Solar installation – A step by step guide

Solar panels are fast becoming a very popular way for businesses and homeowners to lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. If you’re considering installing solar on your property, then read on. In this blog we’ll shed some light on what a solar installation entails – taking you step by step through the process. 

 

Make an enquiry

The first step is to register your interest for solar panels with us. For home owners, all you need to do is fill in your details on the enquiry form at the bottom of this page. If you are interested in installing solar panels at a commercial premises, then you’ll need to complete the enquiry form on this page. One of our friendly sales team will then get in touch with you to ask you some questions about your property and get the ball rolling.

 

Building assessment

Before we can design your solar panel installation and provide you with a quote, we’ll need to visit your property and conduct a building assessment. We’re a national organisation, which means that we will send one of our inhouse engineers to conduct the assessment, no matter where your property is. 

 

Our engineer will evaluate the best location for your panels and inspect the condition of the surface on which they will be installed. Typically panels are installed on roofs and we use drones to conduct the inspection. We’ll be able to tell you if any repairs or remedial work will need to be carried out before the panels can be installed. Our engineer will also assess the optimal orientation of the panels, taking into consideration the incline of the surface they’re going to be mounted on and making note of anything, such as trees, buildings or chimneys that might throw shade and negatively impact the performance of your system.  

 

Structural condition assessment

In addition to the building assessment, we'll perform a structural evaluation to ensure your roof can support the weight of the solar panels. This typically involves measuring and photographing roof trusses or steels. The data is passed to our structural engineering team as part of the design process. 

Most roofs can support the weight of solar panels, which is generally around 20 kg per square meter. For buildings with limited load-bearing capacity, we’ve partnered with HG Group, specialists in lightweight solar technology. This allows us to install solar systems on buildings previously deemed unsuitable for traditional panels. Read more about lightweight solar panels. 

 

Local of battery, electrical connections and inverter

If your solar system includes a battery for energy storage, our engineer will assess the best location for it, along with the inverter and electrical connections. We recommend placing the inverter and battery away from the main property to maintain safety.

 

Access assessment

Our engineer will also take this opportunity to assess the most appropriate and safest methods for conducting the installation. That includes whether scaffolding or cranes will be required or any lifting equipment. We’ll also discuss anything that might impact the installation – such as public access and in the case of commercial premises, activities that we need to take into consideration during the installation such as deliveries or vents that might need to be closed temporarily. During this assessment, we'll discuss all aspects of the installation with you to ensure a smooth process.

 

Review and design

After completing the assessment, we’ll take all the collected information, including measurements, drone footage and photographs, back to our headquarters. Our team will use this data to finalise the design of your solar system and determine the installation requirements. Once the design is complete, we’ll provide you with a detailed quote. At this stage, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions or make adjustments before moving forward. 

 

We hope this guide has given you a useful insight into the comprehensive process that the design of a solar installation involves. If you're ready to start your journey toward energy independence or you have any questions, then reach out to us today. We’re here to help!