Considering buying solar panels?
If you are thinking of installing a solar PV system on your roof, you might be wondering what steps you need to take to ensure a successful and safe solar PV system installation.
A solar PV system can provide you with clean and renewable energy, reduce your electricity bills, and earn you some income from government incentives. However, it also requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. To help you with this process, we have prepared a solar PV system installation checklist that covers everything from before, during, and after the installation. By following this checklist, you can make sure that your solar PV system is installed correctly and efficiently, and that you get the most out of your investment.
Before the installation:
☐ Check local planning regulations to make sure you are allowed to install a Solar PV System on your roof.
☐ Check that the solar PV installer is MCS certified (NXTGEN Energy are MCS Certified Solar PV Installers and MCS Certified Battery Storage Installers) and familiarise yourself with the Renewable Energy Consumer Code.
☐ Get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property, check if you already have an EPC here: Find an energy certificate – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
☐ Find your energy bills from the last year, or at the very least your last electricity bill, so you can compare your electricity use before and after the installation of your Solar PV System.
☐ Check with your home insurer that they will still insure you if you have a solar PV system installed.
☐ Ask the solar PV installer to provide you with an online quote based on satellite images of your roof and your electricity consumption data from your latest energy bill. The quote should include solar panel/module information, details of warranties, details of the solar inverter, the company’s terms and conditions, and information on how they have calculated the payback, rate of return and savings.
☐ Ask who will be doing the Solar PV System installation. Is it the same company or a sub-contractor?
During the installation:
Make sure the solar PV installer follows the best practices for solar panel installation, such as:
☐ Choosing a well-built solar panel mounting structure that can withstand the wind and weather conditions in the local area of your property.
☐ Installing the solar panels facing south or as close to south facing as possible for optimal energy production.
☐ Avoiding any shadows on the solar panels from trees, neighbouring properties and chimneys, and also taking into account how these shadows will move throughout the day and as seasons change.
☐ Adjusting the tilt angle of the solar panels according to your latitude for optimal energy production
☐ Using high-quality solar connectors and cables that are compatible with the solar panels and the inverter.
☐ Connecting the solar PV system with the inverter that matches the voltage and power output of the panels.
☐ Connecting the inverter with battery storage if you have one, or directly to the National Grid if you don’t.
☐ Following all health and safety precautions and regulations during the solar PV system installation process.
After the installation:
☐ Check that the Solar PV System is working properly and that you have all the necessary documentation, such as:
☐ A commissioning certificate that confirms that the Solar PV System meets MCS standards.
☐ A handover pack that contains user manuals for the panels, inverter and battery storage, warranty information, maintenance instructions, contact details of the MCS Installer and emergency procedures.
☐ An MCS certificate that proves that your Solar PV System is eligible for government incentives, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme.
☐ A Solar PV System generation meter reading that shows how much electricity your Solar PV System has produced since it was installed.
Get three quotes
To ensure you’re getting value for money, we also recommend getting quotes from three different companies before making your final decision and why not ask for feedback from previous customers. Remember NXTGEN Energy are MCS Certified Solar PV (Panel) Installers and MCS Certified Battery Storage Installers, a HIES Accredited Member, NAPIT Accredited, Government TrustMark Accredited and have 5-Star Reviews on Google and an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.
Are you ready to invest in Solar Panels and convert to clean, renewable energy?
If you are a UK homeowner and interested in learning more about the different types of Solar PV systems, contact our expert team today. By filling out our contact form, our team will provide you with a free no-obligation quote to install a bespoke solar PV system, catered to your personal energy needs. Call us on 01268 928 690 or click the ‘Enquire Now’ button below to claim your free no-obligation quote and solar PV system design.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Panels
The short answer is yes. Solar panels can cut 70% off your energy bills, and that proportion is growing as gas bills rise. No wonder installations have risen by 45% in the last three years, and shot up by 80% in the last year alone. But solar panels are an investment.
1-2 bedroom property, 6 solar panels generating about 1,600 kWh a year.
3 bedroom property, 10 solar panels generating about 2,650 kWh a year.
4-5 bedroom property, 14 solar panels generating about 3,700 kWh a year.
The answer depends on how much you pay for the solar panels, how much your electricity would otherwise cost, how much green energy the panels make from the sunshine you get, and whether you have a battery installed or not. The average payback period for solar PV is coming down and can be about 10 to 20 years depending on your system.
The industry standard for most solar panels’ lifespans is 25 to 30 years. Most reputable manufacturers offer production warranties for 25 years or more. The average break even point for solar panel energy savings occurs six to 10 years after installation.
Whilst there is no hard and fast rule as to how much value solar panels can add to the overall value of your property, suggestions range from 4% to 14% on average and they are certainly unlikely to detract from the value of your home, even if they aren’t the most attractive feature visually.
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