Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install a Solar Panel at Home
Mar 20th 2025
Solar power is an extremely affordable and sustainable way to run your small and energy-hungry home appliances, including bulbs, fans, microwave ovens, washing machines, and air conditioners. Solar energy offers a range of benefits, such as increasing your home's value, making a positive impact on surroundings, and reducing your electricity bills.
These added benefits have convinced millions of homeowners in the UK to go for solar panel installation. Installing solar panels on your roof contributes to a greener future. In addition, it saves you money (in terms of utility bills) in the long run.
You might be wondering how to install solar panels at your UK-based home. Right? This article presents a step-by-step guide to installing PV panels and key things to consider before you start.
7 Steps for Solar Panels Installation Process
Solar installation is not as easy as it seems. It requires special equipment and proper training to avoid experiencing unusual circumstances. Let's divide the whole process into different steps to make solar system installation easier.
Step 1: Set up scaffolding
You need to set up scaffolding before starting the installation process. It takes a significant amount of time to build. Usually, scaffolding takes around the whole day. If you don't want to install PV panels on your home's roof, you can take any other safety measure, instead of setting up scaffolding.
Step 2: Install mounts
The mounting system provides a stable foundation for your home solar electric system by holding the panels tightly. To install the mounting system, you need to lift the roof tiles. The installation angle matters the most when it comes to estimating the system's production. This angle should be somewhere 18-36 degrees to help panels absorb direct sunlight.
Step 3: Install panels
Once you install the mounting system carefully, mount the panels on the structure. Remember to ensure a perfect angle for maximised production. Don't forget to tighten all the bolts and verify that the panels are in place.
Step 4: Set up electrical wiring
MC4 connectors are frequently used during solar power installation, as they are compatible with many types of PV panels. Some manufacturers provide you with pre-wired panels to make the installation easier. This step, however, requires professional skills; therefore, hire a trained technician.
Step 5: Set up the inverter
A solar inverter is used to convert DC current into AC power. Remember to set up the inverter in a cool, dry place. Installing an inverter can take up to 5 hours. The actual time depends on the system's complexity. If you want to track electricity your panels generate daily, you can install a generator meter.
Step 6: Connect an inverter to the battery
Though many people consider solar batteries as an extra investment, they reduce your dependence on utility grids and help you store excess energy for later use when there is no power supply or at night. Once you connect the solar panels to the inverter, batteries, and the grid, you can track the overall performance using the generation meter.
Step 7: Test the system
The process of solar panels installation remains incomplete until you test the newly installed PV panels. Ensure to check the panels are exposed to the direct sunlight at a suitable angle and are generating the amount of electricity they are supposed to.
Things to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels
Now that you are familiar with the solar installation process, it is time to know the factors you should consider while installing your home solar system. The top things to keep in mind include safety, proper positioning, size, equipment, and cost. Let's explore them one by one.
1. Safety
The solar power installation is mostly on the roof and needs electrical wiring. Therefore, safety should be your top priority, which is why this task should be assigned to professionals only. The scaffolding setup offers the best support for installers.
2. Positioning
You have to install solar panels on your roof for maximised sunlight absorption. The panels placed on a south-facing roof mostly get the maximum amount of sunlight in comparison to a west-facing roof. However, different configurations can be considered based on your surroundings.
3. Size
Never forget to calculate your energy needs before installing any solar systems. It helps you know the right system size. You can simply add up the power consumption of all appliances you use to get a better understanding of the system's size you need.
4. Equipment
Apart from solar panels, make sure you have a power inverter, a charge controller, and batteries. Ensure to keep other safety equipment, considering the complexity of your solar system installation.
5. Cost
Many people don't prefer to shift their homes to solar because of their price and the cost of maintenance. The cost of installing a standard 4kW solar system in the UK is between £5,000 and £8,000. Though it is a big investment, it pays off in the long run in terms of reducing your electricity bills and increasing your property's value.
Can You Install Solar Panels Yourself?
No, it is not recommended to install solar panels on your own, even if you have basic understanding of this subject. Leave it to the professional installers only, as it is a high-risk job. When you handover the solar panel installation process to the experienced professionals, the risk of accidents and safety concerns are reduced greatly.
Moreover, installing home solar systems is sometimes considered a permitted development, which may need certain planning and permissions. Therefore, professionals are the best fit for this technical job. However, DIY installations are suitable for off-grid setups (like sheds, cabins, or RVs) or small-scale systems.
How Long Does a Solar Panel Installation Take?
The installation time varies depending on the size and complexity of your solar system. Bigger and more complex systems may take more time to install than smaller and simpler systems. However, the time required for installing a standard home solar system in the UK is around two days.
Most of the time is dedicated to setting up scaffolding and ensuring other safety measures. Furthermore, the time of installation also depends on the atmospheric conditions in your area.
Cleaning Solar Panels & Solar Maintenance Tips
Solar electric systems don't need extensive maintenance, as they don't have any moving parts. Below is a list of a few tips you can follow to keep your panels well-maintained and enhance their lifespans.
- Clean panels: Anything (like dust, debris, or leaves) accumulated on your panels may stop them from absorbing sunlight. Therefore, proper cleaning is necessary as and when needed. Since the panels remain hot, use warm water from your regular garden hose. In addition, always use non-abrasive tools to scrub panels while cleaning.
- Check for nests: Birds like pigeons often make nests under the structure. The nests may lead to overheating and improper ventilation issues. If you want to avoid facing this problem, consider wire meshing.
- Check the warranty: Some manufacturers may not claim the warranty offered if you keep on cleaning your solar systems on your own. Therefore, check the system's warranty carefully before you start DIY solar panel cleaning.
Top Renogy Solar Products for Efficient Home Installations
For those looking to harness solar energy at home in the UK, Renogy offers some excellent options. The Renogy 200W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel is a robust choice for medium-sized installations, providing high efficiency and durability. If you need a more compact solution, the Renogy 16BB N-Type 100W Solar Panel is perfect, offering superior performance in a smaller package. For unique installations, the Renogy 12V Flexible Solar Panel is ideal, as it can easily conform to curved surfaces and is lightweight for easy handling. These panels are designed to maximize energy production, ensuring your home stays powered sustainably.
Solar Installation FAQs
Can I legally install solar panels myself?
Yes, there is no legal restriction on installing solar panels on your own. However, it is not recommended, as dealing with electrical wiring requires professional skills. In addition, the installation may need permits and planning, so professionals can handle it better.
How many solar panels do I need to power my house?
The selection of the number of solar panels depends on various factors, including your energy requirements, the roof size, panels efficiency, and the amount of sunlight your roof receives. The average UK home needs 10-15 solar panels to set up a 4kW solar system to meet the energy needs of standard homes.
What are the rules for installing solar panels?
Though solar Installation is considered permitted development in the UK, you should ensure that the panels are not installed above the highest part of your roof (excluding the chimney). In addition, you should ensure that the roof can bear the system's weight (usually 20 kg/square meter). Following electrical codes, adhering to safety regulations, and obtaining necessary permits are also the rules for installing PV panels in your home.
Final Thoughts
The increasing demand for solar power is directly associated with different factors, such as increased property value and reduced electricity bills. It is a fact that the cost of buying PV panels, the mounting structure, and other necessary equipment is high; it saves you a lot of money on bills in the long run.
The solar panel installation process consists of different steps, including setting up scaffolding, installing the panels, connecting the inverter, and more, as discussed in detail above. Don't forget to test the system once the installation is finished. If you want to buy solar panels and other equipment for your home at a fair price, Renogy offers the best solar solutions in the UK.
