What a good installation looks like
1. Survey
The installer should check your roof's direction, pitch, condition and shading, look at your fuse board and meter, and ask about your electricity use. Expect a panel layout and an estimated yearly output, ideally using a recognised method such as MCS's or a tool like PVGIS.
2. Written quote
A clear quote lists the equipment (make and model), the estimated output, total price with VAT shown (0% for homes until 31 March 2027 under HMRC Notice 708/6), payment schedule, warranties and timescales. Compare quotes like for like.
3. Checks before you sign
Look the installer up on the MCS register, confirm their consumer code membership (RECC or HIES) and ask how your deposit is protected. Our installer checks guide covers this.
4. Planning check
Most home roof systems are permitted development, but listed buildings, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites have extra limits. See the Planning Portal.
5. Installation day(s)
Scaffolding goes up, panels and mounting go on the roof, and the inverter, isolators and generation meter are fitted. Ask your installer for their timetable; scaffolding is often up for longer than the installation itself.
6. Grid notification
Your installer notifies the network operator (National Grid Electricity Distribution in Telford). Systems up to 3.68kW per phase are usually notified within 28 days of commissioning (G98); larger systems need approval first (G99).
7. Certificate and handover
You should receive an MCS certificate, electrical certificates, warranties and instructions. Keep them: you'll need the MCS certificate for SEG payments and when you sell your home.
8. Start earning for exports
Apply to a supplier for a Smart Export Guarantee tariff. Rates vary, so compare suppliers on Ofgem's SEG list.
Sources
- EU Joint Research Centre PVGIS 5.3 (Telford, 52.678N 2.445W, 1kWp, 35° pitch, 14% losses) (run 25 Oct 2026)
- HMRC VAT Notice 708/6: energy-saving materials (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- MCS: Find an installer (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- RECC: Renewable Energy Consumer Code (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- HIES: Home Insulation & Energy Systems scheme (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- Planning Portal: Solar equipment on a house (rules updated 27 Aug 2026) (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- National Grid Electricity Distribution: Micro generation (G98) (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee for generators (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- Ofgem: SEG supplier list (checked 25 Oct 2026)
Figures change. We review this page regularly; if you spot something out of date, tell us through the form.