Learn about solar panels and installation day.

Solar panels today

Solar panels made easy Modern PV solar panel systems can produce and store for nighttime or electric vehicle use of up to 4,200 kWh annually. Geographical and system variables apply. The Smart Export Guarantee allows you to sell your surplus on the open energy market.

In partnership with Renewable Energy Consumer Code.

The basics

Do you have a South, SW, SE facing roof space?

If yes, your home's orientation to the sun sounds perfect for solar panels.

Do you have a thatched roof?

Roof-mounted solar panels cannot be installed. Would ground-mounted be an option?

Conservation area/area of outstanding beauty or listed property?

If yes, then please consult with your local planning office first.

Do you have a Combi boiler?

Solar heating technology is not viable. Go to PV.

Do you have a hot water storage tank?

If yes, solar heating may be viable.

Do you have an oil-based heating system?

If yes, solar heating panels will be beneficial.

"As prices vary across the industry, I strongly recommend getting a comparative quotation."

Know your rights

Never be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand. A good company will always be patient and helpful.

• Only pay 25% of the contract price up front. Most installers have a deposit protection scheme.

• Feeling pressured? Walk away. Good installers don't need to use high­pressure sales tactics.

• If you do sign a contract in your home, then you have 14 days cooling off period.

• Only start the installation work after this 14-day cooling period. Written consent must be given by yourself if you want the installation to commence before.

• Never sign a waiver form to relinquish your cooling period ­ walk away.

• Offered finance? You have 14 days cooling period from the date you receive the documentation from the finance provider. Make sure you understand the figures.

• Solar panels are a significant investment for many, so never be shy to ask for and contact genuine testimonials. Solar pioneer's love to spread their enthusiasm.

• Installers will always give you a full breakdown of expected performance and system specifications. Compare systems, performance and price figures.

• Study terms and conditions and check the company has insurance documents.

"Curtains will twitch, but installation day should cause only a minimum disruption to your home."

Installation day

Survey - Some companies do a technical review of your home when quoting, and some don't. Don't allow any work to commence before this is complete. This procedure ensures an install is possible before any work begins.

Scaffolding - For access to your roof, a company will build a frame up to the guttering level. This procedure ensures a safe working platform for the installers, and depending on the scaffolding company - should be removed within a few days of completion.

Installation day - Enjoy your first cup of tea made with your PV-powered electricity. You have now joined a growing army of people who benefit from solar panels around the world.

The first few days - A notable and common aftereffect of installing solar panels is the performance checking. Many try to resist, but unfortunately, the temptation to keep checking the output of your system in different weather conditions is too insuppressible.

The first few months - Now you've finally got your daily performance checking under control, but inquisitiveness still exists with the changing of the seasons.

The first year - Now you're beginning to see the fruits of your investment. With the bills falling on your welcome matt diminished and your feed­in tariff generating income, your decision to install solar panels now seems like a stroke of genius.

"Your astute decision to install solar panels now seems like a stroke of genius as you generate an income daily."

Enhancements

Nighttime energy freedom with battery storage.

Today's battery storage devices in the UK market are tried and tested around the world. PV with battery storage is an additional option to benefit from your solar power 24/7.

The water feels lovely with tank heating.

PV-to-hot water converters heat your hot water tank by diverting your sun-powered electricity toward your heating coil. This addition eliminates the need to use your boiler for a good proportion of the year.

Free mileage for your electric vehicle.

Adopting electric vehicle technology is an astute move, but powering your car with photovoltaics is genuinely genius - Real freedom with every petroleum-free mile.

Empowerment checklist:

• Recognise the futility of Switch N' Save.
• Acknowledge PV works well in the UK.
• Choose with or without battery storage.
• Feel the pride on installation day.