Skip to content 
Are you thinking about solar panel installation at your home? The installation process deserves careful planning before any work begins, after all you are putting a large amount from your budget on it. A well-planned solar PV system not only improves efficiency of solar electricity generation but also reduces your reliance on the grid.
Though you may install solar panels either on rooftop or on ground (in case you have sufficient ground space), here we will discuss rooftop solar installation in UK homes. This comprehensive guide explains each major stage from roof checks to final testing. It also explains how solar panels are installed, fixed, connected, tested, and prepared for everyday use.
The process normally starts with feasibility checks and ends with system commissioning and certification. Each step takes substantial time (usually 3-7 weeks), however, the solar panel fitting only takes 1-2 days. Before exploring each step, you should first know whether your property is suitable for solar panels.
Suitable Properties for Solar System Installation
Most UK homes are suitable for domestic solar panel installation. However, the suitability depends on your roof condition, available space, shading, orientation, and structural strength. A typical PV system needs enough roof space (ideally 15 to 20 square metres) for the required number of photovoltaic panels. Your installer should measure the roof before choosing the right solar panel system.
1. Roof Space and Shading
Solar panels not only take up significant space, but also need clear surroundings with minimal shading throughout the day. Trees, chimneys, nearby buildings, and roof structures can significantly reduce solar power generation. Your installer should identify these obstacles before designing the solar PV installation.
2. Roof Direction and Angle
Roof direction affects the intensity of sunlight your solar panels receive throughout the year. So, an expert engineer visits your home to accurately calculate the exact angle to fit solar panels that can give maximum energy efficiency.
- South-facing roofs usually provide strong annual solar generation in the UK.
- Southeast and southwest roofs can also provide good results for residential solar installations.
- East-facing panels produce more electricity during morning hours.
- West-facing panels produce more electricity during afternoon and evening hours.
- East and west layouts can suit homes with higher morning or evening electricity use.
- North-facing roofs usually receive less direct sunlight.
A roof angle around 30 to 40 degrees can provide favourable solar exposure. However, your installer should design the system around your actual roof.
3. Planning Permission
About 95% of the roof-mounted solar installations on homes are permitted in the United Kingdom. Only listed buildings and conservation areas may have additional planning requirements.
Planning permissions differ across the UK, especially between England and Wales. Always check local requirements before starting a solar panel installation.
Solar Panel Installation Process
The solar panel installation process usually involves four phases, each covering various steps. Your installer should complete each step carefully before moving to the next because any negligence can cost you for decades.
Phase 1: Feasibility and Planning
The first phase determines whether your property is suitable for generating enough solar power. Your solar panel installer will inspect the roof structure and available installation space. They will also review your current electricity use and future energy needs.
Only after that can they assess the number of solar panels required at your home. The installer may also consider battery storage during the initial design. A battery can store unused solar energy for later household use.
Roof Assessment
The roof assessment is one of the most important parts of home solar installation. The installer checks the roof structure, pitch, size, and condition, in addition to chimneys, skylights, vents, and other possible obstructions.
The roof must safely support the weight and wind loading from the installation. Planning Portal guidance also notes that the existing roof structure needs checking. Any necessary roof repair work is normally carried out before installing solar panels.
Does It Matter Which Direction Solar Panels Face?
Yes, the direction of your photovoltaic panels affects their efficiency because it changes how much sunlight panels receive. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing panels generally receive strong overall sunlight. Southeast panels favour morning generation, while southwest panels favour later afternoon generation.
East-facing panels can suit homes using more electricity during mornings. West-facing panels can suit homes with higher afternoon and evening electricity use. On the other hand, north-facing panels produce less energy because they receive less direct sunlight. Your installer should assess your roof before rejecting any orientation.
Your Roof Could Be Saving You Money
£0 Upfront Finance Available
25-Year Panel Warranty
Free Quote, No Obligation
System Design
The installer then creates a solar PV system design for your home. The design determines panel placement, system size, inverter location, and cable routes. It should also consider shading and the position of nearby electrical equipment.
Your installer may use roof measurements and solar modelling to estimate generation. The final design should match your energy needs and available roof space.
Choosing the Right Solar Panels
There are many solar panels on the market today. Your installer should compare efficiency, size, warranty, performance, and available roof space. The best solar panel is not always the highest-rated panel.
A suitable panel should fit your roof while providing strong long-term performance. Panel layout also affects how many panels can be installed on your home.
Phase 2: Grid Application and DNO Requirements
A grid-connected solar system must follow the requirements of your local Distribution Network Operator. The DNO manages the local electricity network serving your property. Your installer normally handles the required DNO documentation and connection process.
For many small systems, the G98 notification route may apply. G98 covers fully type-tested micro-generators up to 16 amps per phase. That equals 3.68kW on a single-phase supply. Larger systems may require a G99 application before connection.
The correct route depends on system design, connection capacity, and equipment specifications. Your installer should confirm the correct DNO process before installation begins. This step helps prevent delays during your solar PV system installation.
Phase 3: Installation Day
The installation phase is where your planned solar system becomes a working system. A typical rooftop installation involves scaffolding, roof mounting, panel fitting, wiring, and electrical work.
1. Scaffolding and Safe Roof Access
Installers usually arrange suitable access equipment before starting rooftop work. Scaffolding increases workers’ safety and ensures the protection of the location where the installation takes place. The precise details of scaffolding will depend on your property, roof height, and the specifics of installation.
2. Roof Preparation
Installers carefully access the roof before fitting the mounting equipment. They identify the planned fixing points and confirm the roof structure. Roof tiles may need careful adjustment around mounting points. Good preparation helps protect the roof and supports a secure solar installation.
3. Roof Mounting Structure
Mounting solar panels on roof surfaces requires a suitable mounting system. Roof hooks or brackets are secured to the supporting roof structure. Rails are then attached to these brackets to create the panel framework.
The mounting system must support the panels under normal weather conditions. MCS standards recognise components such as roof hooks, rails, joiners, clamps, and rafter bolts. This explains how solar panels are fixed to the roof without relying only on tiles.
4. Fitting Solar Panels to Roof
Once the rails are secure, installers begin fitting solar panels to roof sections. Each panel is carefully positioned according to the approved system design. Clamps hold the panels securely against the mounting rails.
Installers maintain suitable spacing between panels and surrounding roof features. This arrangement helps create a stable and neat rooftop solar installation.
5. Connecting the Panels
The panels are then electrically connected into strings or suitable module-level systems. Solar cables carry the direct current produced by the photovoltaic panels.
The cables are routed safely towards the inverter and other electrical equipment. Installers also fit suitable protection and isolation equipment.
6. Installing the Inverter
The inverter changes electricity from direct current into usable alternating current. This allows your home to use electricity generated by the solar panels.
An inverter can be installed in a proper garage, utility room, loft or anywhere else depending on your case. Easy access, ventilation, and ease of servicing have to be taken into account.
7. Battery Installation & Connection with PV System
A battery can be added during solar PV system installation. The battery stores surplus electricity generated by the panels. You can then use stored solar power when generation falls.
Battery storage can improve self-consumption from your solar energy system. A hybrid inverter may manage both solar generation and battery charging. The installer should design the panels and battery as one coordinated system.
Are Solar Panels Better Vertically or Horizontally?
Whether to choose landscape or portrait configuration will largely depend on the specific case. Roof shape, available space, shading and the specifics of panels have to be considered.
Horizontal or Landscape Installation
Landscape fitting can work well on wide, open roof areas. It may allow installers to use the available roof width efficiently. This layout can also simplify some mounting arrangements. However, it may waste space on narrow or unusually shaped roofs.
Vertical or Portrait Installation
Portrait fitting can suit narrow or taller roof areas. It may help installers use awkward roof sections more efficiently. This layout can also work well where roof features restrict panel placement.
However, the required rails and labour can vary between installations. Your installer should choose the layout after measuring your actual roof.
Flat Roof Solar Panel Installation
Solar panels can also be installed on a flat roof. Flat roof systems normally use mounting frames to create a suitable panel angle. Ballasted systems can sometimes avoid penetrating the roof membrane.
However, the roof has to be strong enough to support the additional load. Wind load, accessibility, space between panels and drainage have to be taken into account as well. Your installer should select a mounting system designed for your roof.
Phase 4: Testing, Commissioning and Handover
The final phase confirms that your solar power system works correctly. The installer checks electrical connections, protection devices, inverter settings, and system performance.
They should complete testing before the system is handed over. The installer should also provide important system documents and operating information. MCS handover requirements include certification, system information, test results, and commissioning data.
MCS Certification
An MCS-certified installer can provide the relevant MCS certificate after qualifying work. The certificate records important details about the completed installation. It can also support eligibility for smart tariffs and export arrangements.
Smart Export Guarantee
Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can apply to a SEG electricity supplier who participates in it and get paid for exported electricity. SEG electricity suppliers will offer their own tariffs, contracts and payment methods.
Eligibility depends on meeting the scheme requirements. For installations up to 50kW, suitable certification normally includes an MCS certificate. This makes professional solar panel installation particularly useful for homeowners seeking export payments.
Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
Maintenance of the solar panels rarely requires any special efforts making the solar panels functional for long periods of time.
- Keep nearby trees trimmed when branches create new shading.
- Check the system monitoring information for unusual generation changes.
- Arrange professional checks if your inverter shows repeated faults.
- Avoid walking on solar panels or attempting unsafe rooftop cleaning.
- Your installer should provide maintenance guidance during system handover.
How Long Does Solar Panel Installation Take?
The physical installation of a typical home system can often take 1-2 days. However, the complete process takes longer because planning and grid requirements come first.
Only the roof survey may take one day. The installation itself depends on roof size, system complexity, and weather. Battery installation can add additional work to the installation day.
Approval from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) will be required for some systems. Get an appropriate project-specific schedule from your installer before approving the project.
The Bottom Line
Installation of solar panels is not simply about placing panels onto your roof. Proper roof assessment and careful planning of the system will be the first steps for installing solar PV. Then the installation, mounting, fitting, electrical installation, testing, and certification take place.
Working with a qualified professional installer guarantees that all safety and technical requirements will be met. A well-designed system allows you to use more solar energy in your house. If you are interested in solar installation, begin with proper roof and energy assessment.
FAQs
While you can do it yourself, you must still abide by the grid connection and certification rules. Installing solar panels DIY also poses dangers related to roof structure and electrical safety. Hiring professionals will ensure all requirements are met and make testing, certification, and grid connection easier.
Solar panels are being removed due to roof repair works, building works, updates, and equipment issues. Some people are removing their systems as a result of property changes and agreements. Proper planning must be done to ensure no risks arise during removal of the solar system.
Some plug-in solar systems that abide by the relevant standards are allowed to connect to the fixed domestic socket. You need to check the DNO requirements first before connecting any plug-in solar devices. Do not use extension leads, cable reels, or non-compatible multi-sockets.
Solar panels cannot be mounted where there is shadow, damaged roofs, poor structural integrity, or inappropriate surfaces for mounting. Consider roof orientation, access, structural integrity, and nearby obstructions. A professional survey can find these places before installation.
The right decision cannot be made universally for each house. Usually several panels provide more options for roof layout. Larger panels reduce the number of panels and connections needed. Your roof size and system design will determine your decision.
Solar panels installed at an angle receive sunlight better than panels installed flat. An angle also allows rainwater to flow off the panel surface. The best angle depends on your roof and mounting system.
Roof-top solar panels use an existing area of your house and leave the garden intact. Ground mounted solar panels allow more flexibility if you have enough land that does not require shading. It depends on your roof condition, land, and installation.
Roof-top solar panels use an existing area of your house and leave the garden intact. Ground mounted solar panels allow more flexibility if you have enough land that does not require shading. It depends on your roof condition, land, and installation.
This depends on whether you need extra generation capacity or extra battery capacity. Add solar panels when you need additional electricity generated by your solar system. Batteries need to be added in case you have excessive generation during the day. Professional assessment will compare both using your electricity consumption.
West facing solar panels can work great in some houses in the UK. These solar panels usually generate electricity later in the day compared to east facing panels. Effectiveness of such solar panels depends on roof tilt, shading, your electricity consumption, and your solar system design.
