Why a Barn Conversion is the Ideal Time for Solar

Barn conversions are the stuff of dreams—wide open spaces, character-filled beams, and endless possibilities to create a stunning home. But alongside the charm and design decisions, a barn conversion is also the perfect opportunity to future-proof your home with solar power. Here’s why adding solar to your plans makes so much sense.

Large Roof Space: Perfect for Solar Panels

One of the standout features of barns is their expansive roof space. Unlike traditional homes with smaller, more segmented roofs, barns often have uninterrupted areas that are ideal for solar panels. This means you can fit a larger solar array, maximising the energy you can generate.

• More panels = more power: You’ll produce more electricity, which is particularly handy if you’re planning to heat your home with underfloor heating or run an electric vehicle.
• Aesthetic flexibility: With such a large roof, you can choose between on-roof panels or sleek in-roof systems that blend seamlessly into your design.

Rural Locations and a Weaker Grid

Barn conversions are often in rural areas where the electricity grid can be weaker or less reliable. Power cuts and fluctuating supply aren’t uncommon, and energy costs can sometimes be higher in these locations. Solar power with a battery storage system is a fantastic solution:

• Energy independence: Generate your own power and rely less on the grid, even during peak times.
• Battery backup: A home battery lets you store energy for use during power cuts or at night, giving you more control and security.
• Cost savings: With solar, you’re protecting yourself from rising energy prices—a real bonus if you’re in a rural spot where costs can vary more.

New Electrics? Add Solar While You’re At It

A barn conversion usually means starting fresh with the electrics, which is the perfect time to plan for solar. You’re already working with electricians, rewiring, and potentially upgrading your fuse board—so why not include solar in the mix?

• Efficiency in planning: Adding solar during a conversion is more cost-effective than retrofitting it later. Your contractor can integrate solar wiring and battery storage systems seamlessly into your new setup.
• Future-ready home: By planning for solar now, you’re making sure your barn is set up for years of sustainable, low-cost energy use.

A More Sustainable Home for Generations

Barn conversions already breathe new life into old buildings. Adding solar takes this a step further by making your home greener and more sustainable. Solar panels will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also improve your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating—a significant advantage if you ever decide to sell.

Why Solar Makes Sense for Barn Conversions

Barn conversions are often larger than traditional homes, which means energy use can also be higher. Whether it’s heating a big open-plan space, running extra appliances, or keeping the lights on in vast rooms, your energy demand could be substantial. Solar helps offset these costs, giving you cheaper, greener energy for decades.

How to Get Started

If you’re planning a barn conversion, MakeMyHouseGreen can help you design the perfect solar setup. Our easy-to-use online solar calculator gives you an instant quote tailored to your property, showing you just how much solar could save you. Plus, we’ll guide you through every step—from choosing the right panels to installing a battery for maximum efficiency.

With your barn conversion already in progress, there’s no better time to future-proof your dream home with solar. Let’s make it happen together—so your barn isn’t just beautiful, but brilliantly energy-efficient too.