Solar panels come in a variety of classifications.
PV-powered people.
Solar panel installations of the UK
Qualifications including 'Part P' and 'working at heights' are required when installing roof-mounted solar panels. Work alongside a roofing contractor or ask our network of trusted installers.
Solar installations guide.
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).
Installations
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).
Installations
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).
Installations
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.
Installations
The basics.
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.
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.
Learn more
