Making the switch to solar energy is an exciting step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective home. However, the prospect of installation can feel daunting. You might wonder about the disruption, the complexity, and how long it will all take. The good news is that a professional solar panel installation is a streamlined and well-managed process. In this guide, we will walk you through each stage of our domestic solar panel installation.
1. Initial Consultation and Site Assessment
Your journey begins with an initial conversation. This is where you discuss your energy needs, your motivations for going solar, and your budget. One of our solar experts will listen to your requirements and provide advice on the type of system that might be right for you.
Following this, we will conduct a technical site assessment. Our surveyors will visit your home to evaluate its suitability for solar panels. They will examine several key factors such as:
- Roof Condition: The team will check the age and structural integrity of your roof to ensure it can safely support the solar array for decades to come.
- Roof Orientation and Pitch: South-facing roofs are ideal in the UK, but east and west-facing roofs are also highly effective. Our surveyor will measure the angle and direction to calculate potential energy generation.
- Shading: Nearby trees, chimneys, or other buildings can cast shadows on your roof, reducing the efficiency of your panels. A detailed analysis will identify any potential shading issues throughout the day and year.
- Electrical System: Your existing electrical panel and wiring will be inspected to ensure they can handle the integration of a new solar power system.
This detailed assessment ensures that the proposed system is perfectly tailored to your property for maximum performance and safety.
2. System Design and Proposal
Using the data gathered during the site assessment, our engineering team gets to work designing your custom solar energy system. This is more than just placing panels on a diagram; it involves a detailed plan to maximise your energy production and return on investment.
The design process includes:
- Panel Layout: Creating an optimal layout for the panels on your roof to capture the most sunlight.
- Component Selection: Choosing the right solar panels, inverter (which converts DC electricity from the panels to AC for your home), and, if selected, battery storage unit.
- Performance Simulation: The design team will use specialised software to forecast your system’s energy production. This will give you a clear estimate of how much electricity you’ll generate and the savings you can expect on your bills.
You will then receive a proposal. This document will include the final system design, a breakdown of all costs, performance estimates, and information on warranties. It’s your opportunity to review everything and ask any final questions before committing.
3. Permits and Paperwork
Before any physical work can begin, some necessary paperwork must be completed. We will handle most of this for you. This typically involves obtaining permissions from your local council or planning authority, although many domestic installations fall under ‘permitted development’ and don’t require full planning permission.
We will also manage the application to your Distribution Network Operator. This is the company that owns and operates the electricity infrastructure in your area. They need to approve the connection of your new solar system to the national grid. Handling these administrative tasks is a key part of the service, ensuring your installation is fully compliant with all regulations.
4. The Installation Day
This is the most visible part of the process, and it’s often completed much faster than homeowners expect. A typical domestic installation takes just one to two days.
Here’s what happens on the day:
- Arrival and Preparation: Our team will arrive, introduce themselves, and confirm the plan for the day. They will take care to protect your property, using dust sheets where necessary.
- Scaffolding and Safety: First, safe access to the roof is established, usually with scaffolding. Safety is the top priority for our solar experts at Goodwill Electrical.
- Mounting the Framework: Our team will securely attach a mounting system to your roof rafters. This framework is what the solar panels will be fixed to. All fixings are weatherproofed to ensure your roof remains watertight.
- Installing the Panels: Once the framework is in place, the solar panels are carefully lifted, placed, and secured onto the mounts.
- Electrical Wiring: Our electricians will run wiring from the panels down to the location of the inverter. The inverter is usually installed in a loft, garage, or utility room. They will also connect the system to your consumer unit (fuse box) and, if applicable, install your battery storage unit.
The team works efficiently and professionally, aiming to cause minimal disruption to your daily life.
5. Commissioning and Final Inspection
Once everything is installed, the system needs to be commissioned. This is the process of testing and officially turning on your solar power system. Our installers will perform a series of checks to ensure everything is operating safely and correctly.
After the installation is complete, you will receive a handover pack. This includes all your system documentation, such as user manuals, warranties for your panels and inverter, and your MCS certificate. The MCS certificate is essential for you to be able to sell any excess electricity back to the grid.
Our installers will then give you a full demonstration, showing you how your new system works. They’ll explain how to monitor its performance, often through a simple app on your phone or computer, so you can see your clean energy generation in real-time.
Your Solar Journey with Goodwill Electrical
Choosing the right partner for your home solar panel installation is the most important decision you’ll make. At Goodwill Electrical, we pride ourselves on making the process seamless, professional, and transparent from start to finish.
Our team of Solihull electricians handle every detail, from the initial bespoke design to the final commissioning, ensuring your system is perfectly optimised for your home and built to last. We are dedicated to exceptional customer service, keeping you informed and confident at every step. For a high-quality domestic solar panel and battery installation backed by expertise and a commitment to your satisfaction, please get in touch with us today.
Let us help you power your home with clean, renewable energy.
