Stylish solar...
e Jobs installed two large solar panels on the roof of the main house to provide hot water. e pitch means these aren’t visible from the ground, so they don’t detract from the finished look of the house. On the games room annexe, they’ve opted for photovoltaic solar tiles for electricity. While these are on show, they blend more discreetly with the slate roofing than standard panels. “ey’re more likely to be approved by the planners, especially if a property is listed or in a conservation area”, says Erica. “Our home is in a green belt location”.
Opting for solar tiles has reduced the family’s electricity bills and, they believe, added value to the house. “However, solar tiles do cost at least twice as much as standard panels”, says Erica. “I’ve read that the average PV installation is a 3kw system cost around £4,000£6,000. Replace that with solar tiles and you’re looking at more like £10,000-£12,000”.