How To get Solar Panels For Your Home

The thought of getting solar panels installed might sound challenging, its actually quite simple and easy as long as you follow these guidelines. Let us take you through the process step-by-step, from your initial enquiry to aftercare, so you’ll be ready to begin your solar energy journey.

Selecting Your Solar Partner

Always pick an approved partner. Solar panels are not a DIY job on a house, always use a professional solar panel installer. You need to be working with an approved and certified installer by an accredited independent solar panel body such as the following.

• • • MCS approval (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) for the system installation standards for solar panels.
    • TrustMark is the ONLY government-endorsed quality standards scheme for trades that operate in and around the home.
    • RECC Renewable Energy Consumer Code is the leading solar panel trade body covering all the factors that contribute to a high standard of consumer service, before, during and after a contract is agreed.
    • NAPIT certificated scheme members have demonstrated their competence, they hold the necessary insurances and have the right processes and procedures to assure compliance.
    • Solar Energy UK is an established trade association working for and representing the entire solar and energy storage value chain.

• • At Absolute Solar we pride ourselves in being accredited members of these solar panel trade bodies. That ensures we supply and install trusted solar panels systems delivering  professional installation every time. Our accreditations ensure we are delivering installation too the highest standards while  giving you peace of mind that we only have trusted quality designs, products, professional installation and the best customer experience available.

Before you call to make an appointment with a company, it’s important to make sure you know exactly what questions to ask. To fit solar panels to a house there are a few key points which a reputable company should ask. Firstly do you own the home? If not then the home owner will need to be consulted. Secondly does it have a south facing roof without shading? (from trees other buildings for example). Do you know your energy usage, information from your electricity bill? And finally know your postcode so that a desk top survey can be done to assess roof material type, access to the south facing roof and any build constraints.

Calling Absolute Solar with this information enables the office team to talk you through the solar installation process and can give you information on costs, savings, and what will be best for you and your home in one simple conversation. They will give you an initial quote (which the detailed survey will confirm) and arrange for a qualified survey to visit your home and confirm all details.

2. Survey

The office team will then pass your enquiry onto the survey team who confirm a final specification and quote for the installation. They will explain the different type of solar panels, how they work and the layout of all elements of the system with you, including battery storage. The survey team will also flag any risks or potential problems with the installation at this stage and will let you know if you’ll need to apply for a G99 certificate (greater than 3.68kW) to get approval from the grid operator. For smaller systems less than 3.68kW no priory approval is required.

3. Installation Process

One we have confirmed the specification of the solar panel system to meet your needs, its layout and configuration with you we will then agree an installation date with you to meet your needs.

4. Scaffolding

Once everything’s been checked and approved, you’ll need scaffolding installed around your home. We’ work with a trusted local scaffolding contractor to put up secure supports that will make the process easier and safe for everyone.

5. Panel Installation

The most effective way to retrofit solar panels too a roof is using an approved rail and bracket system. A secure hook is fastened to the rafters underneath your roof tiles and the rails are attached to these exposed hooks across the length of the solar array. The panels are then laid on top of the rails, ready to be connected. This process is usually completed within a day.

6. Inverter and Battery Installation

Once the solar panels have been installed one of our qualified electricians will connect the solar panels to the inverter. The inverter converters DC power to AC power so it can be used in your home. It also feeds excess electricity to the grid. Our design experts will choose the right inverter size for your needs, and then the electrician will install it in the most suitable and available space such as a garage. Installed alongside with the inverter, a battery will help you to save even more money, as battery storage stores unused electricity and then releases it for use when you need it in the evenings and mornings, when there is no sunlight.

7. Handover

Once the installation is completed we take you though the handover process commissioning the system with your energy company. The electrician as the installer will talk you through your system and complete the paperwork with you. Then our office team will send you all the relevant paperwork for your system and register it with the MCS (Microgeneration Certification System) and your energy company. They will then send you your solar certificate (G98) and you can start to enjoy your energy savings.