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Solar Panel Installation Research

Hard 23 items · 2 hours
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testuser Published 3 days ago
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This checklist guides homeowners through the research needed before installing solar panels. It’s for anyone assessing energy use, roof suitability, installer credentials, costs, and payback to make an informed decision.

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  1. Gather 12 months of electricity bills — Collect bills or supplier account data to get accurate kWh usage.
  2. Calculate average daily and monthly kWh usage — Use total annual kWh ÷ 365 and monthly averages to size the system.
  3. Inspect roof condition and age — Check tiles, structure, and remaining roof life before mounting panels.
  4. Arrange professional roof structural assessment — Get an engineer if roof shows damage or is older than 20 years.
  5. Measure usable roof area and clear mounting zones — Measure one or more south-facing (or optimal) roof sections in m².
  6. Map roof azimuth and tilt — Record compass direction and roof pitch to estimate generation.
  7. Identify and record shading sources — Note trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings that cause shade.
  8. Perform shading analysis across seasons — Observe or simulate shading at different times of day and year.
  9. Calculate optimal system size (kW) from usage and roof area — Balance target generation with available roof and budget.
  10. Estimate annual energy production for chosen system size — Use tools like PVWatts or supplier simulations for expected kWh/yr.
  11. Check MCS accreditation and installer credentials — Verify MCS (or local equivalent) and valid electrical qualifications.
  12. Verify installer reviews, references, and insurance — Ask for recent references and proof of public liability cover.
  13. Request at least three detailed quotes — Get itemised quotes with panel/inverter models, production, and warranties.
  14. Compare inverter types, efficiency, and warranty terms — Check single vs microinverters, hybrid options, and warranty length.
  15. Evaluate battery storage options and sizing — Decide on desired backup time, usable kWh, and battery lifespan.
  16. Decide on hybrid vs AC‑coupled storage configuration — Choose configuration based on retrofit vs new system needs.
  17. Review grid connection requirements and export limits — Check DNO rules, export limiting, and any required notifications.
  18. Check Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs and metering needs — Compare SEG offers and whether a smart/export meter is needed.
  19. Verify government incentives, grants, and VAT rules — Confirm eligibility for local schemes or VAT reductions before buying.
  20. Calculate simple payback, net savings, and ROI — Factor in installation cost, feed-in/export rates, and maintenance.
  21. Plan monitoring, maintenance schedule, and warranty tracking — Decide on a monitoring system and keep warranty documents accessible.
  22. Confirm planning permission and building regulation requirements — Check local planning rules and required building control notifications.
  23. Schedule installation, final checks, and inspections — Arrange install date after selecting installer and confirming permits.
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