Getting Solar Panels Fitted to Your House

Getting solar panels installed means having qualified engineers mount panels on your roof, wire them to an inverter that converts the power for your house, and connect everything to your main electrical board – usually done in a day for most homes. The whole job includes putting up scaffolding, designing the layout for your specific roof, and getting you connected to the grid so you can start generating your own electricity.

How Solar Installation Actually Works

What happens during the site assessment?

Before we touch your roof, someone needs to come out and have a proper look at what we’re working with. This isn’t a five-minute glance from the ground – we’re checking roof condition, measuring angles, spotting any dodgy tiles, and working out where cables will run.

If there’s shading from chimneys, trees, or neighbouring buildings, we factor that in because it affects how much electricity you’ll actually generate.

Any structural issues get flagged now, not after we’ve started drilling holes. Better to know upfront if your roof needs work than discover problems halfway through installation.

How do the panels actually get mounted?

Right, the mounting bit – this is where cowboys show themselves up. Proper mounting starts with marking out exactly where brackets go, accounting for roof structure underneath. We don’t just guess where the rafters are.

Brackets get fixed through tiles into rafters with proper weatherproofing. None of this “dab of sealant will do” nonsense. Rails then go onto brackets, creating the framework panels mount onto. Everything’s measured twice because getting rails wonky means panels don’t line up properly.

Each panel gets clamped securely to rails with proper end caps and grounding. Takes longer than bodging it, but your roof won’t leak in ten years’ time.

What’s involved in the electrical work?

The electrical side needs someone who knows what they’re doing. Panels get wired together in strings – positive to negative, creating higher voltages that travel efficiently to the inverter.

DC cables run from panels down to wherever we’re mounting the inverter – usually near your consumer unit or in the garage. Inverter then converts DC from panels into AC your house can use.

Final connection goes into your consumer unit via a dedicated circuit breaker. Everything gets tested properly – earth loop impedance, insulation resistance, polarity checks. If it doesn’t pass testing, it doesn’t get switched on.

How long does grid connection take?

Grid connection paperwork goes to your electricity supplier once installation’s complete. For most domestic systems under 16 amps, it’s a simple G98 notification that takes a few days to process.

Once approved, we can commission the system and you start generating. The whole process from finishing installation to generating electricity usually takes about a week, depending on how quickly paperwork gets processed.

Some areas have network constraints that slow things down, but most domestic installations connect without problems.

What Equipment Actually Goes on Your Roof

Solar panels – the obvious bit

Panels capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. Quality varies massively – cheap panels degrade faster and generate less over time. We fit panels rated for at least 20 years with decent warranties.

Most domestic panels generate 350-450 watts each. Monocrystalline panels work better in low light, polycrystalline are cheaper but slightly less efficient. Your roof space and budget determine what makes sense.

Inverter – the crucial bit most people ignore

Inverter converts DC from panels into AC your house uses. It’s also the brains of the system, optimising performance and managing where electricity goes – house first, battery storage second, export third.

Battery storage – worth it or not?

Battery storage stores excess electricity for evening use when panels aren’t generating. Makes sense for families with high evening electricity usage but extends payback periods.

Current battery costs mean most domestic installations don’t need storage initially. You can add batteries later as prices drop and your usage patterns become clearer.

If you’re home during the day, direct solar usage is more cost-effective than storing and using later.

Mounting system – the bit that keeps everything attached

Rails and brackets secure panels to your roof. Quality matters because this stuff needs to last 25 years in all weather.

Aluminium rails resist corrosion better than steel. Brackets need proper weatherproofing where they penetrate roof covering. Stainless steel bolts prevent corrosion problems later.

Cheap mounting systems cause problems years later when brackets corrode or rails crack. Worth paying for decent kit.

Realistic Timescales and Costs

How long does installation actually take?

Most domestic installations take one day for the actual panel fitting. Scaffolding goes up a day or two before, comes down a day or two after. Larger systems or complex roofs might take two days.

Weather delays everything – we don’t work on wet roofs because it’s dangerous. High winds stop scaffolding work. Plan for delays during winter months.

Electrical work adds time if your consumer unit needs upgrading or cable runs are complicated. Simple installations with modern electrics go faster.

What do you actually pay?

Standard 3-4kW systems cost £5,000-£8,000 including everything – panels, inverter, mounting, installation, scaffolding, electrical work. Compare current pricing across different installers.

Making Sure Installation Goes Right

Check installer credentials properly

MCS certification is mandatory – don’t accept “we’re applying” or similar excuses. RECC membership shows they follow trading standards. Proper insurance covers public liability and workmanship.

Ask to see recent local installations. Proper installers are proud of their work and happy to provide references. Avoid anyone reluctant to show examples or provide customer contacts.

Review quotes thoroughly

Quotes should specify exact equipment – panel make/model, inverter type, mounting system. Vague descriptions like “premium panels” mean nothing.

Check what’s included – scaffolding, electrical work, grid connection paperwork, warranties. Some quotes look cheap until you add missing items.

Compare warranties carefully. Panel warranties should be 20+ years, inverters 10+ years, installation workmanship minimum 2 years.

Ready to get your solar installation started properly? Get quotes from certified installers who’ll do the job right first time.