Installing solar panels is a great way to lower your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint. You can also sell extra energy you make, making them even more worthwhile.
But if you want to put solar panels on your roof, where do you start?
Our step-by-step guide will take you through the solar panel installation process from start to finish. This includes finding the right installer and what to expect on the day the installation happens.
Step by step solar panel installation guide
- Decide if solar panels are right for you
- Check your options for funding
- Find a solar panel installer
- Design and planning
- Installing the solar panel system
- Post-installation support
- Register for solar-friendly energy tariffs
Decide if solar panels are right for you
The good news is that solar panels are suitable for almost every kind of home in any part of the UK. They even work on cloudy days.
Modern Eco-Friendly Home with Solar Panels (Image: D. Goug/Pexels)
It’s true, though, that some solar panel setups are more effective than others. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before installing solar panels:
Which direction does my roof face?
Solar panels generate the most electricity when they face south because they’re able to capture as much sunlight as possible. But there’s more to solar that just overall power output.
South-facing panels might produce the most electricity overall, but that doesn’t mean solar isn’t worth it if your roof faces east or west. In fact, these orientations can still deliver strong performance and might even suit your energy habits better.
East-facing panels generate more electricity in the morning, while west-facing panels do better in the afternoon and early evening. So, if you tend to use more power during those times, you could make better use of your solar energy as it’s being produced.
Read more: Energy Saving Trust
