DIY PV solar panels are a great project for a garden shed engineer
DIY PV solar kits are popular nowadays with Part P accreditated tradespeople. Electricians can install solar panels but must be legally commissioned by MCS accreditation to receive an export tariff.
Plumbers can install evacuated tubes quite easily. This type of system provides hot water for tanks and pools by utilising a secondary coil or heat exchanger. No incentives for this technology.
Flat-plate panels are the grandfather of solar technology. Solar heating can be installed by qualified plumbers or is ideal for self-installation. No incentives for this technology.
The first-generation solar heating technology with MCS-approved components and a typical 25-year lifespan.
Flat-plate panels can be installed on-roof or integrated within a roof for a Velux-style finish.
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 and practices. Use professional MCS installers if you're not sure. Part P certification is essential when working with both solar heating and electrical systems.
Use a safe working scaffolding platform or tower to gutter height for roof work. Uses a local roofing company to handle the roofing work if unsure.
Securing the solar panels 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 when weatherproofing pipe or wire transition points.
Get the panels to roof height.
Get a scaffolding platform up to the guttering height of the property. A winch and pulley system is available from tool hire shops.
The safest way to connect pipes.
Professional installers always recommend compression joints. 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, seals, and joints will provide peace of mind.
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.
Look for two unused ports at the bottom of the tank to check for a secondary heat exchanger. A secondary coil is used to transfer 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.
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.
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. Wall-mounted solar heating or ground-mounted A-framed PV systems are possible.
Do I need planning permission?
No, except for listed buildings or areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Which is best for DIY installing?
Generally speaking, they both have advantages and disadvantages. PV solar panels are most unsuitable for DIY self-installing. These DIY solar panel kits supply you with MCS approved and BRE accredited technologies.
Do you supply fitting instructions?
Yes, step-by-step instructions can be found with our Install guide.
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