Find solar PV installers near me

Here, we cover everything you need to know about hiring solar PV installers near you – from what they do to how much they tend to charge.

If you like the idea of reducing your energy bills while lowering your carbon footprint, switching to solar energy will be right up your street. Read on to find out more.

Want to get started on finding expert solar PV installers near you?

We have two quick and easy ways to find the best solar PV installers near you on Checkatrade:

1. Request a quote. Just tell us what you need doing and we’ll reach out to PV installers near you who come highly recommended. They’ll then contact you directly.

2. Search your postcode. Enter your postcode into the search box below to browse a list of top solar PV installers near you on Checkatrade.

Your questions answered about solar PV installation

What is solar PV technology?

Photovoltaics (PV) is the technology used in most solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity.

Solar panels contain PV cells, which absorb energy from the sun. They then convert this energy into direct current (DC) electricity.

An inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used to power appliances in the home or fed back to the National Grid.

In this way, solar PV technology allows homeowners to generate their own electricity from a renewable source, instead of relying on the National Grid and burning polluting fossil fuels.

Can any electrician do solar?

Technically, any electrician should legally be able to install solar panels. However, in practice, it’s much better if they have specific training and qualifications relating to solar panel installation.

This is because solar panels have unique technical and safety requirements. As well as installing them correctly, your electrician will need to make sure the electricity produced is compatible with the National Grid, and that it’s possible to measure how much energy has been made.

Most importantly of all, we would recommend choosing an installer who is a member of an appropriate accreditation body – such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Without this, you may not be able to sell your excess energy back to the National Grid, or even sell your property with the solar panels included.

Enter your postcode below to browse Checkatrade-approved members offering solar panel installation.

Does a solar PV installer need to be registered?

A solar PV installer doesn’t legally need to be registered with an accreditation body. However, we would always recommend using an installer who is.

MCS is the main regulatory body in the UK for small-scale, low-carbon, and renewable technologies.

By using only MCS-certified products and hiring an MCS-certified installer, you can be confident that your system has been designed, manufactured, and installed to the highest standards.

It’s also a requirement if you want to be eligible for the various energy grants available from the government. Plus, there’s a risk that if your solar panel installation isn’t MCS certified, your property could become ineligible for a mortgage in the future.

Can you install solar PV yourself?

There’s nothing stopping you from installing solar PV yourself from a legal standpoint. However, it’s a very complex job that requires a lot of technical skill, planning permission knowledge, and even experience working at height.

Not only that, but unless you’re certified by an appropriate accreditation body such as MCS, you’ll likely struggle to sell your excess energy back to the National Grid, or even sell your property with the solar panels included in the future.

Finally, if you’re considering installing solar PV yourself, we’d always recommend checking with your home insurance or solar panel insurance provider first. Sometimes, their cover will only be valid if you have your solar panels insured by an MCS-accredited professional.

Simply type your postcode into the search box below to browse a list of the top MCS-registered solar PV installers near you.

Why hire solar photovoltaic installers near me?

Hiring an accredited solar photovoltaic installer near you is the best way of making sure that your solar panels are installed to a high standard and that you’ll be able to unlock all of their benefits.

• Expertise. Solar panel installation comes with unique technical challenges. A solar PV installer near you will have the skills and knowledge to get a professional result.

• Safety. Solar photovoltaic installation involves working with electricity and at height. With that in mind, hiring a professional with the right training is the safest approach.

• Accreditation. Choosing an MCS-registered PV installer near you will ensure that you can sell your excess energy back to the National Grid. It will also give you the best chance of being eligible for energy grants.

• Guidance. An expert solar PV installer will be able to offer you advice and guidance on the right kind of solar panels for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

• Convenience. Your solar photovoltaic installer will have the tools, equipment, contacts, and knowledge to do the job quickly, efficiently, and to a high standard.

How much do PV installers near me cost?

The cost of having solar PV panels installed can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the:

• Size of the system

• Type of system

• Direction your roof faces

• Strength of your roof

• Access to your property

• Location

However, as a ballpark estimate, you can expect to spend aroundSemi-detached for a 4kW photovoltaic system.

This may seem like a lot at first glance, but remember that installing solar panels will reduce your energy bills in the long run. In fact, a 4kW photovoltaic system could save you around 27m² a year (based on July 2023 energy prices)!

Head over to our guide to the cost of solar panel installation to learn more.

How do I find reputable solar PV installers near me?

Ready to find a reputable solar PV installer near you? Simply follow these simple tips to ensure you hire the right installer for the job.

• Read reviews. Always read what other homeowners have said about solar PV installers near you online. That way, you can choose a firm that others rate.

• Check accreditations. Check that your installer is a member of an appropriate accreditation body such as MCS.

• Ask about guarantees. Find out whether your solar panels will be guaranteed, and how long for.

• Get multiple quotes. We recommend getting at least three written quotes from solar photovoltaic installers near you so you can check you’re getting a fair price for the work.

• Ask about payment. Reputable PV installers near you shouldn’t ask for the full payment upfront. Instead, you should be able to pay at least part of the balance after the work is complete.

• Use Checkatrade! Our approved tradespeople have to pass up to 12 checks and regularly receive reviews from homeowners.

With Checkatrade, we make it easy to hire a trusted expert for the job. In fact, when you book a trade through Checkatrade, their work is guaranteed for up to 12 months (exclusions and T&Cs apply).