As residential/domestic and commercial clients in the UK embrace solar installation as an alternative source of power, it is imperative that they have some understanding of solar technologies, such as solar panels, batteries, and inverters. Below highlights some of the key considerations necessary to have an optimised solar design solution.

• Use the correct location irradiation and high-resolution data for PV optimization, so as not overestimate the yield and financial returns
• Tilt and azimuth angles, row distance, cable losses, string arrangement, and mounting structure geometry must be optimized to ensure the highest financial return
• Ensure your solar production output (Wp) ratio to inverter capacity is ideally within 100%-120%, to prevent oversizing or under-sizing for efficient design, and hence inaccurate estimate of the production/yield forecast.
• Use realistic or actual energy usage data, tariff, inflation data, and cost of capital to accurately forecast savings, Feed-in/Export tariff, internal rate of return (IRR), and accrued cashflow (NPV).
• Use a competent and certified solar installation contractor that understands not only the technical aspects of the design simulation but the financial analysis results from the software.
• Clean solar panels at frequencies depending on the observed soiling, inspect and maintain the mounting hardware and components.