Solar panels are a huge investment that can significantly lower your energy bills and your carbon footprint. Once you’ve decided to make the switch, the next step is getting your home ready for installation day.
Your solar installer will handle the technical preparation, from assessing your roof and energy needs to designing your system and carrying out electrical checks. But there are a few simple things you can do around your home to help everything run smoothly on the day.
In this blog, our solar experts break down everything you can expect in the build-up to your new solar panels being installed, along with some tips for speeding up the process on the day. Keep reading to prepare your home, or if you’re wondering whether your home is ready for solar power, reach out for a home evaluation.
What happens before installation day?
A successful installation starts long before installers climb onto your roof.
Every solar installation company does things slightly differently, but we all generally follow the same steps. At Going Green Renewables, we’ve been installing solar panels for over 15 years. In our experience, the smoothest solar installations are the ones that are properly planned from the start.
Before we order equipment or book your installation, we like to take a closer look at your property, your roof, and the way you use electricity. This is how we determine how many solar panels your home will need and where they’ll produce the most power.
A home solar inspection usually considers:
- Your roof’s orientation (south-facing roofs are ideal, but they aren’t the only option)
- Your roof condition to check if it’s structurally sound
- How much space you have to install the solar panels
- Possible shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings to make sure you’re getting maximum sunlight
- Your existing electrical system to make sure the equipment can be safely installed (very old properties may need an electrical upgrade before work can start)
- Where the inverter, cables, and potential battery storage could go
- Accessibility for the installation (installers need access to your loft, meter, and fuse board)
- Any possible application from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
- Your current energy consumption to ensure your energy needs are met
If your proposed system requires a G99 application to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO), we’ll complete and submit this on your behalf. Approval can take up to three months, so we’ll factor this into the planning process and installation timeline.
We’ll also plan the practical details with you before work begins. An electrician will liaise with you about the best locations for equipment such as the inverter and battery, as well as suitable cable routes. Wherever possible, we’ll look for routes that keep visible cabling to a minimum and cause the least disruption to your home.
Read on to find out whether your house is suitable for solar panels.
Going Green’s tips on preparing your home before installing solar panels
For a smooth installation, we advise homeowners to spend a little time preparing the house itself.
You don’t need to completely rearrange your home before the installers arrive. In our experience, a few steps can make a real difference.
Check your local regulations
Solar panels usually fall under permitted development rights in England, so most homeowners won’t need to make a full planning application. But there are exceptions. Different rules can apply to listed buildings, properties in conservation areas, and installations in certain protected locations.
If you’re unsure, check with your local authority or planning department before installation. Your solar installer can also help you understand whether the planned installation would need approval first.
Obtain planning permission if required
If your installation does require planning permission, make sure approval is in place before any installation work is due to begin. Planning applications take time, but having it sorted means you can book in the installation.
Most installers will check ahead of time to make sure all the admin is sorted before they start.
Clear indoor areas
Believe it or not, solar installers don’t just need access to your roof. They may also need access to your loft, fuse board, electricity meter, and the area where the inverter or potential battery will be fitted.
Make sure there’s suitable access to areas the installers will need to go. For example, if your fuse board is tucked inside a cupboard behind the vacuum cleaner, ironing board, and a handful of storage boxes, clearing a path beforehand will save time on installation day.
Clear outdoor space
Solar installers will need space to move the panels and equipment safely (they are very delicate). They will also likely need to put scaffolding up around your house to access the roof.
To save time on the day, you should move cars, bikes, bins, garden furniture, and anything else that could block access. If you have a narrow side passage or locked garden gate, make sure the team can get through. They should be aware of any access challenges during the initial planning.
Shading can affect how much energy your solar panels produce, so it’s also worth trimming any overgrown trees that encroach on your roof to improve production once your system is up and running.
Inform your energy supplier
If your solar panels generate excess energy, you could make money from it through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. You can receive payments for any unused electricity you send back to the National Grid.
Eligible homeowners should contact their current energy supplier to sign up for a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff. You don’t have to stick with the same supplier for your SEG payments, so you can shop around for the best rates. To qualify, energy suppliers usually require your system to be installed by an MCS-certified installer.
Consider getting pest bird guards for your new solar panel system
Solar panels create a sheltered gap between the panel and your roof, which can be an inviting home for pigeons. To combat this, you can use bird guards, which create a barrier around the edge of the solar array to stop birds from nesting underneath without interfering with the panels themselves.
It can be helpful to discuss them before your installation, rather than waiting until you’ve already got unwanted residents under your new solar PV system.
What to expect on installation day
With the planning and prep out of the way, your installers can work efficiently on the day. Most domestic solar installations are completed within one or two days, depending on your system’s size and any unexpected hurdles.
Throughout the solar panel installation process, installers will need access inside your home at times, particularly around the inverter, fuse board, and cable routes, so make sure an adult is home to answer any questions they might have. Your electricity may also need to be switched off temporarily while electrical work takes place.
Here’s what happens during the installation. Installers will:
- Put up any scaffolding or access equipment
- Fit the mounting system
- Install the solar panels
- Connect the electrical components
Once the work is complete, your installer will test the system, show you how it all works, and answer any questions you might have about the system or the SEG scheme. They’ll also walk you through any monitoring app or controls that come with it so you can start making the most of your renewable energy.
Start with a simple roof suitability check from our MSC-certified installers at Going Green
If you’re still at the planning stage, don’t feel like you have to work everything out by yourself. If you want to start your solar journey, we can help you. We provide free solar quotes and will happily discuss your home’s suitability and potential energy savings with no obligation.
If you’re ready to take a step towards energy independence or you’d simply like further advice, call our friendly team on 01252 560 587 or send us a message.
Frequently asked questions about solar panel home preparation
Will my roof condition be checked before installation?
Yes. In our experience, assessing your roof is one of the first things we do before deciding on the most efficient and cost-effective way to proceed with your solar installation. Ideally, you want your roof to last at least 25 to 30 years to match the lifespan of your solar panels.
How do I choose an installer?
Choosing the right installer makes the process much smoother from start to finish and helps ensure your solar panels last with minimal maintenance. To find a good installer, shop around. Get quotes from a few solar panel installers, compare prices, read customer reviews, and choose an installer that is certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
Feel free to contact us to learn more about Going Green Renewables or read our customer reviews.
When should I get battery storage?
You can install battery storage at the same time as your solar panels or add it later. It depends on your budget and energy goals. Installing both together makes sense if you have the budget and know you want to store excess energy. But if you’re unsure, you’re welcome to speak to our installers or read our blog to learn what battery storage can do for your energy savings.
How long will installation take?
Installing a solar system on your home can take around 3-6 weeks, from initial call to being up and running. Most of this time is spent planning and obtaining relevant approvals, such as from the DNO. Once everything is in place, the installation itself takes about 1 to 2 days.
At Going Green, most of our installations take around two days to complete as standard, from start to finish.