Solar and Garage Conversions

Should I add solar during a garage conversion?

Solar panels and garage conversions: a converted garage adds 500-1,500 kWh/yr in electricity demand (heating, lighting, appliances). Install solar on the garage roof DURING the conversion to offset this increase. OPTIONS: (1) PANELS ON GARAGE ROOF — if the garage roof faces south/east/west. Typical: 4-6 panels (1.6-2.4kW). Cost: £2,500-£4,000 (cheaper during build — scaffolding already up). (2) EXTEND MAIN HOUSE SYSTEM — add panels to the main roof instead. (3) SHARED SYSTEM — garage and house share one inverter (most common). KEY: brief your builder and electrician about solar plans BEFORE the conversion starts. Running conduit during build is much cheaper than retrofitting.