"Peace of mind comes from self-installation."

DIY PV solar panels are a great project idea

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.

Enjoy your first cup of tea made with your PV-powered electricity. You've joined a growing army of people who benefit from solar panels. Go to my self-install shop

Evacuated solar tubes.

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.

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.

Solar heating panels.

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.

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.

Use scaffolding and work with a local tradesmen

Which is best for DIY installations?

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.

Evacuated solar tubes

Evacuated tube performance and efficiency are considered exceptional as solar heating technology.

This MCS-approved technology provides a better annual output than traditional flat-plate collectors.

Heat-pipe evacuated tubes.

Tank size: 200-350 Litres

1 x 30 Heat-pipe array.
1 x 25 Litre expansion vessel.
1 x Expansion vessel kit.
1 x Controller & pump.
1 x 20 Litres Glycol fluid.
1 x Roof fixing kit.
Connectors.
Twin-coiled tanks.

Direct-flow evacuated tubes.

Tank size: 150-250 Litres

1 x 20 Direct-flow array.
1 x 25 Litre expansion vessel.
1 x Expansion vessel kit.
1 x Controller & pump.
1 x 20 Litres Glycol fluid.
1 x Roof fixing kit.
Connectors.
Twin-coiled tanks.

Flat-plate solar panels

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.

In-roof solar panels.

Tank size: 250-350 Litres

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.

In-roof solar panels.

Tank size: 220-350 Litres

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.

Photovoltaic solar panels

Photovoltaic solar panels come with an easy-to-assemble aluminum framework and fixtures for easy installation to most tiled/slate roof coverings.

Monocrystalline PV solar panels.

250-300 Watts.

System sizes: 1-5 kW peak.
1 x Roof fitting kit.*
1 x Inverter.
1 x DC isolator.
1 x Generation meter.
40 Metres 4mm cable.
Connectors.

Self-install solar panels - safely.

When working with heights, electrics, or plumbing, you should always adhere to safety regulations. Use professional MCS installers if you're not sure. Part P certification is essential when working with both solar heating and electrical systems.

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.

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 the best performance once operational. A three-yearly inspection, checking the PH level of the antifreeze, seals, and joints will provide peace of mind.

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.

Sizing guide for PV solar 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. 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.