NXTGEN Energy » Solar Panel Guide UK

Solar Panel Guide UK

A Complete Guide to Solar Panels is a comprehensive resource that covers practically everything you need to know about solar panels for homes and businesses in the UK. You will learn how solar panels work, what are their benefits, types, costs, savings, how to choose the best installer and maintain your solar panel system.

Got A Question? Contact the Experts

You can also speak with us on 01268 928 690 (Mon – Fri / 8am – 5pm)

Get Your Free Quote

🔒 We will NOT share your information

Get Your FREE Guide - A Consumer's Guide to Solar Panel Installation

A Complete Guide to Solar Panels

Start Here _⤦

» What is Solar PV (photovoltaic)?

Learn what Solar PV stands for and what the Photovoltaic effect is & how it relates to solar energy.

» Solar PV Cell Sizes and Formats

Learn what solar PV cell sizes and formats are & how they relate to solar energy production.

» Solar Energy Terminology

To help you navigate the world of solar energy, here is a list of solar energy terminology.

» The History of Solar Energy

Learn the milestones in the history of solar energy from the 16th century to the present day.

» How many Solar Panels do I need for my home?

Learn how to figure out how many solar panels you need for your home roof.

Solar Panel Components

» How are Solar Panels made?

Learn about how different types of solar panels are made to maximise their efficiency.

» Solar Panel Output: How Much Electricity Do Solar Panels Produce?

Learn about how much electricity panels can produce and how to maximise their efficiency.

» Solar Inverters, what are they and how do they work?

Learn about the what Solar Inverters are, how they work and the different types of inverters.

» Solar Panel Optimisers

Learn about what solar panel optimisers are and how they increase the efficiency of Solar Panels.

Solar Panel Funding & Grants

» Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme

Learn about the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme currently available in the UK in 2023/2024.

» Best SEG Tariffs/SEG Rates in March 2024

Learn about the latest SEG Tariffs/SEG Rates for March 2024 from all the UK Energy Suppliers.

» The ECO Flex Scheme

Learn about the ECO Flex Scheme available in the UK in 2023/2024.

» Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme 2023

Learn about the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme available in the UK in 2023/2024.

» Home Upgrade Grant UK 2023 (HUG2)

Learn about the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) currently available in the UK in 2023/2024.

» Solar Panel Grants UK 2023/2024

Learn about the different Solar Panel Grants currently available in the UK in 2023/2024.

» Solar Panel Financing

Learn about the different Solar Panel Financing options available from NXTGEN Energy.

Solar Panel Regulations

» MCS Certification

Learn about what MCS Certification is and why it matters when it comes to solar installations.

» DNO Application For Solar Panels

Learn about DNO (Distribution Network Operator) applications and when you need to apply.

» Can you install Solar Panels in a Conservation Area?

Learn about If you live in a conservation area the requirements for solar panels.

Solar Panel Installation

» Solar PV System Installation Checklist

Handy checklist for what you need to do for a successful solar PV system installation.

» How Are Solar Panels Installed?

Learn what happens on a typical solar panel installation in the UK.

» Solar Panel Placement: How to choose the best location

Learn about the best place, orientation and angle to install solar panels on your roof.

» North vs South Facing Solar Panels: Which is best?

Learn about the best roof direction to install solar panels on your roof.

» Solar Battery Storage Placement in Your Home

Learn about the best place to install your solar battery storage in your home.

» What’s the Maximum Number of Solar Panels you can install in the UK?

Learn about the maximum number of solar panels you can install on your roof.

» Can you install solar panels on a flat roof?

Learn about the requirements for installing Solar panels on a flat roof in the UK.

» How to Install Solar Panels on a Metal Roof

Learn about the requirements for installing Solar Panels on a metal roof in the UK.

» Why It’s Important To Pigeon Proof Your Solar Panels

Why pigeons love solar panels, what problems they can cause, and how you can prevent them.

» How SolaSkirt Can Protect Your Solar Panels

Learn about SolaSkirt, a premium solar panel pigeon proofing system to protect your panels.

» Home Battery Storage Without Solar Panels

Learn about the pros and cons of having Home Battery Storage Without Solar Panels.

» Solar Panels for Gardens

Learn about installing solar panels in your garden if your roof isn’t suitable for solar panels.

» Solar Panels on Garage Roofs?

Learn about installing solar panels on your garage roof if your house roof isn’t suitable.

Solar Panel Maintenance

» Solar Panel Cleaning UK

Learn about the requirements for the cleaning of Solar Panels in the UK.

» Do solar panels break in heatwaves?

Learn about the efficiency of Solar Panels in the extreme summer weather we had this summer.

Are you considering installing Solar Panels on your home or business in the UK? Everything you need to consider when choosing to invest in solar panels for your home or business.

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us on 01268 928 690, via our Contact Page, or via email at info@nxtgen.ltd and ask, we are here to help.

Steve 5-Star Trustpilot Review April 2024

Pavitt NXTGEN Energy Review 5-Star Trustpilot

5-Star Google Review Frank Banbury Solar Panel System Install

Matt Alexander’s Solar Energy Success Story

A 5-Star Review of NXTGEN Energy’s Products & Services

The work’s been done to an incredibly high standard. The cabling is really neat, the system is performing fantastically well, and we can’t believe how much money we’ve saved already. So, generally a big thank you to Stuart, Kelly and everyone at the NXTGEN team, who have done a really, really good job from start to finish.

We really couldn’t be more pleased.

Matt Alexander

NXTGEN Energy Customer, Essex, UK

Our Accreditations

We are regularly audited to maintain these nationally recognised accreditations, recognising the high quality of our workmanship, and our customer service.

Bronze Solar Package

8 x PV Panels, 1 x 6.5 KWh Battery, 1 x Inverter.

Our bronze solar package produces 2.6 Kw of Solar PV and provides 6.5 KWh of Battery Storage.

Contact The Team

Silver Solar Package

12 x PV Panels, 1 x 6.5 KWh Battery, 1 x Inverter.

Our silver solar package produces 5.32 Kw of Solar PV and provides 6.5 KWh of Battery Storage.

Contact The Team

Gold Solar Package

16 x PV Panels, 1 x 10 KWh Battery, 1 x Solar Edge Inverter.

Our gold solar package produces 6.08 Kw of Solar PV and provides 10 KWh of Battery Storage.

Contact The Team

Commercial Solar Panels Installation New Photo

Commercial Solar Panel Installations

Commercial solar panels are a smart way to reduce your energy bills, lower your carbon footprint and secure your future energy supply. By installing solar panels on your roof or land, you can generate clean and renewable electricity to power your business operations. You can also benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) which pays you for the excess electricity you export to the grid. Commercial solar panels can help you save money, protect the environment and enhance your reputation as a green business.

Residential Solar Panels Installation New Photo

Residential Solar Panel Installations

Residential solar panels are a great way to generate your own clean and renewable electricity at home. By installing solar panels on your roof, you can cut your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint and receive payments for the excess energy you export to the national grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. Residential solar panels can help you save money, protect the environment and become more energy independent in these times of a cost-of-living-crisis. Now is the time to go solar!

Gary Caley

11:15 07 Mar 25

My main point of contact has been Bobby and he has been brilliant from start to finish, was happy to send a quote to me online, explained everything to me so i understood it and has been available to me at any time to answer queries.My install was performed by Phil and his team, they arrived on time and only took 3 hours to do the whole job!Phil was great at showing me how to use the app and explaining what would happen going forward.My last point of contact has been Kelly, she sent me all my documents for my energy supplier within 3 working days which was brilliant, again i had some questions and she has been more than happy to help me.If anyone is reading this thinking about getting solar then stop thinking and just do and us Nxtgen it really is a no brainer, they all make the whole process so easy i cannot thank them enough.

Prabath Kannangara

11:26 05 Mar 25

I had my solar done by these guys. It was Stuart who dealt with it from start to finish. I was explained very clearly and payments taken in steps. Very professional and highly recommended. Other working guys were also very professional. Work was very neat and tidy. Service was Next level. Highly recommended. Thanks.

Naga Tatipalli

20:08 18 Feb 25

Exceptional service from start to finish! The entire process from the initial proposal to after-sales support, was seamless and professional. The team provided clear communication, addressing all our questions and ensuring we had the best solution for our solar needs. Installation was quick and efficient. Even after the installation, their support has been prompt and helpful. Highly recommend the company for quality and reliability!

Barry Jenkins

13:52 18 Feb 25

From the very first interaction, NxtGen has been entirely professional, with Bobby the salesman and Kelly managing the administrative tasks. I couldn't find any faults with their service. There was no aggressive selling; they addressed all my questions and provided the most suitable solar solution for our needs. Every appointment at our home was punctual, and all the tradespeople were courteous. Aside from the solar panel and battery installation, you wouldn't have noticed they had been there since they left no mess behind. Anyone in search of solar panels should definitely reach out to NxtGen, as they will take good care of you and offer the best solution for your requirements. I am a very satisfied customer, and I particularly enjoy watching the app that displays the system in action (I think I might be addicted to it, LOL).

P P

17:58 02 Dec 24

Really happy end to endReally happy with the end to end process with Bobby art the start and Kelly keeping me informed al the way through.The panels are working albeit that we are now in December.Looking forward to higher power generation once the days start to get longer and lighter!

Philip Lennard

14:36 15 Aug 24

I recently ordered a 12 panel Solar system plus Inverter and iBoost plus Car Charger. All went really well except for a couple of, what I would call very minor hiccups.As soon as superstar Kelly got involved, hiccups went away. As if by magic!!!The whole team, to include Conner, Ben, the install team were excellent.They did everything that was "on the tin", thanks, Phil

Bob “Mkbob” James

12:22 05 Aug 24

The installation was quick and efficient. The installation of the inverter and battery in the garage was very neat.The team were very friendly and quick to answer all the questions I asked.They explained the process from start to finish and gave me great confidence in the Company.My contact at the company had an excellent customer centred manner and went the extra mile to ensure a smooth process.I would strongly recommend this company.

Tom Wood

11:13 30 Jul 24

Fantastic company to deal with. Contacted them on the strength of positive reviews left by others and was thankful I did. I dealt with Steve who was extremely helpful and attentive throughout in guiding me to the correct (and not the most expensive) setup to meet our needs. The team had the DNO done, scaffolding up and job fully completed within 2 weeks of ordering despite my location being some 2.5hrs away from their base in Essex. Highly recommended if you’re thinking of going solar like we did. Thanks Nxt Gen!

Kerrie Bolingbroke

20:30 12 Jul 24

Great customer service from pre-sale to after sale. Competitive prices and friendly fitters.

graham young

17:48 17 Jun 24

If you are considering installing a solar panel and battery system you should definitely give this company ago. My faith in getting great service has been restored when I used NXTGEN energy.From the very beginning talking to steve the consultant in my area who was very knowledgeable and offered to quote like for like so I could compare systems and prices fairly. The purchasing on line was easy and straightforward. Once the permissions were received the installation date was agreed and a few days later Nxtgen scaffolding team arrived bright and early and put up the scaffolding ( on a Saturday). They were great and within 2 hours had the complete scaffold erected. On the Monday the electrical team and panel team arrived to install the system, 11 panels, inverter and 2 batteries and water booster. Harrison,Louie,Craig and Aden worked as a team and installed the complete system in one day. Harrison was very helpfuland commissioned the system and explained how the system worked. These teams are a credit to Nxtgen and were true expert tradesmen. I can highly recommend NXTGEN.

Daniel

12:43 23 May 24

Faultless from start to finish. Couldn't have received a better service!I started looking into solar panels and a battery and stumbled across NXTGEN from Facebook. I reached out to them and dealt with Bobby, Bobby is incredibly knowledgeable and a genuinely nice guy. He answered lots of questions, designed multiple options for me, but most of all he listened and offered his professional opinion.Unlike other companies I spoke to Bobby understood why we wanted solar, why we wanted the givenergy battery and our budget to design a system that would work brilliantly.NXTGEN offered a personal service rather than the generic 4 bed hour is 12 or 16 panels etc, they listen and come up with the best solution.After we settled on the set-up we were passed to Kelly. Kelly handled all the admin side and seemed to always want to help. There were no delays on NXTGENs side and managed to get all our certificates etc quicker than expected.Once it was all agreed, deposit paid etc it came onto the installation.NXTGENs scaffolding arm came and put up the scaffolding on Wednesday, lovely chaps all very polite , respectful and friendly.Thursday the solar team turned up and set straight to work fitting the 20 panels, inverter and battery. Yet again, a lovely bunch of guys who were all polite, respectful and friendly. It was a two day install and they completed it on Friday. They showed me the whole system got it all up and running, apps connected etc.I would genuinely recommend them to everyone and have already passed on their details to my work and friends. They offer a great service at a very competitive price.Solar feels like the new double glazing sales where you get pestered and pushed into options. However that is completely not how NXTGEN operate, they are the complete opposite.We opted for 20 panels, 5kwh inverter and a 9.6kwh battery. While the inverter is slightly undersized, we achieve great energy even in cloudy conditions, we only lose out on super sunny days and it wasn't worth for us to get the bigger more expensive inverter.

Brian Ainger

08:43 01 May 24

Choosing a solar installer is a nightmare, we are so glad that we found NXTGEN. From the initial contact with Steve, the quote from Bobby and the installation by Connor and his team this has been seamless and stress free. They supplied quality equipment at a reasonable price, excellent technical knowledge and advice, all supplied and installed on time. As anyone knows its so difficult to choose a company as there are so many pitfalls , we cannot recommend NXTGEN highly enough so pleased we chose you.

Marcin Gajdowski

21:36 08 Apr 24

I am very happy with the solar panels and battery system. Excellent customer services, Instalation. Highly recommend

Martin Yeung

11:14 31 Mar 24

Fantastic experience from start to finish ! Bobby was extremely helpful and always available to answer any questionsThe guys that came to fit were polite and tidied up after themselves, we couldn't have asked for more.From start to finish it was done within a week... so no hanging about like waiting weeks or months and getting stressed.. so all in all, im very happy to have chosen NXT GEN

Martin Pattinson

15:09 26 Mar 24

We initially used NxtGen for our consultation and this went really well. NxtGen then subcontracted to Cozy Energy, which again was fine. The installation went well. It was then that things started to go awry. Cozy failed to supply us with a guarantee, MPAN or MCS certificate. Over a period of approximately six months, we were promised that "this was being dealt with", or "someone would get back to us", but nothing was resolved. It was then that we re contacted NxtGen and they could not have been more helpful. Whilst it did take a while, all of the issues have been resolved and Kelly at NxtGen could not have been more helpful. I would thoroughly recommend NxtGen.

Luke Brassington

11:27 26 Mar 24

Really happy to give the NxtGen team a 5-star review.Stuart on the sales team was fantastic in the build up, Kelly in the office was always there to support and the team who did the install were fantastic (and even interacted with my very interested children)Very happy with the whole process

Rob Jones

07:59 14 Mar 24

After some initial hiccups, really pleased with the service from nxtgen, specially Kelly who smoothed everything out

Malcolm Tait

10:51 08 Nov 23

Very good customer service all the way and they provide a great all round solar installation provision. Glad we used them from start to finish and after care👍.

Silnicorp Web Design

15:56 17 Oct 23

Excellent price and service. Would recommend for sure.

frank eden

08:24 02 Oct 23

If your in the market for a Solar installation then I can really highly recommend Nxtgen.We researched the technology and got several quotes from other companies most of which were located much closer to us.Nxtgen came out on top on price , specification and delivery.Once we made the decision to proceed the whole process took less than a week from placing the order to complete installation.The scaffold was erected at the front and back of our house on the Wednesday,on the Thursday the installation team arrived at 8.30 sharp , having driven from Essex to Oxfordshire, (which is about a 3 hour drive) and after a quick cup of tea the 3 chaps got straight to work, by the end of the day the whole system was in place and commissioned and up and running. To install 6 panels on front roof plus 6 panels on the back roof CW birdguard with the inverter and battery in the loft,They tidied up and left around 7 in the evening with another 3 HR drive in front of them I have to say they did a fantastic job , I take my hat off to them, they are a credit to Nxtgen.Darren and Kelley from the Sales and admin team at Nxtgen are very helpful and accomodating and made the whole process very easy with prompt responses to any queries we have had along the way,although it's early days and the system only 2 days old the savings are already racking up.Well pleased , I'd post 6 stars if I could, well done Nxtgen

Ash V

09:13 14 Jul 23

A wonderfully efficient installation with a genuine pre-quote discussion of my needs prior to offering advice on the best solution to meet them. Very happy with the service.

10:37 15 Jun 23

I chose NxtGen to install our solar and battery system having received 12 quotes from various companies and couldn’t be happier with either the service or the resulting system.I work in the renewables industry and so came to my own project with a reasonable amount of knowledge, not that I made that clear to any of the installers who called me back.I had spoken with 7 installers by the time Stuart at NxtGen called me, and it was immediately obvious that I was speaking to someone knowledgeable, honest and who was genuinely interested in designing a system specific to my own needs and preferences.Having reviewed all 12 quotes, NxtGen was jumped out above all others based on knowledge, helpfulness, quality of the kit being offered and even price. I wouldn’t have picked a quote based purely on price, but the fact NxtGen was also the most competitive of the 12 I had received meant a great deal.I was kept informed throughout the whole process, Stuart responding quickly and usefully to all my email queries. Once contracts had been signed, Kelly picked up the baton and gave me regular updates on our DNO notification, all the way through to the installation.With DNO approval in hand, we waited just 10 days for the scaffolding to be put up, which was done within a couple of hours and to a very high standard. Plenty of care was taken to protect our new patio, and I was left confident in a job well done.Installation happened just a few days later, and again, it couldn’t have gone any smoother. The 3 installers were all helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and keen to do a good job. The work has been completed to a very high standard, with all wiring very neatly finished and the panels tightly aligned to the exact centre of our roof. The inverter and batteries were also installed incredibly neatly, with all cables hidden. The installers did a great job tidying up on the day and the left us with nothing other than a very positive experience.I was genuinely hopeful that the brilliant first impression I got when I spoke with Stuart would be reflected throughout the entire install, and so I’m beyond delighted that proved to very much be the case.Stuart, Kelly, the scaffolders and the installers should take a great deal of pride in being part of such an excellent team.Thank you to the whole team, I couldn’t be happier and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend NxtGen.

Jill Harrison

18:09 08 May 23

We had Stuart as a project manager who was super. We had solar panels and a house battery fitted and they are excellent. The process was quick and professional and Stuart was super responsive to any questions or emails I sent. The electricians were also excellent. Thank you

Alastair Aston

12:26 24 Apr 23

Great experience on a 7KW solar installation in Hampshire. I sought quotes from many installers beforehand and this was one of the most reasonable. (theres a lot of opportunists out there who'll happily charge a few K more!) Really good decision - Sean managed the whole process end to end, great communication & a quality job that looks great and delivers ample power. Much recommended to anyone taking their first step on the Solar journey.

Joe Fletcher

17:36 04 Apr 23

Like most people I sat other fence for aged, I only wish I had jumped months ago. NXT GEN were by far te out competitive qoute that fulfilled my requirements.Sean arranged installation quickly without any hassle or pressure, the installation was done in one day by a very knowledgeable skilled team who just got on with installing the system.Totally happy with how it's been so far as it's only been 6 days sonce installation yet I've already seen substantial savings on electricity costs.My advice would be just give NXT GEN a call when seeking quotes.

Ronald Wagg

15:58 30 Mar 23

With the energy crisis starting to bite (autumn 2022). We did some research on the various options available we decided that we wanted to install solar panels to ease our energy bills. We obtained three quotes. Nxtgenenergy ticked all of the boxes as far as we were concerned and did happen to be the cheapest. We were helped all the way from quotation to the final installation by Stuart and Sean and at no time did we feel under any pressure. As the system was only installed two days ago we have yet to discover the full potential of the system, but we are encouraged by the performance seen so far. I will be honest and say that my prime concern is to save money, I am sure that my installation will not save the planet. From the projections given to me by Stuart I may be able to achieve a return on my investment of up to 10% per year compared to the small returns I could get if I kept my money invested elsewhere.I look forward to monitoring the system performance over the coming months / years.

Derek Southgate

20:26 23 Jan 23

Really positive experience with Nxtgen. In danger of becoming a solar power evangelist. We needed our roof replaced as well and they handled everything. New roof is first class and I can't stop looking at the app to see how much we are generating. Sean made the system selection clear. Already considering another battery!

Victor Simonis

15:06 05 Sep 22

I dealt with Sean at NXTGen over a six month period due to a complicated installation. I only have praise for Sean who kept to his word throughout the entire job which is now running satisfactorily. I recommend this company amidst the many that are in the same business knowing you will be supported through the planning and installation stages.

Clive West

13:00 24 Aug 22

In looking to install solar and battery this year, Nxtgen were by far the most responsive and helpful company. They had a lot of options compared to other companies, which is good but worth swatting up before so you know whats, what. Ended up with a good sized system, inc battery storage, installed quickly at a good price that so far is working well. This is impressive as demand is so high for this at present, some companies wait lists are months and months!

Geoff Doggett

14:19 25 Jul 22

I had a solar installation planned and installed in March 2022. The quotation was accurate and understandable and so I went ahead. The installers were quick and did a good job including the electrical work and inverter/battery installation. The system has been working well according to the app I have. I wholeheaartedly reccommend Next Generation - they are experienced and their customer care is excellent. Good to know I am in safe hands in the future!

Rick Exton

10:23 25 Jul 22

Great system installed and working perfectly as expected. System design was changed at my request numerous times effortlessly. On day of install engineer suggested better location (loft) for inverter and battery pack meaning no unsightly cables were seen. Great customer service throughout. Getting MCS certification was a bit slow but not the fault of the company. I would definately recommend. Great company and top spec system at a good price.

Dawn Morton

09:17 22 Jul 22

From start to finish this company's professional standards were excellent. Once the acquisition of the materials had been confirmed, the installation and customer service was fantastic and would highly recommend.

Solar Panel Guide UK

You can also speak with us on 01268 928 690 (Mon – Fri / 8am – 5pm)

Get Your Free Quote

A Complete Guide to Solar Panels

Start Here ⤦

» What is Solar PV (photovoltaic)?

» Solar PV Cell Sizes and Formats

» Solar Energy Terminology

» The History of Solar Energy

» How many Solar Panels do I need for my home?

Solar Panel Components

» How are Solar Panels made?

» Solar Panel Output: How Much Electricity Do Solar Panels Produce?

» Solar Inverters, what are they and how do they work?

» Solar Panel Optimisers

Solar Panel Funding & Grants

» Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme

» Best SEG Tariffs/SEG Rates in March 2024

» The ECO Flex Scheme

» Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme 2023

» Home Upgrade Grant UK 2023 (HUG2)

» Solar Panel Grants UK 2023/2024

» Solar Panel Financing

Solar Panel Regulations

» MCS Certification

» DNO Application For Solar Panels

» Can you install Solar Panels in a Conservation Area?

Solar Panel Installation

» Solar PV System Installation Checklist

» How Are Solar Panels Installed?

» Solar Panel Placement: How to choose the best location

» North vs South Facing Solar Panels: Which is best?

» Solar Battery Storage Placement in Your Home

» What’s the Maximum Number of Solar Panels you can install in the UK?

» Can you install solar panels on a flat roof?

» How to Install Solar Panels on a Metal Roof

» Why It’s Important To Pigeon Proof Your Solar Panels

» How SolaSkirt Can Protect Your Solar Panels

» Home Battery Storage Without Solar Panels

» Solar Panels for Gardens

» Solar Panels on Garage Roofs?

Solar Panel Maintenance

» Solar Panel Cleaning UK

» Do solar panels break in heatwaves?

Matt Alexander’s Solar Energy Success Story

A 5-Star Review of NXTGEN Energy’s Products & Services

Bronze Solar Package

Silver Solar Package

Gold Solar Package

Commercial Solar Panel Installations

Residential Solar Panel Installations

Start Here _⤦