I'm New to Solar — Where Do I Start?
Welcome to the community! Going solar is one of the best things you can do to cut your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from assessing your roof to getting your first payment for exporting electricity.
Step 1 — Assess Your Property
Roof Orientation
In the UK, solar panels generate the most electricity when your roof faces south. However, east- and west-facing roofs are still very viable — and sometimes better suited to your energy habits. The table below gives a rough guide to what to expect from each orientation.
| Orientation | Performance | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| South | Best — maximum annual generation | Highly recommended |
| South-East / South-West | Very good — strong all-day performance | Recommended |
| East | Good morning generation — suits early risers | Worth considering |
| West | Good afternoon/evening — suits late-day users | Worth considering |
| North | Poor — insufficient sunlight in the UK | Not recommended |
East & West can work well for you— East-facing panels generate more in the morning; west-facing panels do better in the afternoon and evening. If you work from home or use most energy later in the day, a west-facing roof might suit your habits better than you'd expect.
Shading
Shading from trees, chimneys, satellite dishes, or neighbouring buildings can significantly reduce your system's output. Microinverters or power optimisers can help mitigate the impact of partial shading by allowing each panel to perform independently. If your south-facing roof has heavy shading, a west-facing roof with a clear sky may actually generate more in practice.
Roof Condition
Solar panels last 25–30 years, so it's worth making sure your roof is in good condition before installing. If you'll need a new roof in the next few years, do that first — it's much easier than removing and reinstalling panels.
Step 2 — Understand Your Energy Usage
Knowing how much electricity you use is the foundation of sizing your system. Check your annual kWh consumption on your latest energy statement, or log in to your energy supplier's online account.
Where to find your number— Check your latest annual energy statement, or log in to your energy supplier's online account. The figure you want is your total electricity consumption for the past 12 months in kWh.
The table below gives a rough indication of system sizes by property type:
| Property Type | Typical Panels | Approx. System Size |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-terrace house | ~4 panels | ~1.6 kWp |
| End-terrace or semi-detached | ~8 panels | ~3.2 kWp |
| Small detached house | ~12 panels | ~4.8 kWp |
| Large detached house | ~16 panels | ~6.4 kWp |
These are rough estimates. Your installer will design a system based on your specific roof space, energy usage, and budget.
Step 3 — Find an MCS-Certified Installer
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the UK's industry standard for solar installations. Using an MCS-certified installer is essential for several reasons — most importantly, it's often required to access the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff so you can get paid for your surplus electricity.
SEG requirement— Using an MCS-certified installer is often a requirement to access the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) export tariff — meaning you won't get paid for your exported electricity without it. It also protects your warranties.
- Search for MCS-certified installers at mcscertified.com by entering your postcode
- Get at least three quotes before committing — prices can vary significantly
- Avoid pressure sales tactics — a good installer won't rush you
- Ask to see examples of previous installations in your area
Step 4 — Understand the Key Components
Every solar installation is made up of the same core components:
| Component | What it does | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | Convert sunlight into DC electricity | Essential |
| Inverter | Converts DC to AC for home use | Essential |
| Battery Storage | Stores surplus for evening use | Optional but recommended |
| Generation Meter | Measures system production | Usually included |
| Export Meter / Smart Meter | Measures grid export for SEG | Required for SEG |
Should I get a battery? Without a battery, surplus solar energy is exported at a lower rate than import costs. A battery lets you store surplus and use it in the evening, significantly increasing self-consumption. For most households, adding a battery makes financial sense.
Step 5 — Check Planning Permission
In England, Scotland, and Wales, most domestic solar panel installations fall under permitted development rights— meaning you don't need a formal planning application. There are some exceptions:
- Listed buildings — you'll need listed building consent
- Properties in conservation areas or world heritage sites
- Flats and maisonettes — permissions can differ
- Ground-mounted systems larger than 9 sq metres or 3m in height
If you're unsure, contact your local planning authority — most have a pre-application advice service. Your installer should also advise on this as part of their survey.
Step 6 — Funding & Incentives
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
The SEG is a government scheme that requires energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers to offer a tariff for the electricity you export back to the grid. Rates vary between suppliers — shop around to get the best deal. You'll need a smart meter or an export meter to access SEG.
Government Grants & Support
There is currently no dedicated UK-wide grant programme for solar panels, but several schemes may help reduce your upfront cost:
- Warm Homes Plan — Government-backed scheme supporting low-income households with energy efficiency upgrades
- Local authority schemes — Some councils offer reduced-cost or free solar installations for eligible residents
- Energy supplier schemes — Some energy suppliers run their own solar installation programmes
- 0% VAT — Solar panels and batteries are currently zero-rated for VAT under the Energy Saving Materials relief
Financing Options
If paying upfront is a barrier, several installers offer spread payments or solar loans. Be sure to compare the total cost of financing against the savings you'll make — some financing deals can be expensive in the long run.
Step 7 — Questions to Ask Your Installer
Before signing anything, make sure you ask your installer these key questions:
- What electricity price are you using to calculate my savings estimate?
- How much of my generation will I use myself vs. export?
- How are you accounting for shading and roof orientation?
- What warranties do you provide? Panels, inverter, and workmanship.
- Are you MCS certified? (Verify at mcscertified.com)
- Will I need scaffolding, and is it included in your quote?
- Do you handle the DNO application?
Share your quotes in the community before you commit — our members are happy to give a second opinion. There are no silly questions here!
Free Weekly Newsletter
Stay sharp — join The Solar Signal
A free weekly email for UK solar owners. Real generation data, tariff tips, community highlights, and the news that actually matters — straight to your inbox every Sunday.