Solar panels come in a variety of classifications.
Solar panels today
Solar panel installations in the United Kingdom
Qualifications including 'Part P' and 'working at heights' are required when installing professionally solar panels.
Solar installations guide.
MCS-approved components.
Evacuated solar tubes
The performance and efficiency are considered exceptional for an evacuated tube technology, incorporating a high quality with a 25-year lifespan.
These MCS approved professional evacuated tubes provide better annual outputs 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.
Solar-ready tanks (optional).
Schematic
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.
Solar-ready tanks (optional).
Schematic
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.
Solar-ready tanks (optional).
Schematic
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.
Schematic
PV enhancements
PV & EV-charging.
Electric vehicles are a fantastic technology, but the icing on that comes when you can charge it up for free. Bringing your motoring life up to date while enhancing the home with a sun-powered power plant is genius-level savvy.
Learn more
PV & water heating.
Evacuated tubes were the most common form of solar heating until the advent of PV-powered heating converters. This technology uses surplus electricity to heat your hot water tank.
Learn more
PV & battery storage.
PV solar panels with battery storage capabilities are taking off globally because it expands the benefits of solar technology well into the evenings and nighttime hours.
Learn more
Do I need planning permission?
No. From the 6th of April 2008, planning permission will not be required for most solar panel installations, unless you live in a listed building. Even then, most councils will allow solar panels in most cases.
Is my roof compatible?
Most homes in the UK are suitable for solar panels. If you have a South, South East, Southwest or East and West facing roof space un-obscured by shading, then yes. Your internal plumbing/electrics will need to be checked through an on-site survey before the installation process begins.
Do these work in northern climates?
Even the UK receives 60% of the sun's radiation compared to the equatorial regions. Each square metre of the UK gets between 900 to 1,400 kWh of energy annually, so this technology does work in northern climates too.
Can I install myself?
No. However, if you have 'Part P' electrical and plumbing skills, then it may be possible to install in a daily capacity. DIY flat-plate, PV and evacuated tube kits are available.
DIY solar panel kits work out much cheaper. However, you will not be eligible for the generous feed-in tariff schemes currently available. All eligible installations must be carried out and certified, by an accredited MCS solar panel installer to qualify.
Are solar panels suitable for my property?
PV solar panel technology is not a one size fits all. Installations for both heating and electric can be complicated, due to many issues such as roof access, layout and internal factors.
Additionally, PV systems vary in size, so potential installers will need to ask a few easy questions about your property to establish your options and costs.
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