The Solar Panel Installation Process
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When you’ve resolved to explore clean power generation options, what’s the initial step and what does the process entail?
The good news is that nearly all solar projects adhere to a standardized path. This streamlined approach is crafted to mitigate development risks and minimize disruption, enabling us to concentrate on delivering a seamless, high-quality renewable energy solution.
See how our comprehensive solar panel installation process has been crafted to mitigate risks and minimise disruption, enabling us to focus on delivering a seamless, high-quality renewable energy solution.
Data
The initial stage of any journey holds significant importance, and embarking on the development of a solar PV system is no exception. To begin, we’ll require documentation including your energy consumption records from the past 12 months, typically obtained from your current energy provider, your latest electricity bill, and confirmation of the property or land intended for solar usage.
Additionally, we’ll schedule an initial consultation to understand your motivations for adopting green energy and discuss potential options. Meanwhile, we’ll analyze the gathered data to determine the ideal system size for your residential or commercial premises
Preliminary Proposal
Once initial discussions have advanced and a suitable system has been identified for your requirements, we will compile a preliminary proposal for your review. This proposal will encompass the following aspects:
Our preliminary proposal will cover the following topics:
- Size and approximate arrangement of solar panels
- Expected output of the solar PV system
- Estimation of energy consumption offset for your residence or establishment
- Capital investment breakdown, including available financing options
- Anticipated savings achievable through the proposed design
- Outline of future operational expenses and optional monitoring features
- Projected payback period and financial return on investment
- Overview of carbon emission reductions attributable to your property
We will engage in further discussions to present our recommendations and furnish additional insights into renewable energy technologies pertinent to your project. At this early stage, our understanding of your site is primarily derived from data analysis and Google Maps. Nonetheless, the preliminary proposal will offer sufficient detail to explore potential reasons why a solar array might not align with your business objectives, allowing both parties to avoid investing excessive time or resources in a concept unlikely to progress in the short to medium term.
Full Technical Survey
Once you approve the preliminary proposal, the subsequent phase involves a comprehensive assessment of the proposed site and initiation of the grid connection approval process.
Our technical survey of your site typically spans a few hours, during which our proficient team members gather vital data to refine the preliminary design into a more detailed proposal. This survey encompasses the following components:
- Application to the national grid for connection approval of the proposed solar PV system. Specialists at the national grid analyse the array data to ascertain site connection possibilities, a process that may take up to 65 days for approval, contingent on the national grid’s procedures.
- Application to the Local Authority for planning permission or permitted development rights. Most projects can proceed under permitted development rights, subject to specific size and implementation criteria. However, certain scenarios necessitate planning permission application, including projects generating 1MW or more energy or situated in designated areas.
- Independent structural assessment. A Structural Engineering partner evaluates the proposed roof structure to confirm its capacity to support the solar panels’ additional weight.
- Roof condition survey. This assessment ensures compatibility between the solar panel design and the proposed space.
- Ground survey / Pull out testing. If opting for ground-mounted solar solutions, appropriate testing and surveying ensure product suitability.
- Scaffold and access assessment. Beyond construction considerations, we provide recommendations for safe and convenient access to the solar investment post-construction.
- Electrical integration assessment. A thorough survey of existing electrical infrastructure aids in determining the installation location and method for new electrical components.
- Health and safety appraisal. Evaluation of site requirements ensures safe commencement of work with minimal disruption.
Please note that securing planning permission may extend up to four months, contingent on the Local Authority’s procedures and specific requirements.
Full Technical Survey
Data gathered during the Technical Survey enables us to draft an extensive proposal encompassing a detailed scope of services tailored to optimize your renewable energy capabilities within the solar project.
Additionally, timelines will be fully delineated and established subsequent to thorough investigation and analysis of your site, ensuring the safe, precise, and minimally disruptive delivery of your solar installation.
Project Delivery
Upon acceptance of the final proposal and attainment of requisite approvals (including grid connection, structural or ground assessment, and planning permission or permitted development), we proceed to the Pre-Construction phase of implementing your solar project.
We collaborate closely with you to meticulously plan timeframes, logistics, and access to your residence or establishment, aiming to mitigate disruptions and facilitate seamless installation of solar panels.
The duration of the Pre-Construction phase varies depending on the scale and intricacy of your project, typically ranging between 8-12 weeks.
Construction
Adhering to all site orientations, regulations, and directives, our proficient Solar Installation Team initiates the installation of the mounting framework, onto which the solar panels will be affixed. The timing and execution of electrical work are contingent upon the project’s type and complexity, either concurrently or shortly following mechanical installation completion. Throughout the Construction phase, we ensure you are kept informed and updated.
Upon the completion of solar installation, the PV system undergoes rigorous testing procedures to ensure full operational functionality, a process commonly referred to as Commissioning. Depending on the extent of grid connection approval granted by the national grid, a specialist may need to visit your site to oversee the initial activation of the solar PV system, meeting the quality checks stipulated by the national grid.
In the latter stages of the Construction Phase, we responsibly off-hire and remove any equipment brought onto your site specifically for the solar installation.
Handover
The handover of the solar PV system typically occurs several weeks post successful commissioning and activation. Throughout this interim period, we diligently monitor the operation and performance of the solar array to ensure optimal functionality. Once we deem it ready for handover, we’ll schedule a meeting with you to provide a comprehensive explanation of your new renewable energy investment. This session will reiterate the installed components and their locations, as well as cover safety protocols such as shutdown and restart procedures for your solar array.
Should you have chosen to purchase additional features such as online monitoring facilities, we’ll provide demonstrations on how to utilize these platforms effectively to maximize their benefits.
Furthermore, you’ll receive a digital Handover Pack containing essential documents, drawings, and certificates pertinent to your new solar PV System.
Asset Management & Aftercare
Just like any technology, diligent care extends the longevity of your investment. While we ensure seamless integration of your renewable energy solution into your business operations, some individuals prefer additional management.
We provide customized Operation and Maintenance packages to oversee and monitor the performance of your solar generation, offering peace of mind by safeguarding your solar investment.
Annual Reviews
Our commitment extends beyond maximizing asset performance to fostering long-term partnerships. We prioritize regular reviews to track progress against initial projections. Therefore, we propose an annual review tailored to your schedule, providing insights into your investment’s performance, and suggesting additional opportunities to align with your financial and environmental goals.
