Solar panels convert light into DC electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells and can be installed on roofs or ground-mounted in gardens and fields. The panels connect to an inverter that converts the power into usable AC electricity for the property and can manage solar generation, battery storage, or both, with systems typically installed in a garage or utility room.
Solar panels come in a wide variety of sizes and can be installed on pitched and flat roofs on houses, outbuildings, stables, garages, commercial and industrial buildings. They can also be ground mounted away from the property in gardens and fields.
Panels are fixed onto hooks and rails to sit just above the roof surface or onto mounting frames in the ground. They can also be inlaid into trays to make up part of the roof, so they sit flush with tiles or slates.
Back in 2010 when we first started doing solar installs, systems had inverters which only managed the solar generation. If you have this type of system, you can easily add battery storage by using an AC charger inverter and batteries.
These days, most of the systems we fit have hybrid inverters that manage both the panels and the batteries simultaneously. An inverter can manage panels, batteries, or both, and distributes power around the property in usable AC form.
Batteries and inverters are best placed on the ground floor, ideally inside a garage or utility room, although they can also be installed outside.
A PV system of 6kW, consisting of 12 x 500W panels with a hybrid inverter and 10kW of battery storage, on a south facing roof with a 30-degree pitch and no shading, could generate up to 7000kWh of electricity per year and could provide up to 60% grid independence.
(Figures from MCS datasets and MIS 002)
You can claim the Smart Energy Guarantee (SEG) from your energy provider; they will pay you for what you export back to the grid. You will need a smart meter, an MCS certificate and a connection letter from the grid. The best way to get your money’s worth is to use as much of the generated electricity as you can. As well as storing it into batteries for use later in the day, we can fit a power diverter that senses when excess power is available and directs it to a designated load, such as an immersion heater or electric radiator.
Most properties are suitable for solar panels and planning permission is not usually required unless you live in a listed building or within a conservation area. You should always check with your local planning authority.
Permission to connect a system bigger than 3.68kW to the grid is required and the application to do this is part of our service. An MCS certificate is issued with all our installations, and our 10-year workmanship warranty is backed by the QANW.
Got more questions? Get in touch. We’re always ready to help.
Solar panels convert light into DC electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. This electricity is then converted into usable AC power by an inverter and distributed around the property.
Solar panels can be installed on most pitched and flat roofs, as well as ground mounted in gardens and fields. Suitability depends on factors such as roof condition, orientation, pitch, and shading.
Battery storage is not essential, but it can significantly increase self-consumption by storing excess electricity for use later in the day rather than exporting it to the grid.
Yes. Battery storage can often be retrofitted to existing systems using an AC charger inverter, even if your current inverter only manages solar generation.
A standard inverter manages solar generation only, while a hybrid inverter manages both solar panels and battery storage simultaneously.
Generation depends on system size, roof orientation, pitch, and shading. For example, a 6kW system on a south-facing roof with minimal shading could generate up to 7,000kWh per year.
The Smart Energy Guarantee allows you to receive payments from your energy supplier for electricity you export back to the grid, provided you have a smart meter and the required certification.
Planning permission is not usually required unless you live in a listed building or within a conservation area. It’s always recommended to check with your local planning authority.
Batteries and inverters are typically installed on the ground floor, ideally in a garage or utility room, although they can also be installed outside if required.
Yes. Permission is required for systems larger than 3.68kW, and the application process is included as part of our service.
All installations are issued with an MCS certificate, and our 10-year workmanship warranty is backed by QANW.
