Your solar installation.
From survey to aftercare.

1. Survey: understand the home first

Start with your annual electricity use in kWh, a recent bill and an idea of when you use most energy. Tell us about existing solar, an electric vehicle, planned building work or a heat pump. These details help us distinguish what your home needs now from what you may need later.

The assessment considers usable roof space, orientation, shading, roof condition, access and the electrical installation. Inverter and battery positions need suitable cable routes, access and manufacturer clearances. If roof repairs or a further structural assessment are needed, resolve them before agreeing the final installation.

2. Design: know what you are agreeing to

Your proposal should show the panel layout and identify the inverter, any battery and the work included. Compare estimated generation separately from estimated savings: the latter also depends on your electricity rates and how much generation you use at home. Ask which shading, usage and export assumptions underpin the forecast.

Agree responsibility for planning checks and any permissions from a landlord or freeholder. Grid connection requirements apply to the complete system, including existing equipment. Any approval required before connection must be accounted for in the schedule. See our solar panel guide and questions to ask an installer.

3. Scaffolding: plan safe access

Before work starts, agree where scaffolding will stand, how the team will reach the roof and whether access is needed through a side passage or neighbouring land. Discuss deliveries, parking, gates, fragile surfaces and anything you need to keep accessible. Confirm who arranges scaffolding and when it will be removed.

Weather, roof complexity and access can affect the programme. Ask for a schedule for your property rather than assuming every installation takes the same number of days.

4. Installation: roof and electrical work

The installation brings together the roof mounting, panels, inverter, cables and any specified battery. The agreed layout and cable routes should be clear before work begins. Keep children and pets away from work areas and leave electrical work to the installation team.

Agree the timing of any electricity interruption in advance, particularly if you work from home or depend on powered equipment. If an unexpected roof or electrical issue changes the scope, ask for an explanation of the options and any revised cost before additional work goes ahead.

5. Commissioning: check the complete system

Fitting the equipment is followed by testing and commissioning. The team checks the installation and configures the agreed controls. Where included, this covers battery charging settings, monitoring and export limitation. Backup operation is a separate design requirement and should be explained and demonstrated if it forms part of your installation.

6. Handover: leave with useful records

Ask for a clear explanation of normal operation, the monitoring display and who to contact if something looks wrong. Keep a copy of:

• The final equipment list and installation information.
• Relevant electrical and installation certificates, including MCS documentation where applicable.
• Grid connection paperwork and any export limit.
• Manufacturer manuals, warranty documents and any registration requirements.
• The generation estimate, its assumptions and the agreed aftercare arrangements.

If you intend to apply for an export tariff, check the supplier’s current eligibility, metering and paperwork requirements. Installation does not automatically enrol you in a tariff.

7. Aftercare: understand normal performance

Generation changes with daylight, weather and the season. Use the monitoring information to learn your system’s normal pattern; one cloudy day is not a useful test of the annual forecast. Record warning messages or persistent changes and contact the team before attempting repairs.

Ask which maintenance is recommended for your equipment and which visits or services are chargeable. Our servicing and repairs team can discuss faults on existing systems, including installations by other companies, subject to an equipment assessment.

Independent background: Energy Saving Trust’s installation overview.