Fixington

Solar Panel Installation

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

Solar panel installation involves fitting photovoltaic (PV) panels onto your home, which convert sunlight into electricity. The main reason homeowners consider installing solar panels is to reduce electricity bills, cut carbon emissions, and increase energy independence. Solar panels can make sense if your roof gets good sunlight for much of the day and you want to generate some or all of your own power.

You might install solar panels on a new build, when upgrading your existing roof, or simply as a retrofit to a property without them. Increasingly, households also add battery storage alongside panels to maximise saving and self-consumption.

🔧 What the job involves

A qualified electrician or a solar installer who is MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified will handle the installation. Here’s what is involved in plain terms:

  • Roof assessment: The installer checks your roof’s direction, pitch, and shading to decide how many panels you can fit.
  • Design: They design a solar array tailored to your roof size and electricity needs.
  • Material delivery: Panels, mounting frames, cables, and an inverter (which converts DC from the panels to AC for your home) arrive on site.
  • Fixing the mounting system: Rails and brackets are attached securely to your roof, ensuring water-tightness and compliance with Building Regulations.
  • Panel installation: The solar panels are attached to the mounting system.
  • Electrical connection: The panels are wired to the inverter, and from there to your consumer unit (fuse box). A new generation meter may be fitted.
  • Testing and commissioning: The electrician tests the system, ensures it works safely, and may register the installation with your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
  • Certification: You receive an MCS certificate for potential government schemes and insurance purposes.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a local, qualified solar installer.
  2. Site survey: The installer visits to assess your roof and energy usage.
  3. Quote provided: You receive a detailed quote including costs, system size, and estimated savings.
  4. Decision and paperwork: If you accept, a contract is signed and any relevant permissions obtained (e.g., planning permission if needed).
  5. Installation scheduled: A convenient date is agreed upon.
  6. Installation day: The team installs panels, inverter, cabling and tests everything.
  7. Handover: You get documentation including user manuals and certificates.
  8. Post-install support: Installer may offer follow-up servicing or warranty support.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Installation time, electrical work, roof work.
  • Materials: Solar panels, mounting system, inverter, cabling.
  • Certification: MCS certification fee and any necessary building control notifications.
  • Disposal: Removal and safe disposal of old or redundant equipment, if applicable.
  • Extras: Possible roof repairs or reinforcement, meter upgrades, battery systems.

Example estimate:

  • Panels & inverter for a 4 kWp system: £4,500 – £6,000
  • Labour and mounting: £1,000 – £1,500
  • Certification and paperwork: £200 – £400
  • Total (before VAT): approx. £5,700 – £7,900

📊 What affects the price

  • Roof accessibility and height (scaffolding or safety equipment may be needed).
  • Roof type and condition (tiles, slate, flat roofs require different fixings).
  • System size (more panels = more materials and labour).
  • Complexity of electrical work and upgrades required.
  • Whether planning permission or special Building Regulation approval is needed.
  • Remedial works needed on the roof before installation.
  • Installation location (urban vs rural, travel time).
  • Speed of installation required (urgent jobs may cost more).

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Simple solar panel installation for an average 3–4 kWp system usually takes 1 to 2 days on site.
  • Larger or more complex systems including battery storage can take 2 to 3 days.
  • If roof repairs or structural work is needed beforehand, the total timescale may extend by several days or weeks.
  • Permit and paperwork processing typically take a few days to a couple of weeks.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Installing solar panels is not a straightforward DIY job for most homeowners. It involves working at height, on roofs, and carrying out electrical wiring that must comply with UK Building Regulations and electrical safety standards.

  • Only a qualified electrician or an MCS-certified installer should connect the system to your electrical installation.
  • Roof work requires experience and proper safety equipment, not to mention insurance.
  • Incorrect installation can cause safety risks, damage your home insurance, and invalidate warranties.

If you have a strong electrical background plus roofing skills and relevant qualifications, it might be possible, but it’s rarely advisable. Hiring a professional is safer, faster, and ensures your system complies with all required regulations.

💰 Typical UK price range

For a standard domestic solar panel installation (3 to 4 kWp system), you can expect prices roughly between:

£5,000 and £8,000 (excluding VAT)

This estimate covers design, equipment, installation, and certification. Prices vary by region, installer, and system specifications. VAT at 5% may apply on some renewable energy installations, but regular rates (20%) often apply; always check latest guidance.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Check your roof condition: solar panels last 25+ years, so your roof should be in good shape beforehand.
  • Confirm your roof gets enough sun without shade from trees or neighbouring buildings.
  • Gather all necessary documents: proof of ownership, planning permission (if needed), and prior electrical certifications.
  • Ask about warranties on panels, inverter, and installation workmanship.
  • Plan your installation around times of year with more stable weather if possible.
  • Keep all paperwork, including MCS certificates, invoices, and guarantee documents safely—these help with insurance or if selling your home.
  • Consider ongoing servicing: regular checks can maintain system efficiency and lifespan.
  • Check eligibility for any government incentives or feed-in tariffs (though many have closed, new schemes may be available).

Solar panels are a valuable long-term investment in your home’s energy future. Proper installation and planning help you get the best results for your money and more sustainable outgoing energy costs.