Solar Panel Installers & Solar Energy Specialists in the UK

Are you looking for solar panel installers in your area? Trusted Tradesman helps homeowners, landlords and businesses find local companies and tradespeople offering solar panel installation, solar PV systems, battery storage, solar maintenance, repairs and related renewable energy services.

Solar energy has become an increasingly important option for UK properties looking to generate their own electricity. A properly designed solar PV system can generate electricity from daylight, reduce the amount of electricity a property needs to purchase from the grid and, where eligible, allow surplus electricity to be exported back to the grid.

Whether you are considering solar panels for your home, looking for a solar battery installer, need an existing solar PV system serviced or are planning a larger commercial installation, finding an appropriately experienced local installer is an important part of the process.

Use the links below to explore solar services and find solar panel installers near you.

Find Solar Panel Installers Near You

Solar installation is a local service, and the availability of suitable installers can vary considerably from one area to another. Start by selecting your location to find solar businesses serving your area.

Solar Panel Installers in Bedfordshire
Solar Panel Installers in Berkshire
Solar Panel Installers in Cheshire
Solar Panel Installers in Cornwall
Solar Panel Installers in Devon
Solar Panel Installers in Dorset
Solar Panel Installers in Essex
Solar Panel Installers in Hertfordshire
Solar Panel Installers in Norfolk
Solar Panel Installers in Northamptonshire
Solar Panel Installers in Nottinghamshire
Solar Panel Installers in Suffolk
Solar Panel Installers in South Yorkshire
Solar Panel Installers in West Yorkshire
Solar Panel Installers in Worcestershire

We are continually expanding our coverage, so if you cannot yet find a dedicated solar page for your area, check our local tradespeople directory for businesses operating nearby.

Solar Services

Solar energy is not simply about putting photovoltaic panels on a roof. A complete solar energy system can include panels, inverters, battery storage, monitoring equipment, electrical connections and associated control systems.

Different solar specialists may concentrate on different aspects of the work. Our solar directory is therefore being developed around the services people are actually searching for.

Solar Panel Installers

Solar panel installers design and install photovoltaic systems for homes, commercial premises and other buildings. A typical installation involves assessing the property, considering the available roof space and orientation, specifying the appropriate equipment and installing the panels and associated electrical equipment.

A good solar installation should be designed around the property and the customer’s expected electricity usage rather than simply maximising the number of panels that can physically fit on a roof.

Solar PV Installers

Solar photovoltaic, commonly shortened to solar PV, is the technology used to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar PV systems can be installed on many different types of property, subject to the suitability of the building and the proposed installation.

When comparing solar PV installers, it is worth considering their experience with the type and scale of installation you are planning, the equipment they use and the certification and documentation they provide.

Solar Battery Installers

Solar battery storage can be installed alongside a new solar PV system or, depending on the circumstances, added to an existing installation.

A battery can store electricity generated by solar panels so that it can potentially be used later rather than being exported immediately. This can be particularly useful where a property uses relatively little electricity during the hours when its solar panels are generating the most electricity.

Battery systems are becoming an increasingly important part of the domestic solar market. The UK Government now publishes official statistics covering MCS-certified domestic battery installations, reflecting the growing importance of battery storage alongside solar PV.

Solar and Battery Installation

For homeowners considering a complete renewable electricity system, combining solar panels with battery storage can be an attractive option.

The appropriate battery size depends on factors including electricity consumption, solar generation, available roof space, the expected generation profile and how the property uses electricity. An installer should therefore assess the complete system rather than treating the battery as an isolated product.

Commercial Solar Installers

Solar PV can also be installed on commercial and industrial properties, including offices, warehouses, factories, agricultural buildings, retail premises and other businesses with suitable roof or ground space.

Commercial solar installations can be considerably larger and more complex than domestic systems. They may involve larger arrays, three-phase electrical systems, battery storage, energy management systems and more detailed assessment of the property’s electricity consumption.

If you are considering solar for a business, look for an installer with appropriate experience of commercial installations and the scale of system you are considering.

Solar PV Maintenance

Solar PV systems are generally designed to operate for many years, but ongoing monitoring and maintenance can help identify problems and ensure that a system continues to perform as expected.

Solar PV maintenance can include inspection of panels and electrical equipment, checking system performance, examining inverter operation and investigating unusual reductions in generation.

Solar Panel Repairs

If an existing solar installation has stopped generating electricity or is producing significantly less energy than expected, a solar specialist may be able to diagnose the problem.

Potential faults can involve inverters, electrical connections, monitoring equipment, individual components or other parts of the installation. It is important that electrical work on a solar PV system is carried out by a suitably qualified and competent professional.

Solar Panel Cleaning

Solar panels are exposed to the weather throughout the year and can accumulate dirt, dust, bird fouling and other deposits. In some circumstances cleaning may be beneficial, although the need for cleaning varies depending on the location and characteristics of the installation.

If your panels are difficult or unsafe to access, a specialist solar panel cleaning service can assess them and carry out the work using appropriate equipment.

Domestic Solar Panels

For homeowners, solar panels are usually installed on the roof of a house or other suitable building to generate electricity for use within the property.

The potential performance of a domestic solar installation depends on several factors, including the size and orientation of the available roof area, shading from surrounding buildings or trees, the system design, local conditions and the property’s electricity consumption.

A solar installer should assess these factors before recommending a system.

It is also worth considering how much electricity your household uses during daylight hours. A property with significant daytime electricity consumption may be able to use a greater proportion of its solar generation directly, while a household with lower daytime consumption may place greater value on battery storage or exporting surplus electricity.

Solar Panels and Battery Storage

One of the most common developments in residential solar is the combination of photovoltaic panels with battery storage.

Solar panels generate electricity when there is sufficient daylight, but household electricity consumption does not necessarily coincide with the hours of highest solar generation. Battery storage provides a way of shifting some of that generated electricity to a later time.

For example, a household may generate surplus electricity during the middle of the day when nobody is at home and then use stored electricity during the evening.

Battery storage can therefore change the way a household uses its solar generation, although the financial case depends on the individual property, system design, electricity tariffs, battery cost, usage patterns and other factors.

There is also an important distinction between solar generation and exporting electricity. Electricity that is generated and used within the property can reduce the amount that needs to be purchased from the grid, while surplus electricity may be exported subject to the relevant arrangements.

What Is Solar PV?

Solar PV stands for solar photovoltaic. Photovoltaic cells convert light into electrical energy, allowing solar panels to generate electricity without burning fuel.

A solar PV installation normally consists of more than just the visible panels. The system can also include an inverter, mounting equipment, electrical protection and monitoring equipment, with battery storage being an additional component where required.

The inverter is an important part of a typical system because the electricity generated by the panels needs to be converted into a form suitable for use by the property’s electrical system.

Modern systems can also provide detailed monitoring, allowing homeowners and businesses to see how much electricity their installation is generating and, depending on the system, how that electricity is being used or exported.

Solar Panels for Businesses

Commercial solar installations can offer businesses an opportunity to generate electricity on-site, particularly where a building has a large roof area and significant daytime electricity consumption.

Warehouses, factories, offices, farms, workshops and other commercial premises can potentially benefit from solar PV where the building and electrical infrastructure are suitable.

Commercial systems can also be considered alongside battery storage and other energy technologies. The most appropriate solution will depend on the individual business’s electricity demand, operating hours, available space and financial objectives.

Businesses considering solar should seek proposals based on their actual electricity consumption rather than comparing systems purely on the number of panels or headline system capacity.

Choosing a Solar Panel Installer

Choosing an installer is one of the most important decisions when purchasing a solar PV system. Solar panels may remain in service for many years, so it is worth looking beyond the initial quotation.

Check relevant certification

Ask the installer about the certification and accreditation applicable to the proposed installation. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is particularly relevant to small-scale renewable energy installations in the UK.

MCS certification can also be relevant to eligibility for the Smart Export Guarantee. Government guidance states that qualifying solar PV installations up to 50kW generally need to demonstrate that the installation and installer are MCS certified, or certified through an equivalent scheme, when applying for SEG payments.

Ask what the quotation includes

Solar quotations can differ considerably in what is included. Ask whether the quoted price covers the panels, inverter, mounting system, electrical work, monitoring equipment, scaffolding, certification and commissioning.

If battery storage is included, establish the battery capacity, expected usable capacity, warranty terms and how the battery will interact with the solar PV system.

Compare the proposed system

Do not compare quotations purely on the number of panels. Two installers may propose systems with different panel capacities, inverter specifications, battery sizes and expected annual generation.

Ask each installer to explain the proposed system and the assumptions used to estimate its performance.

Consider after-sales support

A solar installation is a long-term investment. Ask who will provide support if the inverter develops a fault, monitoring stops working or the system appears to be producing less electricity than expected.

It is also worth checking the warranty arrangements for the individual components and the workmanship.

Solar Panel Installation and the Smart Export Guarantee

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed mechanism through which participating electricity suppliers pay eligible small-scale generators for electricity exported to the grid.

Solar PV is one of the technologies covered by the scheme. Ofgem states that eligible generators apply directly to a SEG licensee and that suppliers determine the tariff rates and contract terms they offer. The current SEG arrangements cover eligible installations in Great Britain.

The SEG should not, however, be confused with the savings made by using solar electricity yourself. Electricity generated and consumed at the property can reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the grid, while electricity exported to the grid may qualify for a SEG payment if the installation meets the applicable requirements.

Anyone considering SEG payments should check the current eligibility requirements and available tariffs rather than relying on historic tariff rates or assumptions made at the time of installation.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

There is no single price for a solar panel installation because the cost depends on the size and complexity of the system.

Factors that can affect the cost include:

The number and type of solar panels
The total system capacity
The type and size of inverter
Whether battery storage is included
The size and accessibility of the roof
Scaffolding requirements
Electrical work and consumer unit requirements
Monitoring and control equipment
Whether the installation is domestic or commercial
Any additional structural or roofing work required

For this reason, obtaining several detailed quotations can provide a much more useful comparison than relying on a generic online solar panel price.

Solar Panel Installers by Town and City

Solar installation is highly location-focused, and people commonly search for installers using a town, city or county alongside terms such as “solar panels”, “solar installers”, “solar panel installation” and “solar PV”.

Trusted Tradesman is building dedicated local pages to make it easier to find solar specialists in individual areas.

Popular Solar Installation Locations

Solar Panel Installers in Northampton
Solar Panel Installers in Northamptonshire
Solar Panel Installers in Norwich
Solar Panel Installers in Sheffield
Solar Panel Installers in Wakefield
Solar Panel Installers in Bedford
Solar Panel Installers in Bedfordshire
Solar Panel Installers in Newbury
Solar Panel Installers in Berkshire
Solar Panel Installers in Cornwall
Solar Panel Installers in Newquay
Solar Panel Installers in Worcester
Solar Panel Installers in Worcestershire
Solar Panel Installers in Huddersfield
Solar Panel Installers in Mansfield
Solar Panel Installers in Banbury
Solar Panel Installers in Wellingborough
Solar Panel Installers in Kettering
Solar Panel Installers in Daventry
Solar Panel Installers in Towcester

As more local solar pages are added, this list can be expanded to cover additional towns and cities.

Solar Panel Installers Near You

If you are searching for a solar installer, it is worth looking beyond the first company you find. A local installer with relevant experience may be able to assess your property, explain the available options and provide a quotation based on your actual requirements.

Trusted Tradesman profiles are designed to help you investigate local tradespeople and businesses before making contact. Depending on the profile, you may be able to see the trades and locations covered, photographs, contact details, customer reviews and other information about the business.

Browse solar panel installers near you to find local businesses currently listed on Trusted Tradesman.

Solar Panel Installation FAQs

Are solar panels worth having in the UK?

Solar PV can be worthwhile for many UK properties, but the financial and environmental benefits depend on the individual installation. Roof orientation, shading, system size, electricity consumption, installation cost, battery storage and electricity tariffs can all affect the outcome.

A reputable installer should be able to assess the property and provide realistic estimates rather than guaranteeing a particular level of saving.

Do solar panels work when it is cloudy?

Solar panels do not require direct sunshine to generate electricity. They can continue producing electricity in cloudy conditions, although generation will generally be lower than on a bright sunny day.

Do solar panels need direct sunlight?

Direct sunlight generally produces stronger solar generation, but photovoltaic panels can also generate electricity from diffuse daylight. The amount generated varies according to weather and other conditions.

Do I need a battery with solar panels?

No. A solar PV system can operate without battery storage. However, a battery may be appropriate for some properties because it can store surplus electricity for later use. Whether adding a battery makes financial sense depends on the individual circumstances.

Can I add a battery to existing solar panels?

In many circumstances a battery can be added to an existing solar PV installation, although compatibility, system design and electrical requirements need to be assessed by a suitably qualified installer.

Can solar panels generate enough electricity for a house?

The answer depends on the size and design of the system and the property’s electricity consumption. A solar installer can estimate expected annual generation and compare it with your historic electricity usage.

Can businesses install solar panels?

Yes. Solar PV is used on many types of commercial property. Commercial installations can range from relatively small systems to much larger arrays, with the appropriate design depending on the building, electricity demand and available space.

Can solar panels be installed on a garage or outbuilding?

Potentially. Garages, outbuildings and other structures can sometimes provide suitable locations for solar panels, although structural suitability, orientation, shading, cable runs and electrical requirements all need to be considered.

How long do solar panels last?

Solar PV systems are designed as long-term installations, but the expected lifespan and performance of individual components can vary. When comparing installers, ask about the expected service life, warranties and replacement arrangements for the panels, inverter and any battery storage.

Should I get more than one solar quotation?

It is generally sensible to compare several quotations. Look at the proposed system, expected generation, equipment, warranties, installation work and after-sales support as well as the headline price.

Find a Solar Panel Installer

Whether you are looking for a domestic solar panel installer, a commercial solar company, a solar battery specialist or someone to maintain or repair an existing PV system, Trusted Tradesman can help you find businesses serving your area.

Find solar panel installers near you and explore local profiles, services and locations.

If you are a solar installation company or renewable energy specialist, create or claim your Trusted Tradesman profile to showcase your business to people searching for solar services in your area.