Residential Solar Systems

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, a critical question is whether your roof can support them. At Eco Ease Electrical, we’ve helped homeowners in the South of Sydney all the way to Wollongong to get the answer to this question. Here’s a short guide to help you determine if your roof is suitable for solar panels.

1. Assess your roof condition

Structural integrity: Your roof must be strong and sturdy. If your roof is old or damaged, such as missing shingles or leaks, you may need repairs or replacement before installation.

Roof material: Solar panels are compatible with most roofing materials, including metal and tile. However, materials like slate may need special mounting systems or additional reinforcement, which can add to the cost.

2. Roof space and orientation

Available space: Ensure you have enough space to install solar panels. A typical residential solar panel is about 1.8m tall x 1.1m wide. Eco Ease can assess how many panels your roof can accommodate, which then determines the overall solar system size.

Roof orientation and angle: Ideally, your roof should face East, Northeast, North, North-West or West. Even South-facing roofs can be considered if roof space is tight. This is because in summer when the sun is overhead this direction still delivers decent output. It is only the winter months that will see such panels lose output.

3. Check for shade

Shading: Shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce efficiency. Eco Ease uses advanced tools to determine the best panel placement for maximum sunlight exposure throughout the year.

4. Roof load capacity

Weight considerations: Solar panels add weight to your roof. About 15 kilograms per square meter. Most local roofs can support this additional weight, but to be sure Eco Ease as part of the initial inspection process will conduct a load-bearing check.

5. Local building codes

Regulations: Different regions have varying building codes and regulations. In Sydney and the Illawarra region Councils in general see solar as an exempt development, other than for historic homes, especially if heritage is protected. In such cases, a development application will be required.

Eco Ease is familiar with local codes across the wider metro and Wollongong region, ensuring your installation is compliant.

Sizing your solar system and solar battery capacity accurately ensures you meet your current energy needs and are prepared for future increases. This can help you maximise efficiency, reduce costs, and increase your energy independence.

To determine your current energy needs, Eco Ease recommends for you to review your electricity bills for the past 12 months. Look for the average daily or monthly consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Please note the likely seasonal variations to get a comprehensive view of your usage.

You should also consider potential future energy needs such as electric vehicle (EV) charging, additional household members, changing gas hot water to electric and planned new appliances.

Planning for future energy consumption can help you avoid the need for system upgrades later on. Eco Ease can help you forecast these needs based on your lifestyle and planned changes.

Calculating your solar system size

Determine Daily Energy Consumption: 

Calculate your average daily energy usage in kWh.

Sunlight Hours

Estimate the average peak sunlight hours your location receives. Wollongong and Sutherland typically receive about 4-5 peak sunlight hours per day.

System Size Calculation 

Divide your daily energy consumption by the average peak sunlight hours to get the required solar system size in kilowatts (kW). For example, if your daily usage is 30 kWh and you get 5 peak sunlight hours, you’d need a 6 kW system.

While of cause some of your daily consumption will be undertaken at night, when there is no solar supply, in general one nowadays errs on the side of a larger system, given that panels have become so affordable and bigger systems attract a bigger rebate.

On the other hand, you can use the YEA solar system calculator here to work out an estimate.

Getting the right battery size

Daily Energy Usage

Start with your average daily energy usage. Decide how many days of energy independence you want, meaning how many days of power supply do you need in case of a black out. For most homes, a 1-2 day autonomy is sufficient. Naturally you need to consider also that your battery will be replenished by the solar during the day.  Multiply your daily energy usage by the number of days of autonomy. Take away the likely solar generation.

For example, for 1-day autonomy and 30 kWh daily usage, and a 40 kWh solar generation you’d would start looking at a 10 kWh plus battery – as your solar generates enough surplus to fill a 10 kWh battery.

On the other hand, you can use the YEA solar battery size calculator here to work out an estimate.

Eco Ease specialises in customised solar solutions for the wider Wollongong to Sutherland regions. Our experienced team ensures precise calculations and installations tailored to your unique energy requirements. Trust Eco Ease Electrical to help you achieve energy independence and sustainability.