4 min read
What to expect from a solar or battery installation
From the first conversation to switching on: surveys, certification, DNO paperwork and what to ask your installer.
1. Survey and design
A good installer looks at your roof, your electricity usage and your supply before recommending a system. Expect questions about when you use most electricity, whether you have or plan an electric car or heat pump, and whether backup power matters to you.
2. Certification
Choose an MCS-certified installer. MCS certification is needed for most Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs, which pay you for electricity you export. Ask whether the installer is a member of a consumer code such as RECC or HIES, which sets standards for contracts, deposits and complaints.
3. Permissions
Most rooftop solar on houses in England is permitted development and does not need planning permission, but there are exceptions — for example listed buildings and some conservation areas. The installer also registers the system with the network operator (DNO) under G98 or G99.
4. Installation and handover
Installation typically takes one to three days depending on the system. At handover you should receive the MCS certificate, the DNO notification or approval, warranty details, and a walkthrough of the monitoring app.
Questions worth asking
- Is the quote based on my actual usage data?
- What is the usable battery capacity, not just the nominal figure?
- Who handles warranty claims, and for how long?
- Can the battery be expanded later?
- Will the system provide backup power, and for which circuits?
