on – another reason why it’s preferable to install these systems while a house is being built.

Talk to an architect who specialises in sustainable design to help design your dream home. They will also be able to incorporate passive design features in to the design, to help save on energy costs year round.

Retrofitting

Putting solar power into an existing home will cost around the same as installing it in a new home with a similar-shaped roof. However, complications arise if the roof is of an awkward design or if the orientation is off (although most systems can work up to an angle of 45 degrees off north). Your best bet is to talk to an expert from a solar company. They can help you design a system that takes into account you home’s roof design and orientation.

Before installing a home solar power system, you’ll also have to talk to your electricity supplier about connection and metering arrangements. Electricity suppliers are not automatically obliged to connect your system to the grid, so you’ll have to arrange this prior to installation.