Installing solar panels is a complex process that requires a team of qualified professionals. This answer is a quick summary of the process, check out our blog to find out more. Before starting there are many variables that impact how the installation will work, such as the type, size, and height of premise.
Other than at solar farms, most solar panels are installed on the roof (ideally south facing and with a pitch of 30 to 40 degrees) of a building. Therefore, scaffolding is required to get the team, equipment, and the panels onto the roof. We work in tandem with Direct Scaffolding to get this done quickly and easily. After the scaffolding is set up, the next step is to install solar panel mounts (angled between 18 and 36 degrees based on the sun exposure). With the mounts in place, it is time to place the solar panels (each weighing around 20 kilograms) on the mounts and then secure all nuts and bolts. When solar panels are mounted and fitted, it is time to wire them into the household electricity supply (ensuring the power is first off). When they are wired in properly, the solar inverter is connected to the system, usually in a garage, utility room or other less used indoor space (they can also be installed outside but must be kept out of the afternoon sun to avoid breakages). We only use top of the range Solar Edge inverters, to maximise solar yield and minimise downtime, because other brands mostly only work on the sunniest days, which we do not always have in England.
Next, we connect the solar inverter to a solar battery, for power storage, and the consumer unit (along with a monitor) so that you can check your solar systems performance. This is often installed next to other similar devices such as heating controls or smart meters. Finally, we switch on the electricity and do a comprehensive test on the system to ensure it is working. If needed, we then optimise the setup slightly to maximise the results, adjusting panels and so forth if our initial calculations regarding tilt, sun exposure and so on were slightly off. After this point, the solar panels are installed, but we offer several add on services including pest proofing and gutter clearing, that can be completed for a small extra cost. Most customers take advantage of these “while you’re up there” services and get us back after a couple of years to do a high-tech panel clean to ensure maximum efficiency. If there are ever any problems, we are available 7 days a week to answer any questions and schedule repairs, if for example a tree falls on a panel and breaks it. Some customers then take advantage of discounts with other Direct companies, such as Air Conditioning or Pest Control, tap here for the full list.
It is highly recommended to not attempt to use this as a guide to fit your own solar panels, and we do not advocate doing that. Fitting your own solar panels can result in damage to yourself, your home, your electricity supply, the panel system itself and due to the complex nature of the setup, can be a futile effort as the panels may not work as you would expect when a professional team fits your solar panels. If you are interested in fitting solar panels to your home or business, get in touch using the contact form below or by calling 0800 088 6392, and our team will do it for you for the best price, guaranteed. Find out more about our solar panel installation service on the solar panel installation service page.