Solar Panel Installation by MCS-Certified Engineers
Solar Panels UK installs solar panel systems across Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and London. Prices start from £3,999, including all solar panels and full electrical installation. Solar Panels UK is MCS certified and a member of RECC, HIES and Solar Energy UK. Request your survey below, or call 0151 480 1428.
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Illustrative image: all-black solar panels on a slate roof.
What a Solar Panel Installation Includes
These are the parts of a typical solar panel installation. Your quote lists exactly what is included.
- Scaffolding
- erected and removed, including front and rear access where needed
- Solar panels
- all-black monocrystalline, with the model confirmed in your quote
- Mounting system
- aluminium rails with roof hooks matched to your tile type
- Inverter
- model confirmed in your quote
- Electrical work
- AC and DC isolators, generation meter, consumer unit connection
- Certification
- MCS certificate, Electrical Installation Certificate, G98 or G99 network notification
- Handover
- monitoring app set-up and Smart Export Guarantee application.
Solar Panel Installation on Different UK Roof Types
Roof covering decides the fixing method, the installation time and whether extra materials are needed. Plain clay tiles take longest, because each broken tile has to be matched to the existing roof.
| Roof type | Fixing method | Typical added time |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete interlocking tile | Roof hooks under lifted tiles | None |
| Natural slate | Slate hooks with replacement flashing slates | Half a day |
| Plain clay tile | Roof hooks, broken tiles replaced to match | Half to one day |
| Flat roof (felt or EPDM) | Ballasted A-frame mounts, no roof penetration | Half a day |
| New build or re-roof | In-roof integrated panels replace tiles | One day |
Slate roofs crack if hooks are fitted the way tile hooks are. A lead or aluminium flashing slate above each hook lets water run over the fixing rather than through it.
Illustrative image: a slate hook with flashing slate, fitted before the mounting rail.
Common Panel and Inverter Set-Ups
Three common set-ups suit different roofs, depending on shading and whether a battery is planned.
String inverter system
One inverter converts the output of every panel, the lowest-cost option for unshaded roofs.
- Suits
- single-direction, unshaded roofs
Hybrid inverter system
A hybrid inverter runs the panels and charges a battery from one unit.
- Suits
- homes adding a battery now or later
Panel optimisers
Optimisers on each panel stop one shaded panel dragging down the whole string.
- Suits
- roofs shaded by chimneys, dormers or trees
Do Solar Panels Need Planning Permission?
Most UK homes don't need planning permission for roof-mounted solar panels, because the installation counts as permitted development. In England, panels must not protrude more than 200mm from the roof slope or sit above the highest part of the roof. Listed buildings, and front roof slopes in some conservation areas, need consent first. If your home may be affected, check with your local planning authority before booking.
Areas Covered by Solar Panels UK Engineers
Solar Panels UK engineers install in the following areas. Homes outside them are matched with up to three local MCS-certified installers through the same quote form.
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Leeds
- Birmingham
- London
Warranty and Aftercare
Solar Panels UK provides a 24-month manufacturing guarantee and a 12-month warranty, and replacement parts are covered. The business holds public liability and contractors' all risks insurance, and offers insurance-backed guarantees.