Planning a solar panel installation on the Costa del Sol

Start with electricity consumption

Recent electricity bills help show annual usage and seasonal patterns. A designer should also ask when energy is used: daytime consumption can often use solar generation directly, while heavy evening consumption may change the case for battery storage.

Mention planned changes such as an electric vehicle, additional air conditioning, pool heating or a home extension. A system designed only around today’s bill may not suit tomorrow’s demand.

What the roof survey should cover

• Usable roof area, orientation and pitch.
• Shade from neighbouring buildings, trees, chimneys and roof structures.
• Roof condition, access and suitable fixing method.
• Safe cable routes from the array to the inverter and electrical board.
• Locations for the inverter, protection equipment and any future battery.

Self-consumption and surplus energy

Solar electricity is most valuable when your property uses it as it is produced. When generation exceeds demand, surplus may be exported to the grid and can be handled under the applicable compensation or sale arrangement. The exact commercial terms depend on your electricity contract and the installation’s legal setup.

Ask the installer to explain the expected split between direct self consumption, export and any battery charging rather than relying on a single headline saving percentage.

Compare complete proposals

A useful written proposal should identify the proposed panels and inverter, system capacity, layout, monitoring, protections, installation work, permissions or registration included, warranties, assumptions and payment schedule. Confirm who handles aftercare if monitoring reports a fault.