01
Usable roof area
There needs to be practical space for a safe layout, including margins around edges and roof features.
Solar suitability
Can solar work on your home?
Many homes can be considered for solar, but the useful answer is never just yes or no. Your roof, shading, ownership, access and local planning position all help shape the right next step.
Survey-led designClear package guidanceFinal layout confirmed at survey
A helpful place to start
What a good suitability check looks at.
Read the short practical points first, then use the detail, independent resources and HEG routes that match your question.
02
Daylight and shading
Orientation is one factor. Trees, chimneys, nearby buildings and how your household uses electricity also matter.
03
The property details
Roof condition, access, electrics, ownership and any planning restrictions are confirmed before final design.
See it in context
A roof layout should be designed around the real building.
Satellite information is a helpful early guide, not a replacement for checking the roof itself. HEG confirms safe margins, roof condition, shading, access and the final electrical design through survey.
1
Look at your roof online
The HEG quote tool provides a useful satellite-led starting point for eligible roof faces.
2
Check the practical constraints
Use the planning and mounting guides to understand why local rules, roof construction and access matter.
3
Let the survey confirm it
The on-site survey checks the actual roof, access and electrical arrangements before a final recommendation is made.
An alternative worth exploring
If solar is not right for your roof, you may still have an energy-storage option.
A battery storage system can charge during a lower-priced off-peak electricity window, then store that electricity for use later when your tariff’s peak period costs more. It can be a useful route for homes where a solar layout is not practical.
Off-peak tariff times, electricity prices, household demand and the suitable battery size all vary. HEG can help you assess the practical option and give guidance that is specific to your home and tariff.
↻
Store lower-priced electricity for later.
01 · Your tariff window
Tell us when your lower-priced electricity is available, including more than one charging window if applicable.
02 · Your home demand
We consider how much electricity you use and the power your home needs at busier times.
03 · A survey-led recommendation
The proposed equipment, battery location and any electrical work are confirmed before installation.
Helpful answers
Questions people often ask first.
Open the answers you need. Where the answer depends on your home or chosen equipment, we explain what a survey or proposal will confirm.
Does my roof need to face south?
A south-facing roof can be favourable, but east- and west-facing roofs may also be suitable. HEG considers roof faces, shading, usable area and your electricity use before suggesting a layout.
Can panels go on more than one roof face?
Sometimes. The online tool lets you explore suitable roof faces, while the survey confirms the final safe layout and installation approach. HEG excludes north-facing roof faces from its initial domestic design.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Many domestic installations can be permitted development, but local restrictions can apply, including for listed buildings and conservation areas. Check your property’s position with the local planning authority or Planning Portal guidance.
Can I have solar panels if I rent my home?
You will usually need your landlord’s permission before making changes to the property. It is sensible to agree the proposal, ownership and any future responsibilities in writing.
Will a survey change the online estimate?
It can. The survey confirms roof condition, usable space, safe margins, shading, access, electrical work and scaffolding requirements. That is why online results are indicative rather than a final installation design.
Independent and official guidance
Keep checking the facts at your own pace.
These external resources support the practical topic on this page. They open in a new tab.
Keep exploring
The next useful question may be here.
Practical, survey-led advice
Want a useful first look at your roof?
Use the quote tool to explore your property. A HEG survey confirms what is practical and suitable.
Hanchu ESS video library
See the Hanchu ESS features in action
Short product overviews to help you understand compatible solar and battery features before you request a tailored HEG proposal.
Battery safety overview
Hanchu ESS battery safety features
See the safety features presented for a Hanchu ESS home battery, including BMS monitoring, fire-safety detection and the internal protection measures shown in this overview.
Smarter charging settings
Weather Optimise in the Hanchu ESS app
See how compatible systems can use a chosen charge window and weather-condition-specific state-of-charge targets. Settings and outcomes depend on the system, tariff and weather forecast.
Solar generation feature
Hanchu ESS Shadow Scan
Watch how Hanchu ESS shadow management scans the PV voltage range to help identify the best available operating point when partial shading creates multiple power points.
Works with Octopus
A Hanchu hybrid solar-and-storage design can be planned around compatible Octopus time-of-use tariffs. Octopus confirms current tariff availability and enrolment.
Ongoing care is optional
Explore planned HEG Care memberships for eligible solar systems. Membership is separate from your installation price, warranty and any repair work.