DIY PV solar panel kits are a great plan B supply for the garden shed engineer
DIY PV solar installation kits are popular nowadays with Part P accreditated tradespeople. Electricians can install PV solar panels but must be legally commissioned by MCS-accreditation when connecting on-grid. No export tariff is available for off-grid systems.
A first-generation solar heating panel with MCS-approved components and a 25-year lifespan.
Flat-plate panels can be installed on a roof or integrated within a roof for a Velux style installation.
On-roof solar panels.
Tank size: 150-220 Litres
1 x Solar heating panel. 1 x 18 Litre expansion vessel. 1 x Expansion vessel kit. 1 x Controller & pump. 1 x 5 Litres Glycol fluid. 1 x On-roof fixing kit. Connectors. Twin-coiled tanks.
2 x Solar heating panels. 1 x 25 Litre expansion vessel. 1 x Expansion vessel kit. 1 x Controller & pump. 1 x 10 Litres Glycol fluid. 1 x In-roof fixing kit. Connectors. Twin-coiled tanks.
3 x Solar heating panels. 1 x 25 Litre expansion vessel. 1 x Expansion vessel kit. 1 x Controller & pump. 1 x 10 Litres Glycol fluid. 1 x In-roof kit. Connectors. Twin-coiled tanks.
When working with heights, electrics, or plumbing, you should always adhere to safety regulations. Advisedly, use professional MCS installers if you're not sure.
Part P certification is essential when working with solar panels.
A safe working scaffolding platform or scaffolding tower to gutter height is vital. Uses a local roofing company to handle the roofing work if unsure.
How are the solar panels secured to the roof?
Both solar heating and PV solar panel installations are secured to the roof batons using non-degradable brackets. No degradable sealing silicone should ever be used when weatherproofing pipes or wires.
What's the best way to get the panels to the roof?
Get a scaffolding platform up to the guttering height of the property. A winch and pulley system is available for professional installers. These can be hired by most good tool hire companies.
What's the best way to connect pipes?
Heating technology pressurised to a three-bar flow. Because of this, professional installers always recommend compression joints for peace of mind.
Solar heating technologies become pressurised to a three-bar flow. Because of this, compression joints are vital.
A well-insulated pipe run to and from the solar panel will ensure reduced heat loss and best performance once operational. A three-yearly inspection, checking the PH level of the antifreeze and seals, and joints will provide a long life expectancy.
A sizing guide for solar heating panels.
For every 100-150 Litres cylinder size, you'll need one flat panel or two square metres of evacuated tubes.
A sizing guide for PV solar panels.
System size depends on the availability of your roof space and the configuration of the collector panels. The number of collectors will dictate the size of the inverter.
You can measure the roof space from within the loft space.
How are the solar panels secured to the roof?
Both solar heating and PV solar panel installations are secured to the roof batons using non-degradable brackets. No degradable sealing silicone should ever be used when weatherproofing pipes or wires.
What's the best way to get the collectors on the roof?
Get a scaffolding platform up to the guttering height of the property. A winch and pulley system is available for professional installers. These can be hired by most good tool hire companies.
What's the best way to connect pipes?
Solar heating technologies become pressurised to a three-bar flow. Because of this, compression joints are vital.
For solar heating systems, ensure a well-insulated pipe run to and from the solar panel to reduce heat loss and best performance. A three-yearly inspection, checking the PH level of the antifreeze, seals, and joints will provide a long life expectancy.
A sizing guide for PV solar panels.
System size depends on the availability of your roof space and the configuration of the collector panels. The number of collectors will dictate the size of the inverter.
You can measure the roof space from within the loft space.
Are all roofs suitable?
Yes, except for Thatched roofing. If the roof space is Southerly, SW, SE direction then that's perfect. If you don't have a suitable roof space.
Wall-mount or ground-mounted A-frame installations are possible too.
Do you need planning permission?
No, except for listed buildings or situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Solar heating systems can be installed with good plumbing knowledge. These DIY solar panels kits supply you with MCS-approved and BRE accredited technologies.
What accreditations do I need for solar heating?
Plumbers and self-installers must have the necessary 'Part P' qualifications to install a solar heating panel system.
Additionally, many plumbers have teamed up with local roofing companies to complete the job together. Flat-plate or evacuated tube collectors installers must observe the usual professional safety procedures.
What accreditations are required to install PV?
Apart from a good head of heights, the installation requires Part P qualifications for basic setup and MCS accreditation to commission the completed system.
Which system is easier to install, PV or heating?
Generally speaking, they both have advantages and disadvantages.
You'll require MCS accreditation if you are planning on selling surplus electricity to the National Grid though.
Will I need a new hot water cylinder?
If the heating tank in question doesn't have a twin-coil system, then yes! Look for two unused ports at the bottom of the tank to check. The secondary coil is used to transfer the solar-heated glycol fluid from the heating panels to the hot water tank.
DIY solar heating kits come supplied with or without 150, 180, 200, 250, and 300 Litres cylinders, vented or unvented.
Do you supply fitting instructions?
Yes, step-by-step instructions can be found with our Install guide.
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