The Ultimate Guide to Solar Panel Installation

More and more homeowners in the UK are choosing solar panels to have more control over their energy, and to lower how much carbon they produce. Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity - a renewable, environmentally friendly energy source which can lower your energy bills and help us all move towards a more sustainable way of living.

This information covers everything you’ll need to know about getting solar panels fitted, from the initial things to think about, the fitting process itself, how much they cost, how to look after them, and how to get the most from them with the current UK government help available.

*Why have solar panels on your home?

There are definite advantages to homeowners installing solar panels: they lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and help lower the amount of greenhouse gases released, they reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy from the electricity company by generating your own, you can get paid for any extra electricity your system sends back to the grid with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), and homes with solar panels are usually considered more energy efficient and are more appealing to people wanting to buy them.

Is your home suitable for solar panels?

Before going ahead with a solar panel system, check if your house is a good match for having them.

Roof direction and angle South-facing roofs get the most sun during the day, and are therefore best for solar panels. East or west-facing roofs can generate electricity, but usually not as much. The best angle for the roof is generally between t30 and re40 degrees, though solar panels will work over a wider range of angles.

Shade and obstructions Anything shading the panels – trees, chimneys, or buildings nearby – will reduce the amount of electricity they make. A professional survey of the site will highlight any problems with shade.

Roof condition and planning permission Solar panels should last at least 25 years, so your roof needs to be in good repair. If it needs repairing or replacing, do that first! Most of the time, you don't need planning permission for a normal home solar panel installation, but it's worth checking with your local council if you live in a protected area (a ‘conservation area’) or a listed building.

What kind of solar panel system should you choose?

Solar panel types Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and look very neat, and are good if you have a small roof. Polycrystalline are a little less efficient, but are typically cheaper.

System size and how much it produces Most homes have solar panel systems between 3kW and t6kW. How big a system you need depends on how much electricity your household uses and how much roof space you have.

Inverters and storing energy with batteries The inverter changes the electricity from the panels (direct current - DC) into the type of electricity you use in your home (alternating current - AC). Battery systems store any extra electricity generated during the day, for use at night or when it’s cloudy, and make you less reliant on the grid.

The Fitting Process

Finding a reliable installer To be sure the work is to a proper standard, choose an installer who is registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Look for companies that have good reviews and give you a detailed, clear quote.

How the installation happens 1. A surveyor assesses your property to decide on the best system. 2. Your installer designs the system to get the most energy. 3. The installation itself - this usually only takes a day or two. 4. The installer connects the system to your home and the grid, checks it all works and is safe.

Costs and Financial Help

How much installation costs Costs depend on the size of the system, how complicated your roof is, and the quality of the equipment. Bigger systems cost more but make more electricity, and so could save you more.

Government schemes The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) lets you get money back for any spare electricity you send to the grid. The amount you get varies between electricity suppliers. If you’re updating your heating and installing solar panels, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can give you financial assistance towards heat pumps.

Savings in the long run Although there’s a significant upfront cost, solar panels usually lower your electricity bills and come with a long guarantee (usually 20-25 years). This makes them a good long term investment.

Looking after your Solar Panels

Regular Care Solar panels don't need much looking after: rain usually washes off dust and dirt, but in dry weather you might need to gently clean them now and then. Make sure nothing new – like growing trees – is shading your panels. Use any monitoring tools your installer provided to see if the amount of electricity being produced is dropping.

When to get a professional in If you notice a big fall in how much energy is being produced, or if the panels are physically damaged, contact your installer or a qualified technician.

Tips for getting the most from your solar panels

Use energy during the day Using your appliances when the sun is shining means you’re using the electricity made by your panels. Think about battery storage This will allow you to use more of your solar energy when the sun isn't shining. Combine with other ways to save energy Improving your home’s insulation or fitting more efficient windows will work well with solar panels and reduce your energy use even more. Check your electricity deal Make sure your electricity company supports the Smart Export Guarantee and offers good rates.

In conclusion…*

Getting solar panels fitted is a sensible way for UK homeowners to use green energy, lower their electricity bills, and help to create a more sustainable future. By checking your house is suitable, choosing the right system, using a qualified installer and understanding schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee, you’ll get the most from your investment.

With very little maintenance and the chance of long-term savings, solar panels are a valuable addition to any home in the UK where people are thinking about energy. For continuing advice on making your home more sustainable, Green Home Report is a reliable source of information.