Helpful video reference. Jordan Farley of Artisan Electrics covers the key questions in "Don't get Solar PV until you've watched this video!" before you commit to a solar quote. Artisan Electrics is a Cambridge-based electrical firm with over 300,000 YouTube subscribers and a strong track record covering UK domestic installations, renewables and EV charging in plain, practical terms.
1. Assess your roof and shade situation
A south-facing roof pitched between 30 and 45 degrees, free from shade between 9 am and 3 pm, gives the best annual energy yield. In the UK south-east, a good-quality 4 kW system on such a roof might generate 3,800 to 4,200 kWh per year.
East-west split arrays work well on hipped or semi-detached roofs where south-facing space is limited. You lose a little peak output but you spread generation across more of the day, which suits homes that use electricity in the morning and evening rather than just at midday.
Shading matters more than people expect. A chimney, a neighbouring roof or a large tree casting shadow across even a third of the array can cut output disproportionately, depending on whether your installer uses string inverters or module-level power electronics (microinverters or power optimisers). Ask your installer how they handle shading before they specify the system.
A reputable installer will also check the roof structure and tile condition. Panels add around 15 kg per square metre to the roof. Damaged or weathered tiles should be replaced before the array goes on, not after.
2. Understand which DNO permission your system needs
Every grid-connected solar PV system must be registered with your distribution network operator (DNO), the company that owns the cables supplying your street. There are two routes:
- G98 (simplified notification): Systems up to 3.68 kW AC per phase. The installer notifies the DNO after the work is complete. No prior approval is needed. Most domestic systems of up to around 12 panels fall into this category.
- G99 (formal application): Systems above 3.68 kW per phase, three-phase connections, or anything the DNO flags for technical review. The installer must submit an application and wait for written approval before starting work. This process can take 4 to 12 weeks depending on the DNO and the local grid capacity.
Your installer handles the paperwork, but you should confirm which route applies and, if it is G99, that the application has been submitted and acknowledged before you allow work to start. Installing without DNO permission invalidates your insurance and may require the system to be disconnected.
3. Check whether your consumer unit is ready
The PV system needs a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit, with an AC isolator clearly labelled and accessible. This means a spare way in the board. If your board is already full, a new dual-RCD or all-RCBO board will need to be fitted at the same time.
An older 60 A single main switch board is almost certain to need replacing, particularly if you are also planning to add an EV charger. Running solar generation, EV charging and standard household loads through a 60 A main switch is a safety concern that any competent installer should raise without prompting.
Check whether the consumer unit upgrade is included in the solar quote or priced separately. Sometimes it is omitted from the headline figure and added as a surprise cost when the installer opens the board on the day.
4. Verify your installer's MCS certification
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the quality standard for small-scale renewable energy in the UK. MCS certification is a prerequisite for registering for the Smart Export Guarantee. Without it, you cannot get paid for electricity you export.
Every legitimate solar installer will have an MCS company number. Check it on the Ofgem MCS register before signing a contract. The search is free and takes two minutes. If an installer cannot provide their number, or gives one that does not match, walk away.
MCS certification also means the installer is bound by the scheme's consumer protection code, which includes a cooling-off period and a complaints resolution process. Cash-in-hand work with no MCS number leaves you with no recourse if the system underperforms or develops a fault.
5. Understand the Smart Export Guarantee before choosing a supplier
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) replaced the Feed-in Tariff for new installations. It pays you for electricity you export to the grid, at a rate set by each licensed electricity supplier. You apply through your supplier after the installation is commissioned.
Rates vary significantly between suppliers. Some offer fixed rates; others offer time-of-use rates that pay more during peak demand periods. Before choosing or staying with an electricity supplier, compare SEG rates because the difference over a 10-year period can be hundreds of pounds.
You also need a smart meter that can record both import and export in half-hour intervals. If you do not have one, contact your supplier. Smart meter installation is free under the government rollout.
6. Decide on battery storage now, not later
Battery storage allows you to use electricity generated at midday in the evening, when your household demand is higher and export rates may be lower. The question is whether to add storage now or wait.
Retrofitting batteries adds cost: scaffolding may need to go back up, the electrician makes a separate visit, and if your original installer fitted a standard string inverter rather than a hybrid inverter, you may also need to replace the inverter. This can add £1,000 to £2,000 to the battery cost.
If the full cost of solar plus batteries is too high right now, at least ask your installer to fit a hybrid (battery-ready) inverter. Brands like GivEnergy, SolarEdge, Solis and Growatt all offer hybrid options. A hybrid inverter means future battery storage is a case of adding the battery unit rather than replacing the core of the system.
When to call us
If you are getting solar quotes and want a second opinion on whether your consumer unit needs upgrading, or you need a Part P-registered electrician to carry out the consumer unit work separately from the panel installer, call Richard. He covers Sandwich and east Kent.
Thinking about solar PV in east Kent?
Richard can assess your consumer unit and carry out the electrical work for solar connections to Part P standards. Get a written quote before the panel installer arrives.
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