What is the Process for Solar Panel Installation? A Complete Guide

Summary

There are a number of steps for solar panel installation. These are the permission process, property assessment, design, survey, installation, and testing. Monitoring and maintenance are also crucial.

So you are thinking about getting solar energy! Great decision! It is an excellent way to reduce energy bills and decrease your dependence on the power grid. 

If it is the first time for your solar installation, you should know the proper way of installing the panels so that your system remains safe and durable. Do you want to know the entire installation process? 

If you are getting ready for a professional installation or just want to know: “What is the process for solar panel installation?” Here is the complete step-by-step guide for you: 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Professional Solar Panel Installation

Here you go!

Check If You Need Permission

You must check if you need permission to install solar panels. It actually depends on various factors. However, if you want rooftop solar, it almost falls under the owner’s permitted development rights. It means you can make reasonably sized improvements to your home without planning permission. 

But if you need ground-mounted installations or your home is in certain conservation areas, then you must take permission. So, it is crucial to understand whether you need permission before you start the installation process.

Property Assessment 

After the permission process, it’s time for property assessment. When you show interest in installing solar, our expert team will do a detailed assessment of your roof. The process might include evaluating your roof’s condition, orientation, and incline. 

Plus, they will also assess how shaded and how much space there is. Besides remote assessment, you can also opt for in-person structural surveys. It is especially necessary if you have a hipped roof or vaulted ceiling. A good assessment is essential to determine whether your roof is suitable for solar panels.

Designing the System

After the property assessment, it’s time to design your solar panel system. The installer will suggest the number of panels you need and how the panels will be distributed across your roof. They will try to make the most of your roof space that is south-facing.

However, sometimes an east-west array can beat a south-facing one. When designing, the expert also considers if any shading is cast on your roof. Then, they will decide how to get rid of it. 

Survey

Once the design is completed, the next step is the remote survey of your home. It is effective and essential, just like an in-person survey. The remote option can make it more convenient and much quicker. You do not have to schedule someone to visit your property. 

In the step, the installer might ask you to send some photos of certain parts of your property. Through this process, the experts will see your roof, the electricity meter, and where you want to place the battery and inverter. After you inform the installers, they will finalise your system design. 

Installation 

Here is the most crucial step: the installation of your solar system. Do you want to know the exact time of the installation process? Well, it depends on its size and the complexity of your system. Before the team arrives, you have to make sure they can access your loft, electricity meter, and the location of the battery and inverter. 

However, it is essential to know that the installers will turn the electricity off while connecting the equipment. For installing solar panels, various specialised tools are needed, such as: 

• Access & lifting equipment

• Measuring & marking tools

• Electrical & specialised solar tools
  

Testing and Activation 

After installation, the team will then test the entire system. Through this step, you ensure that the system is operating efficiently and safely. In this step, experts verify that the electrical connections are properly wired, everything is securely fixed in place, and the installation complies with the design.

After the testing process, the installers will inform you that the panels are under your control. This step is really crucial to ensure that all the wiring and connections are fixed and ‍‌‍‍‌safe.

Monitoring and Maintenance 

It is the post-installation step. Through this step, you can ensure your system will work properly for years. We will offer ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Plus, you can follow some tips for solar panel maintenance.  

The team also offers monitoring of your panels and battery. If they spot any issues, they will inform you and take the necessary steps to fix them. This step is crucial to keep the system in optimal condition and extend its lifespan.

It’s Time to Install the Solar System!

When you go through the solar panel installation process, it gives you knowledge of the entire procedure. It helps you make decisions more confidently during the installation process. You can ensure your solar setup is reliable. If you need any other information regarding the solar system, read our other blog posts.