To tell if solar electricity is right for you, there are a few key questions to consider:

Do you have a sunny place to put it?

You'll need a roof or wall that faces between east and west, and isn't overshadowed by trees or buildings. If the surface is in shadow for parts of the day, your system will generate less energy.

Is your roof strong enough?

Solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panel is placed on top of existing tiles. If in doubt, ask a construction expert or an installer.

Is your roof large enough?

The roof needs to be large enough to accommodate the modules (the smallest system measures 3.5m x 3.34m), structurally sound and built using materials that are compatible with one of the fixing systems available with the PV Packs.

Do you have mains electricity?

Do you need planning permission?

In England and Scotland, you don't need planning permission for most home solar electricity systems, as long as they're below a certain size - but you should check with your local planning officer if your home is a listed building, is in a conservation area or World Heritage Site.

Of course, the roof also has to be your own, or to be owned by someone that is happy for the installation to go ahead.

Benefits of an on-roof system

• Increased airflow improves efficiency of the system
• Maximum system size on a given building is often larger
• Installation does not breach the integrity of the
• The roof will only be exposed to the elements for the time it takes to attached the brackets
• Greater flexibility to replace the modules if need be in future
• Less expensive than in-roof
• Easier to install than in-roof

There are essentially two types of installation; on-roof and in-roof.

An on-roof system involves leaving the existing tiles in place whilst fixing brackets to the roof trusses to which a framework is attached. The modules are mounted closely to the roof tiles to ensure the framework is discrete or hidden. An in-roof system, meanwhile, involves removing a section of tiling and replacing it with the modules, giving a more streamlined finish. When installing onto an existing roof it is usually preferable to use an on-roof fixing system.

Whether on roof or in-roof, there is a PV Pack suitable for the vast majority of roofs in the UK.

O2 Electric can confirm exactly which systems are suitable for your roof.