Installing Solar Panels on Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing solar panels might seem complex, but with the right installer most of the process is handled for you. 

Here, we will explain the process and show that, while there may be some disruption during the physical installation, it is a relatively simple process from beginning to end. Want to know if your home is suitable? Book a free site assessment with The Solar Co and we’ll take care of everything from survey to switch-on.

Is My Home Suitable for Solar Panels?

Before choosing an installer, it helps to know whether your home is suitable. In most cases the answer is an immediate yes. You should however ask yourself the following questions:

• What direction does my roof face? South is ideal in the UK, but southeast, southwest, and even east/west-facing roofs can still perform well
• What is the angle of my roof pitch? A pitch of around 30–40 degrees is optimal; most standard UK roof pitches fall within this range
• Is there any major shading over my roof? Trees, chimneys, and neighbouring buildings can reduce output. A site assessment from a solar installer will identify any issues
• Do I have enough roof space? A typical 4 kWp system needs around 20 m² of usable roof space (approximately 10–12 panels)
• Does my roof need repair? Do tiles need replacing? What about the structure? Solar panels are designed to last 25–30 years, so the roof should be in good condition before installation
• Do I have a smart meter? This is essential for selling excess electricity to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) when the panels are live. You can arrange this through your energy supplier. 

Bearing in mind that the initial survey will cost you nothing, you can ask the surveyor if you have any doubts. Most roofs are suitable for solar panels so this should just be a formality. 

The Solar Panel Installation Process — Step by Step

Choose the right installer and the rest of the process will be a breeze. You do need to do a bit of legwork yourself from time to time, but most of it will be handled by the team, as we explain in the nine-step process below:

Step 1: Initial Research and Getting Quotes

As with any major structural work on your home, you should always get a few quotes to choose the best. 

You should have an idea as to why you want a solar array. This might be any or all of the following:

• Saving money on electricity
• You may be planning to get an EV car and want to charge it for free
• Want a heat pump instead of gas central heating? A solar system can reduce your bills
• Wanting to do your bit for the climate by using low carbon electricity
• Energy independence from the grid can also come from installing a home battery

Get quotes from at least three MCS-certified installers. Check their credentials at mcscertified.com before you commit, and do a bit of due diligence by checking online reviews. Don’t just assess the quotes on price – but on system design, panel quality, warranties, and aftercare. A more expensive quote may be worth it thanks to the installer ticking other boxes in your selection process. 

Depending on how many quotes you gather, this can take a week or two. 

Step 2: Site Survey and System Design

Once you have chosen the right team to work with, a qualified surveyor will visit the property to:

• Assess the roof’s orientation, pitch, condition, and structural integrity
• Conduct a shading analysis to identify any obstructions that could affect annual output
• Check the electrical setup — the consumer unit, meter location, and available space for the inverter and battery (if applicable)
• Design a system tailored to the home’s energy needs, roof layout, and budget

The surveyor will also confirm whether any planning permissions, or additional structural checks are required. This stage typically takes one to two weeks, including system design and quote finalisation.

Step 3: Planning Permission and Permits

In most cases the solar array will be considered ‘permitted development’ and require no planning consent whatsoever. Your installer will confirm this with you. There are a few exceptions that might cover your home:

• Do you live in a listed building? Planning permission is usually required. Panels may need to be positioned to minimise visual impact – perhaps facing away from the street for example
• Do you live in a conservation area? Planning permission may be needed – check with the local planning authority before proceeding
• Do you live in a flat or leasehold property? You may require freeholder or management company consent

In all other cases, no planning application is needed. Your installer will confirm the position with you.

Step 4: Grid Connection — DNO Notification

This is a major reason to choose an MCS-certified installer. Dealing with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is a bit of bureaucracy that will be entirely handled by them. 

There are two routes, with one taking a bit longer than the other to arrange:

• G98 (systems up to 3.68 kW): A ‘connect and notify’ process. Installation can proceed, and the DNO must be notified within 28 days of commissioning
• G99 (systems above 3.68 kW): Prior approval from the DNO is required before installation can begin. This can take between 10 and 45 working days, so it’s important to factor this into how long it will take before the panels go up

With most solar systems in the 4-5kWp range, you can see that it’s most likely that you will have to go down the G99 route, which takes longer than the G98. 

Step 5: Scheduling and Pre-Installation Preparation

Now the survey, any planning consent and the DNO approval is in place, you need to prepare for installation day. Before the team arrives you need to make space for them to work:

• Clear access to the roof, loft, and consumer unit/meter
• Move vehicles from the driveway if scaffolding is required
• Ensure someone is home throughout the installation 

You will be given a checklist of things to prepare ahead of the installation.

Step 6: Installation Day

This can take 1-3 days, depending on the system size and complexity of the job. The typical sequence is:

• Scaffolding erected for safe roof access (this is often done a day or two before the main installation)
• Mounting brackets fixed securely to the roof rafters — tiles are lifted, anchor points screwed into rafters, then tiles replaced and flashing added to maintain weatherproofing
• Mounting frame attached to the anchor points, providing the foundation for the panels
• Solar panels positioned on the frame, adjusted to the correct angle, and bolted into place
• DC wiring run from the panels to the inverter (usually located in the loft or garage)
• Inverter installed and connected to the home’s consumer unit
• Battery storage connected (if included in the system)
• A generation meter fitted to track how much electricity the system produces

Be aware that there may be an odd period of time when electricity is switched off. Otherwise, the work should be as non-disruptive to your day as possible.  

Step 7: System Testing and Commissioning

As with all major electrical installations, after it has been put in, there is a testing and commissioning process that may take a few hours.  This involves:

• Testing all DC and AC circuits for correct function and safety
• Verifying the inverter is communicating properly with the panels
• Confirming the system is generating electricity as expected
• Checking all safety features — DC isolators, surge protection, and emergency shutdown procedures

At this stage the installer will walk you through the system, how to monitor output and answer any questions. 

Step 8: Handover Documentation and MCS Certificate

Now this is complete, the installer should give you a full handover pack that will include:

• MCS installation certificate — proof that the system has been installed to the required quality standard
• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
• Product warranties for panels, inverter, and battery (if fitted)
• System performance documentation and monitoring app setup
• DNO notification confirmation (G98) or approval letter (G99)

You should keep the MCS certificate permanently — it is required for SEG registration, future battery upgrades, and property conveyancing if you sell your home.

Step 9: Registering for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The final bit is for you to do – registering for the Smart Export Guarantee. This scheme enables you to sell excess electricity you generate to the grid. To do this:

• Contact an energy supplier that offers an SEG tariff (you can export to a different supplier than the one you buy from)
• Provide the MCS certificate number and DNO confirmation
• A smart meter capable of measuring exports must be in place (most modern smart meters support this)

The rates you sell your electricity for range from £0.04 to £0.15 per kWh. It is a reasonably competitive market so it pays to go for the best export tariff out there. If you export 50kWh on a sunny day and you’re making 15p/kWh, that’s £7.50 off your bill. This soon mounts up over the year. 

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

The table below shows how long it takes from end to end:

Stage	Typical Duration	Notes
Research and quotes	1–4 weeks	Depends on how many quotes are gathered
Site survey and system design	1–2 weeks	Includes final quote sign-off
DNO notification / G99 approval	2–8 weeks	G99 systems only; G98 is notify after install
Scheduling and scaffolding	1–2 weeks	Depends on installer availability
Installation	1–3 days	Most homes completed in 1–2 days
Commissioning and handover	Same day	Includes system walkthrough and documentation
SEG registration	1–2 weeks	Requires smart meter and MCS certificate

From initial enquiry to a live, generating system, it takes between 6-12 weeks — largely depending on DNO approval timelines and installer availability. If you start looking for an installer in March there’s every reason to believe you’ll have your solar array fully installed by June. Ready to get started? Get a free, no-obligation quote from The Solar Co and we’ll design a system tailored to your home, your roof, and your energy goals.

What Does Solar Panel Installation Cost?

In another article The Solar Co explains the costs in detail but broadly:

• A typical 3–4 kWp system for a UK home costs in the region of £5,000–£7,500, including installation
• Adding a home battery typically costs an additional £3,000–£6,000
• Solar installations are zero-rated for VAT until at least March 2027, saving around £1,000 on a typical system
• Most residential systems pay for themselves within 7–10 years through bill savings and SEG income

Why Use a Professional, MCS-Certified Installer?

As this system is integrated into your mains electricity, it’s best to use an MCS-certified installer..  

Such an installation can ensure:

• Access the Smart Export Guarantee — without a certified installer, you cannot register for export payments
• They will self-certify compliance with Building Regulations (Part P), removing the need for separate building control sign-off
• Professional installation ensures compliance with IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and relevant MCS installation standards
• Warranties on panels and inverters are typically only valid if installed by a qualified professional
• The MCS certificate is essential at the point of property sale — missing documentation can delay the sale and reduce the sale price of the property
• Grid connection (G98/G99) paperwork is handled entirely by the installer

The Solar Co’s team of MCS-certified installers manages every step of the process, from survey and design through to commissioning, handover, and SEG registration.

FAQs

Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Not usually. Most UK homes can install solar panels under permitted development rights. Exceptions apply for listed buildings, conservation areas, and some leasehold properties. Your installer will confirm the position for your home during the initial survey.

How long does solar panel installation take?

The physical installation typically takes one to three days. From initial enquiry to a live system, the total process usually takes six to twelve weeks, depending on DNO approval timelines and installer availability.

What happens if my roof isn’t south-facing?

Southeast, southwest, and even east/west-facing roofs can still generate strong returns. Only north-facing roofs are generally not recommended. Your installer will model the expected output for your specific roof during the survey.

Will I need scaffolding?

Yes, in most cases. Scaffolding is required for safe roof access and is typically erected the day before the main installation. The cost is usually included in your installation quote.

What is an MCS certificate and do I need one?

The MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certificate is issued by your installer after the system is commissioned. It is your proof that the installation meets the required quality standard, and it is required for Smart Export Guarantee registration, property sale documentation, and future battery upgrades. Always ask to see your installer’s MCS credentials before signing a contract.

Can I add a battery later?

Yes. Many homeowners start with panels and add battery storage later. Keep all installation paperwork, as it will be needed when certifying and notifying the DNO about the upgrade.

Conclusion — Your Solar Journey Starts Here

Installing solar panels is a well-structured, manageable process — and with the right installer, most of the technical and administrative steps are handled on your behalf. From your first survey to the moment your system starts generating clean electricity, The Solar Co is with you at every stage. If you’re ready to find out what solar could do for your home, get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation assessment. 

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