Solar Panel Installation
What to expect before, during, and after your solar panel installation — from professional survey to switch-on and beyond.
Before installation: the site survey
Every quality installation starts with a professional site survey. A qualified assessor will visit your home to check roof orientation and pitch, structural integrity, shading analysis throughout the day, electrical setup and consumer unit compatibility, and the optimal position for your inverter and any battery storage. This survey is essential — it ensures your system is designed for maximum performance and safety. Be wary of any installer who skips this step or offers a quote based solely on satellite imagery.
On installation day
Most residential solar installations take just 1–2 days, even for larger 5+ kW systems. With today's 400–450W panels, a typical 4 kW system needs only 9–10 panels, making installation quicker than in previous years. The process includes:
- Scaffolding erected around the working area (usually set up the day before)
- Mounting system securely fixed to roof rafters or trusses
- Solar panels positioned and secured to the mounting rails
- DC and AC wiring run from panels to inverter location
- Inverter, generation meter, and battery (if included) installed
- System connected to your consumer unit and the national grid
- Full system testing, commissioning, and handover walkthrough
After installation
Your installer should provide MCS certification, all warranty documents, and a full walkthrough of your monitoring system. You'll be able to track your generation in real time via the inverter manufacturer's app. Within a few days, you should also register for the Smart Export Guarantee to start earning from any surplus energy you export to the grid.
Choosing the right installer
Always use an MCS-certified installer with RECC or HIES consumer code membership. This is non-negotiable — MCS certification is required for SEG payments, government grants, and ensures your installation meets quality and safety standards. Check their track record, compare at least two quotes, and review their warranty terms and deposit policy before committing.
Solar Savings Calculator
Find out how much a solar panel system could save you each year. Takes less than 60 seconds.
Enter your average monthly electricity bill
How We Estimate Your Savings
Our calculator uses average solar irradiance data for Burnley and East Lancashire (950 kWh/m²/year), current Ofgem electricity rates, and typical Smart Export Guarantee tariffs to give you a realistic estimate.
Real Lancashire Solar Data
Based on actual irradiance data for Lancashire — not generic UK averages.
Current Energy Rates
Uses the current Ofgem electricity price cap rate of 28p/kWh plus Smart Export Guarantee at 8p/kWh.
Battery Storage Modelling
See how adding battery storage changes your self-consumption rate from ~40% to ~80%, dramatically improving returns.
Want a precise figure?
Our free home survey includes shading analysis, roof assessment, and a tailored system design — giving you exact numbers, not estimates.
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