Is an Air Source Heat Pump expensive to run?

A properly sized and correctly installed Air Source Heat Pump is incredibly cost-effective to run. In fact, it stands out as the most economical heating system when compared to other electric or fossil fuel alternatives. A well-installed Air Source system can generate approximately 4kWh of heat for every 1kWh of electricity it consumes. By dividing the cost of 1kWh of electricity by 4, you can calculate the running cost of the system. Here’s an interesting fact that often goes unnoticed: 100% of the heat energy produced by the Heat Pump is delivered to your property, whereas traditional boilers can lose up to 20% of their heat energy through the flue with the exhaust gases.

How many Solar Panels do I need?

The number of panels needed varies from person to person and property to property. It primarily depends on the size of the area you have available, such as your roof space. Another crucial factor is how much energy you use and when you need it. It’s not as straightforward as saying, “I use 10,000 kWh per year, so just fit a system to meet that.” Keep in mind that panels generate less energy during winter, which might coincide with when you use the most energy. To determine your requirements accurately, take a closer look at your appliances and when you use them. Do you have additional electricity-intensive devices like an electric car or hot tub? Building your solar system around your specific energy needs and considering your lifestyle adjustments can help you maximize the benefits of Solar PV.

How does home battery storage installation work?

Home battery storage installation involves integrating a battery system with your existing energy setup, allowing you to store excess energy for use during peak times.

Is My Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?

If you’re considering solar panels for your home, one of the first questions you might ask is: is my roof suitable?
The answer for most homes is yes – but every property is different. The key is understanding how your roof’s space, structure, and orientation affect energy generation. At Sustain Heating, we carry out detailed on-site surveys to ensure every system is designed for maximum performance and safety.

What Factors Affect Roof Suitability?

Several key aspects determine whether your roof is ideal for solar PV installation:

1. Roof Space

Solar panels need a clear, unobstructed area to perform efficiently.

A typical 4 kWp system requires around 25–30 square metres of usable space.
MCS regulations require a safe clearance around the system for access and roof protection.

Even if your roof isn’t large, high-efficiency panels can deliver strong performance using less space.

2. Roof Orientation

South-facing roofs generate the most energy, as they receive sunlight throughout the day.
East or west-facing roofs still work well, often producing 80–90% of a south-facing system’s output.
North-facing roofs are generally unsuitable for solar panels in the UK.

If your roof faces multiple directions, panels can often be split across two elevations to capture energy from morning and afternoon sun.

3. Shading

Shadows from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce generation. Even a small amount of shading can have a noticeable effect if not addressed properly.

At Sustain Heating, we use advanced design software to simulate your roof’s shading patterns throughout the year. This allows us to position panels and select inverter types (such as microinverters or optimisers) that minimise shading loss.

4. Roof Structure

Different roofs need different mounting systems.

Pitched roofs: Panels are fixed to roof rafters using weatherproof brackets and rails.
Flat roofs: Require ballasted frames that angle panels towards the sun.
Slate or tile roofs: Need extra care to avoid cracking tiles — always use experienced installers.

A structural assessment ensures your roof can safely support the system’s weight (around 15–20kg per m²).

What If My Roof Isn’t Perfect?

Don’t worry — few roofs are “ideal.” There are many solutions to work around common challenges:

Microinverters or optimisers allow each panel to operate independently, reducing shading impact.
High-efficiency panels generate more power in limited space.
Ground-mounted systems or outbuilding installations are great alternatives for properties with small or shaded roofs.

Our team designs every system around your property’s unique layout, ensuring you still get excellent performance.

The Importance of a Professional Survey

Before installation, we carry out a full on-site survey, including:

Roof measurements and structure checks.
Shading analysis using solar pathfinder software.
Electrical supply review and inverter location planning.
Safety, accessibility, and DNO approval requirements.

This ensures your system is designed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with MCS standards.

Why Choose Sustain Heating?

MCS, NICEIC, and TrustMark accredited for quality and compliance.
Experienced in roof-mounted, flat-roof, and ground-mounted solar installations.
Full design, supply, and installation service — no subcontractors.
Excellent customer feedback: 4.9/5 on Which? Trusted Traders and 4.7/5 on Trustpilot.

We tailor every installation to your home, so you can get the most from your roof and your investment.

Final Thoughts

In most cases, your roof is suitable for solar panels — it just needs the right design. With a professional survey and the right technology, even complex or partially shaded roofs can generate clean, reliable energy year-round.

At Sustain Heating, we make sure your solar system fits your property perfectly — for maximum efficiency, long-term value, and total peace of mind.