A U.K. homeowner who works in solar and battery storage was left "gutted" after getting quotes suggesting the roof of their 1930s house was too awkward for more than a few solar panels.
Still, the responses that came from the r/SolarUK subreddit suggested another route that could lower energy costs.
Here's what to know
In a Reddit thread, the homeowner said their 1930s four-bedroom detached house had a south-facing roof, but it only had space for just a couple of panels.
With two EVs already in use and an older gas central heating system in place, they said they were looking at a battery for the attached garage and potentially a heat pump to reduce reliance on gas.
Several replies said the situation may still make financial sense without rooftop panels, especially if a battery can be charged on cheaper overnight EV tariffs.
"A battery and heat pump, with an EV tariff and smart meter, can be a powerful combination," one commenter wrote. "Reduce costs in winter and arbitrate in summer. All is not lost."
The original poster's disappointment is understandable, as going solar remains one of the best ways to save money on home energy when a property is a good fit. If homeowners want to compare options, EnergySage offers free solar installation estimates and quote comparisons.
More background
The comment section also challenged the idea that a complicated roof necessarily ends the conversation.
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One person said some installers "just can't be bothered with anything out of the ordinary, and are busy enough at the moment that they don't really need to be."
Another said paying about 20% more than the cheapest quotes led them to a company willing to "problem solve and go above and beyond," resulting in 10 panels and a battery on an irregular roof.
Other users pointed to workable setups on extension roofs, garages, and rooflines that were not ideally oriented. One commenter said they fit 12 panels on a relatively small house, and another reported that a roof split between south- and west-leaning sections had generated 3.26 megawatt-hours between April and September.
What can be done?
Before ruling solar out, homeowners may benefit from a wider review of the property. Commenters suggested asking about garage roofs, north-, east-, or west-facing sections, facade panels, and future add-ons, such as a garden room or patio covering that could host solar later.
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The heating system deserved attention too. One commenter recommended a heat-loss survey.
If solar is on the table, EnergySage can be especially valuable during the comparison process. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
For U.S. homeowners, EnergySage's solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with local solar panel incentives. Together, those tools can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and even go off-grid. It can also help homeowners store cheaper power for later use instead of buying electricity at peak prices. To compare options, explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage, including competitive installation estimates.
Where can I learn more?
Homeowners have faced similar hurdles in their efforts to install solar panels and reduce their energy bills.
• A Mid-Atlantic homeowner found a narrow roof, gas heat, and historic rules complicating solar plans.
• Homeowners pushed back after a roofer said installing solar panels was not advised.
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