Solar Panel Installation Research

23 items · Home · Hard difficulty · 2 hours

Research solar panels, roof suitability, quotes, and payback before you install.

• Gather 12 months of electricity bills

  Collect bills or supplier account data to get accurate kWh usage.

• Calculate average daily and monthly kWh usage

  Use total annual kWh ÷ 365 and monthly averages to size the system.

• Inspect roof condition and age

  Check tiles, structure, and remaining roof life before mounting panels.

• Arrange professional roof structural assessment

  Get an engineer if roof shows damage or is older than 20 years.

• Measure usable roof area and clear mounting zones

  Measure one or more south-facing (or optimal) roof sections in m².

• Map roof azimuth and tilt

  Record compass direction and roof pitch to estimate generation.

• Identify and record shading sources

  Note trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings that cause shade.

• Perform shading analysis across seasons

  Observe or simulate shading at different times of day and year.

• Calculate optimal system size (kW) from usage and roof area

  Balance target generation with available roof and budget.

• Estimate annual energy production for chosen system size

  Use tools like PVWatts or supplier simulations for expected kWh/yr.

• Check MCS accreditation and installer credentials

  Verify MCS (or local equivalent) and valid electrical qualifications.

• Verify installer reviews, references, and insurance

  Ask for recent references and proof of public liability cover.

• Request at least three detailed quotes

  Get itemised quotes with panel/inverter models, production, and warranties.

• Compare inverter types, efficiency, and warranty terms

  Check single vs microinverters, hybrid options, and warranty length.

• Evaluate battery storage options and sizing

  Decide on desired backup time, usable kWh, and battery lifespan.

• Decide on hybrid vs AC‑coupled storage configuration

  Choose configuration based on retrofit vs new system needs.

• Review grid connection requirements and export limits

  Check DNO rules, export limiting, and any required notifications.

• Check Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs and metering needs

  Compare SEG offers and whether a smart/export meter is needed.

• Verify government incentives, grants, and VAT rules

  Confirm eligibility for local schemes or VAT reductions before buying.

• Calculate simple payback, net savings, and ROI

  Factor in installation cost, feed-in/export rates, and maintenance.

• Plan monitoring, maintenance schedule, and warranty tracking

  Decide on a monitoring system and keep warranty documents accessible.

• Confirm planning permission and building regulation requirements

  Check local planning rules and required building control notifications.

• Schedule installation, final checks, and inspections

  Arrange install date after selecting installer and confirming permits.

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