How Do I Install Solar Panels and Get a Free Solar Quote?
Installing solar panels means getting MCS-certified installers to assess your roof, design a system, and handle everything from mounting to grid connection – while free quotes let you compare proper installers rather than dealing with pushy sales tactics. I’ve been fitting panels for over a decade, and typical 4kW systems still save families £400-£800 yearly, even with Lancashire’s dodgy weather.
What Actually Happens During Solar Installation
What’s the real installation process like?
Look, I’ll be straight with you – installing solar isn’t rocket science, but there’s a right way and a bodge-job way. We start by checking your roof won’t collapse under the weight (you’d be surprised how many cowboys skip this bit).
Your roof gets a proper survey first – we’re checking structural integrity, measuring everything twice, and working out where cables run. No guesswork. If your roof’s knackered or your electrics are from the Stone Age, we’ll tell you before taking your money.
The actual fitting takes us 1-2 days for most houses. Rails go on first, then panels, then we wire everything back to your consumer unit. Everything gets tested properly before we sign it off. None of this “it’ll be fine” nonsense.
Do you actually need planning permission?
Nine times out of ten, no – panels fall under permitted development. But there’s rules we follow because councils get arsey when you don’t.
Panels can’t stick out more than 200mm, can’t go on highway-facing walls, and need to be removable. Conservation areas or listed buildings? You’ll need permission. Near protected countryside? Might need permission.
Check with your council first. Better to ask now than get a nasty letter later demanding you take everything down.
How long before you’re actually generating electricity?
From getting quotes to switching on takes about 6-8 weeks if everything goes smoothly. Here’s what really happens:
Getting decent quotes takes a week or two (avoid the cowboys). Site survey and design work takes another week. Ordering kit takes 2-3 weeks because decent equipment isn’t sitting in some warehouse. Installation itself is 1-2 days. Grid connection paperwork takes another week or two.
Weather delays everything. Complex electrical work adds time. Anyone promising faster is cutting corners somewhere.
Getting Proper Solar Quotes
How do you avoid the sales vultures?
Right, the solar quote game’s full of sharks. Avoid comparison websites flogging your details to any muppet with a van. Door-to-door salespeople are usually commission-hungry and will promise anything.
You want MCS-certified installers with local references. Get 3-4 quotes minimum. Proper installers will want to see your roof before quoting because every house is different.
Watch for red flags: unrealistic savings promises, pressure to sign immediately, quotes without site visits, or deposits over 25%. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
What should proper quotes actually include?
After fitting hundreds of systems, I can spot marketing fluff immediately. Real quotes include:
Exact equipment specs – panel make/model, inverter type, mounting system. Not “premium panels” or vague descriptions.
Proper cost breakdown – equipment, labour, electrical work, scaffolding if needed. Including the 0% VAT savings.
Realistic performance estimates based on your actual roof, not some fantasy figure. Annual generation estimates for your postcode and roof angle.
Proper warranties – 20+ years on panels, 10+ years on inverters, workmanship guarantees. Not “manufacturer warranty” without details.
What do solar panels actually cost in 2025?
Prices have dropped loads over the years. Current pricing for decent kit:
3kW system: £4,500-£6,000 (smaller terraced houses) 4kW system: £5,500-£7,000 (typical family homes)
6kW system: £7,000-£9,500 (bigger houses, higher usage)
Cheap systems use rubbish components. Premium systems cost more but last longer. We recommend middle-ground quality – reliable without breaking the bank.
Check current solar costs for different system sizes.
System Sizing Reality
How big a system do you actually need?
Most installers just whack the biggest system possible on your roof to maximise their profit. That’s daft.
Look at your electricity bills – most families use 3,000-4,000 units annually. A 4kW system generates about 3,500 units in Lancashire, covering most usage. Bigger families or electric heating need more. Smaller houses need less.
Oversizing wastes money because you’ll export loads of electricity for peanuts compared to what you pay for imported electricity.
What savings can you realistically expect?
Forget the marketing promises. Real savings depend on when you use electricity versus when panels generate it.
Typical 4kW system in our area saves: £450-£650 yearly on electricity bills £80-£150 yearly from Smart Export Guarantee Total: £530-£800 annually
Better savings if you’re home during the day or have electric heating. Working families who use electricity evenings/weekends get lower savings because they’re importing more when panels aren’t generating.
Government Support
What help’s actually available?
0% VAT on solar installations saves £800-£1,500 on typical systems. This covers panels, inverters, batteries, installation – everything. Proper money off, not complicated paperwork.
Smart Export Guarantee pays 3p-15p per unit exported.
Council grants are rare these days, but some offer green loans or group buying schemes. Check current incentives before deciding.
How fast do panels pay for themselves?
Decent systems pay back in 7-10 years typically. Depends on system cost, your usage patterns, and electricity price rises.
Avoiding Cowboys
How do you spot proper installers?
MCS certification is non-negotiable. RECC membership shows they follow trading standards. Proper insurance coverage.
Get quotes from vetted installers rather than random Google ads.
What questions should you ask?
“Show me your MCS certificate” – if they haven’t got it, walk away. “Can I see recent local installations?” – proper installers are proud of their work. “What if something goes wrong?” – you want clear aftercare, not excuses. “How do you handle roof damage?” – things go wrong, you want proper insurance.
Avoid anyone who can’t answer technical questions or gets defensive about credentials.