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Solar Panels

It is estimated that over 65% of homes in the UK are suitable for solar. Ideally, unshaded, south-facing, pitched roofs (30-50o angle), but flat roofs, east or west facing and even some shaded roofs can still be effective. Constraints such as thatched or glass roofs, roofs in poor condition and listed building status may be the deciding factor. At JPEC, we can carry out a full roof survey to ensure your roof is suitable and strong enough. We can design a bespoke solution to suit your needs, it might be that you don’t need to cover your roof to get the benefits of solar energy, and we can ensure your roof doesn’t collapse due to snow loading in the winter.

If your roof gets decent daylight with limited shading (especially between late morning and mid-afternoon), solar can work well. Heavy shading reduces output, at JPEC we understand the best position for solar panels and will design a system to suit your needs. It’s possible that with the correct placement and the right design a shady roof won’t be a problem.

Yes and no, south-facing is usually best for maximum generation. However, east or west can still be very good (often better for using power morning and evening). North-facing is generally less effective. The key thing is to get a design bespoke to your needs and your situation, not an off the shelf, one size fits all package that doesn’t consider your needs. At JPEC we design solar systems to meet your needs, we look at the solar panels and their location to ensure you get the most benefit out of your solar system.

The simple answer is most roofs are fine. Having said that you need to be aware that roofs were not designed to have solar panels installed on them and the additional loading. Wind loading and especially of snow-covered solar panels can be too much for the roof. Although not always legally mandatory, we recommend getting your roof surveyed by an accredited certified installer. They will carry out a full structural survey of the roof and assess if it is suitable. This gives you peace of mind and security that your roof can support your new investment. At JPEC we are fully certified and accredited by MCS and can provide you with a full roof survey. This is part of our service when designing and installing solar panels.

A typical panel is circa 1.7–2m². A common home system might use 8–16 panels, so roughly 14–32m² of usable space. This sounds like a lot of space, but a typical three-bedroom semi-detached home has a roof area between 80-120m2, and a typical terraced house has between 60-80m2 of roof space. The key thing is to ensure the solar system is designed to meet your needs, there is no point installing 16 solar panels when 8 will provide all the electricity you need. At JPEC we design your system around your needs. We work with you to provide a system that supplies the energy you need at a price that suits your budget.

Solar panels can go on any roof that is capable of supporting them and receives enough sunlight to make them worthwhile. Places such as conservation areas, world heritage sites and listed buildings are likely to require you to obtain planning permission before installing solar panels, especially if installed so they face a highway in a conservation area. For everyone else they are usually considered “permitted development” as long as the installer complies to some basic rules. At JPEC we are fully MCS certified and understand the rules regarding permitted development, so you can be sure our installations meet the standards required.

System size is completely your choice depending upon budget, energy usage and future needs. At JPEC, we design bespoke systems around your needs. You might want something that just helps keep the energy usage down during the day. You might want something that covers your entire energy usage, or you might want something that fits with an upcoming EV purchase. Whichever system meets your needs, JPEC will talk through your options and design a system that does exactly what you want it to do. If things change in the future, you don’t need to worry, all of the components JPEC use are industry leading and readily available, so scaling your system is always possible assuming you have the space.

It depends on your annual energy usage (kWh). Many homes start around 8–12 panels, but higher users (EVs, hot tubs, swimming pools, etc) may want more. At JPEC we tailor your investment to your needs.

A typical starter system is around 3–6 kW. At JPEC, we recommend basing your system on roof space, how much electricity you use during the day, and your future plans so that you aren’t investing in something that you won’t use or don’t need.

The simple answer is a bigger system will generate more power, but you save most when you use electricity directly, so there isn’t necessarily a benefit to over sizing your system. If you export lots to the grid at a lower rate, the payback may be slower unless you have a battery or high daytime use. At JPEC, we are experts in solar systems and work with you to explain the costs and payback periods and discuss what you want to do.

Yes, but there are some considerations. Depending on your inverter capacity, roof space, and grid limitations in your area. It’s often cheaper to size it properly at the start if you expect usage to grow (e.g., EV later). At JPEC we design a bespoke system that meets your current and future needs. It’s important to speak to your system designer to ensure they take future needs into account when they design the system. They need to specify standard components with the capability to be easily upgraded as your needs change. Your designer will also be able to explain the full potential of your system so you have a clear understanding how far you can push your energy requirements.

This is different for everyone, it depends on what energy you use, what system you want, what components you’d like, your roof space, the direction your roof faces, and how you will use the system. To give some explanation, a Ford Focus and a Rolls Royce Phantom do the same job, but one costs over ten times the price of the other. To get the full benefit from your solar system, running your house energy needs plus a heat pump and charging your electric car will payback quicker than an oversized system which exports to the grid. At JPEC, if you give us some basic details about your energy usage and location, we can give you an indicative price for a system to cover your needs and an indication of the payback period.

Costs can vary depending upon the size of the system, the type of components you want and the installation requirements. It is important, when comparing prices or quotes to check that the quote covers all aspects of installation and the same quality of components. At JPEC our quote includes the structural survey to ensure your roof is capable of taking the additional loading, making sure your home is not at risk. Our quote covers everything from initial survey, design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and certification. We include all elements including the scaffolding, so you don’t have to become a project manager. Our one-stop-shop solution provides peace of mind and with our turn-key service we can explain everything from possible grants through to energy tariffs and provide the certificates required to take advantage of the best energy prices.

This depends on system size, roof direction, shading, and location. At JPEC, we take your annual estimated kWh from your most recent energy bill. From this we design a system to meet your needs. If you’d like something additional for future proofing such as EV charging, we can discuss this and go over all the details at the survey stage.

This will depend on how you use electricity, if you’re home in the day, you’ll use more directly. If you decide on a system without a battery, many households find they export a large portion. If you decide on having a battery to take advantage of the free energy stored within, you will be able to use that stored energy for a longer period during the day, reducing bills further. At JPEC, we can discuss your needs and explain all options available to you using easy to understand language. We will help you understand the cost vs savings different systems can offer and the benefits of each depending on your circumstances and how you use electricity.

Savings come from using your own electricity, generated by your solar panels instead of buying electricity from your electricity supplier. The more of your solar electricity you use (battery storage can help you use the energy for longer), the higher the savings. Our team at JPEC will explain your options with you and talk to you about how you use your energy, if it’s during the day, working from home or late into the evening. We can explain your options and help you make the right choice for you.

Payback varies based on cost of your system, usage habits, electricity prices, and export payments. Many people see payback in the “single digit” years, but it depends heavily on consumption. JPEC design bespoke solar systems to suit your needs, so you don’t end up paying more for something you don’t need and never use. We can explain your estimated payback period based off the annual usage and system specifics. What we can tell you is some basic facts, £12,000 deposited in a high-yield savings account will earn you around £540 per year in interest. If you spend that same £12,000 on a solar system and you could save over £800 in the first year. This depends on tariff, usage and location, but electricity prices are set to rise approximately 7% per year and interest rate are coming down so the gap between interest and savings will expand.

This completely depends on your needs and how you use electricity, everyone is different. If you use most electricity in the evening, a battery can help a lot. If your daytime usage is already high, you may not need one. At JPEC we can talk through your options and how you use electricity and help you decide if a battery is a benefit or a cost.

To answer this, we need to understand how you use electricity and what a battery does in your solar system. If you use most of your electricity during the day, with a correctly designed system, you may not need a battery. If you are out during the day and your electricity use jumps in the evening and at night, then a battery is a great way of storing the free electricity generated by the solar panels from the sun’s energy and using it when the panels aren’t working as efficiently or the sun has gone down. At JPEC, we have the knowledge to help you understand what’s right for you. We can look at your energy usage and design the system that’s right for you. If this means you wouldn’t initially see any benefit from a battery, it doesn’t mean that later, if things change you can’t add a battery. The secret is a well-designed system and not something thrown together in a one-size fit all installation.

A battery allows you to use the electricity generated by your solar panels for longer. This typically means you use less electricity supplied from the electricity supplier or the grid and results in cost savings. The downside to having a battery is that there is an initial cost to having the battery and depending on how you use electricity it may take longer break even on the initial system cost. It’s important to understand how you use electricity or how you will use electricity once you have your solar system installed. At JPEC, we can help you make the right choice for you and not just buy a system that we are selling. We design each system around your needs and can help you make the right choice for you.

Common battery sizes for homes range between 5–10 kWh. The size depends on your evening/night usage and how much spare solar you generate in the day. It is important to understand how you use your electricity and if this will change once you have solar. A battery allows you to use the electricity generated by your solar panels for longer. This typically means you use less electricity supplied from the electricity supplier or the grid and results in cost savings. The downside to having a battery is that there is an initial cost to having the battery and depending on how you use electricity it may take longer break even on the initial system cost. It’s important to understand how you use electricity or how you will use electricity once you have your solar system installed. At JPEC, we can help you make the right choice for you and not just buy a system that we are selling. We design each system around your needs and can help you make the right choice for you.

This depends on the manufacturer, supplier and installer of the battery and your solar power system. Many batteries come with 10-year warranties and are designed for thousands of charge cycles. However, it is very easy to be caught in the middle between a manufacturer saying the system is poorly installed, the supplier saying it’s the manufacturers problem and the installer saying it’s the supplier’s job to sort it out. At JPEC we do everything for you, from survey and design, through to supply and install, to testing and commissioning. Our service is MCS certified and accredited, so in the unlikely event you have a problem during your warranty period you only need to make one call, and we will sort it all for you. Battery lifespan depends on usage patterns, depth of discharge, and temperature which is why it’s important to get a system designed for your needs and installed properly making sure your battery is used correctly can help extend its life by years, protecting your investment.

Your solar panels and system generate (and store if a battery is included) electricity for your own use. Any surplus electricity can be exported back to the national grid. Electricity suppliers will pay you for the electricity exported to the grid. There are certain items required before the energy supplier will pay you for your surplus electricity. A smart meter is required so that the exported electricity can be measured and quantified. You need to be on the correct tariff, and you need recognised certification for your solar system such as MCS or equivalent. At JPEC, we can help you make the right choice about energy tariffs as there is a bewildering array on offer and this can be quite confusing. Importantly, we are MCS certified and accredited so we can provide you with the necessary paperwork and documentation you need to export and get paid for it.

Yes, in many regions (e.g., via export tariffs such as Octopus). Your export is measured and you’re paid per kWh sent to the grid. Your solar panels and system generate (and store if a battery is included) electricity for your own use. Any surplus electricity can be exported back to the national grid. Electricity suppliers will pay you for the electricity exported to the grid. There are certain items required before the energy supplier will pay you for your surplus electricity. A smart meter is required so that the exported electricity can be measured and quantified. You need to be on the correct tariff, and you need recognised certification for your solar system such as MCS or equivalent. At JPEC, we can help you make the right choice about energy tariffs as there is a bewildering array on offer and this can be quite confusing. Importantly, we are MCS certified and accredited so we can provide you with the necessary paperwork and documentation you need to export and get paid for it.

This is calculated for the best tariff at the time of the quote. If you decide to go ahead with a survey, we will re-calculate your savings again using the best tariff available. At JPEC we pride ourselves on giving “real” valuations as higher or increased values can lead to unrealistic expectations and broken promises. We work with you to design a solar system around your needs and give you reliable figures so there are no nasty surprises.

Yes and no! A smart meter is highly recommended as it enables you to see how much energy you’re using and understand how and when you use electricity. I smart meter is essential for exporting to the national grid as it is used by the electricity provider to measure your export and pay you for any exported electricity. Your solar panels will generate electricity and your system will function perfectly without a smart meter, you just won’t get the full benefits of knowing when you are exporting and how much energy you are using. At JPEC, we can help guide you through the process of switching to green energy and help you get the most out of your system.

Yes, you generally need to notify or obtain permission from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for solar panels in the UK, but it depends on the size of the system. The DNO is responsible for the local electricity network and needs to ensure it can safely handle the extra power.

Here is a breakdown of when you need permission versus when you just need to notify them:

Small Systems (3.68kW or less per phase) 

If your inverter capacity is 3.68kW or less (standard for most homes with single-phase supply), you do not need to wait for prior permission.

  • Action:Install first, then notify the DNO within 28 days of commissioning (G98 regulation).

Large Systems (Over 3.68kW per phase) 

If your inverter capacity exceeds 3.68kW (or 11.04kW on a three-phase supply), you must obtain prior approval from the DNO before installing the panels (G99 regulation).

  • Action:Apply to the DNO and wait for approval. This can take 4–8 weeks (or longer during high demand).
  • Outcomes:The DNO may approve it, ask for export limitation, or require a network upgrade.

Battery Storage

If you are installing a battery system along with solar panels, the total generation might exceed 3.68kW, often requiring a G99 application before installation.

Key Points to Remember

  • Installer Handling:MCS-certified installers typically handle the DNO application (G98/G99) on your behalf.
  • Without Approval:If you connect a large system without approval, you might face legal issues, have to disconnect, or be unable to apply for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments.
  • Off-Grid:If your system is completely off-grid, you do not need DNO permission.

At JPEC, we take care of these permissions and paperwork for you, giving you peace of mind.

The specific detail depends on what is right for you, including your needs, your usage, your location and your budget. At JPEC, we only install tried and tested equipment from known suppliers. Although your system is designed around you and is bespoke to your requirements, we only use off the shelf, readily available components. This ensures reliability, ease of maintenance and future proofing. If you decide to add to your system in the future, all the components can be easily sourced making upgrade a simple task.

At JPEC, we choose reliable brands with strong warranties, proven performance, and good efficiency. Although your system is designed around you and is bespoke to your requirements, we only use off the shelf, readily available components. This ensures reliability, ease of maintenance and future proofing. If you decide to add to your system in the future, all the components can be easily sourced making upgrade a simple task. We take pride in providing a solution for our customers and so we choose quality, reliability and sustainability over cheap and nasty. Anything we supply and install on your roof, should be something we would install on our roof.

Most modern panels are typically 15%–25% efficient. Panels slowly degrade over time (typically 0.5%-0.8% per year), resulting in 80%-90% performance capacity after 25 years. This degradation is caused by environmental factors such as thermal cycling, UV exposure, moisture and material wear. At JPEC we factor this into your energy system calculation at the start, ensuring your solar system will provide electricity for your home for years to come. We are also part of a large network of solar companies from innovators, suppliers, installers and accreditors. As solar technology improves and becomes reliable and mainstream, we adopt these technologies so you can be sure of getting the best equipment on the market for your budget.

  • Microinverters and power optimisers both maximize solar output at the panel level, ideal for shaded or complex roofs. Microinverters convert DC to AC on the roof, offering better reliability, safety, and 25-year warranties. Optimizers keep DC on the roof, converting to AC at a central inverter, making them cheaper and better for battery integration.

Key Differences and Comparison

Conversion Location: Microinverters convert DC to AC at each panel; optimizers manage DC power and send it to a central string inverter.

Cost: Power optimisers are generally more cost-effective for larger systems, while microinverters may have higher upfront costs but offer better long-term performance and reliability.

Shading & Performance: Both handle shaded conditions well, but microinverters are often slightly more efficient in highly variable conditions.

Battery Integration: Optimizers are typically superior for battery storage because they keep the power in DC, reducing conversion losses.

Maintenance: If a microinverter fails, only one panel is affected, but it requires roof access to fix. If the central inverter in an optimizer system fails, the whole system goes down, but the repair is usually on the ground.

Which One to Choose?

Choose Microinverters if: You have a small, complex roof, experience severe shading, want a 25-year warranty, or prioritize long-term, panel-level monitoring.

Choose Optimisers if: You are installing a large system (>10 kW), planning to add a DC-coupled battery, or have a tighter budget.

At JPEC, we can supply and install both Microinverters and Optimisers, we can discuss your needs with you and recommend the best solution for you.

Solar panels often have 25-year performance warranties. Inverters may have shorter warranties which can be extended. Workmanship is usually several years. At JPEC, we can offer products and services to suit your requirements and priorities. We will confirm the exact terms on the quotation after discussing your needs with you.

This varies depending on your system requirements, location and size of system. At JPEC, typically, residential installs take 1–2 days on site, though larger or more complex jobs may take longer.

Scaffolding is usually needed for safety and is a requirement of the Working at Height Regulations 2005. Regulation 6 requires that work at height is properly planned. Regulations 7 and 8 outline the specific requirements and competence and schedule 2 gives the technical requirements. With JPEC, you don’t need to worry, it will be included in your quote as part of our turnkey service. All scaffolding is installed by professional scaffolders who comply with the latest rules and regulations.

We will need access to your electricity meter, consumer unit and the final position of the equipment. If you are happy to allow us access and don’t feel the need to stay at home, we are perfectly capable of carrying out our work and keeping your home and belongings safe. If you would prefer to be at home, then we can work around your needs. We don’t expect you to supervise and will do our best to get on with our work without disturbing you. Please keep in mind that there will be a short power outage during our work, but we will give you advance warning of any power interruptions.

Often there’s a short power shutdown while electrical work is done, but it’s usually brief. We will warn you in advance of any power interruptions.

Installing new solar panel systems in the UK involves a structured process of paperwork, notifications, and certifications to ensure safety, grid compliance, and eligibility for export payments. While many residential installations fall under “permitted development,” specific documentation is required, usually handled by an MCS-certified installer.

Here is a breakdown of the key paperwork, permissions, and certifications involved:

Permissions and Planning

  • Permitted Development (PD): Most roof-mounted residential systems do not require formal planning permission if they meet specific rules (e.g., sticking out no more than 200mm from the roof, not rising above the highest point, and not on a listed building).
  • Planning Permission/Listed Building Consent: Necessary if the property is listed, in a conservation area, or if the system is large-scale/ground-mounted and fails to meet Permitted Development criteria.
  • Local Authority Building Control: Even if planning permission isn’t needed, building regulations apply to ensure the roof can take the weight (structural) and the system is safely installed (electrical/fire safety).
  • Party Wall Agreement: Required if the installation involves a shared or party wall with a neighbour.

Grid Connection (DNO) Paperwork

You must notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) — the company that manages the electricity cables in your area — about the new system.

  • G98 Application (Connect and Notify): For small, standard systems (under 3.68kWp per phase, or ~16A), the system is installed first, and the installer notifies the DNO within 28 days.
  • G99 Application (Apply to Connect): For larger systems (greater than 3.68kWp per phase), approval must be obtained from the DNO before
  • G100 Application (Export Limitation): If the DNO restricts the amount of power you can export, an export limitation device must be installed and documented.

Certifications and Documentation

  • MCS Certificate (Microgeneration Certification Scheme): Crucial for proving the installation meets quality standards. It is required to qualify for government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
  • Building Regulations Completion Certificate: Issued to confirm the work complies with safety standards, usually provided by the installer via a Competent Person Scheme (e.g., NAPIT, NICEIC).
  • Commissioning/Handover Pack: A final package from the installer including manuals, warranties, and an electrical test certificate.
  • Structural Report: Often required to confirm the roof can withstand the additional loads.

Summary of Key Steps

  1. Survey & Design: Structural/Electrical survey.
  2. DNO Notification/Approval: G98 or G99.
  3. Installation: By MCS-certified installer.
  4. Commissioning & Testing: Final testing and inspection.
  5. Documentation Handover: MCS Certificate & Completion Certificate.

Note: If you do not use an MCS-certified installer, you will have to pay the local authority to inspect the work to ensure it meets building regulations.

JPEC are a certified installer by MCS and can take care of all of this paperwork, certification, permission and documentation for you.

JPEC will handle this from start to finish. All notifications and certification will be issued in a handover document upon completion.

JPEC is fully MCS accredited for Solar Photovoltaic and Air Source Heat Pump installations. If you’re in the UK, MCS certification is commonly needed for export payments and gives reassurance on standards.

Yes, you will get electrical installation certification for the work carried out including a part “P” notification. This is important for safety and insurance.

Yes, depending which tariff you decide to enrol with, depends on what your export costs will be. Unfortunately, grants are no longer available for Solar PV installations.

Solar panel systems are low-maintenance, requiring mostly 1–2 professional cleanings and visual inspections every 1–2 years to ensure high efficiency. Key maintenance tasks include clearing debris, monitoring for shading, and inspecting the inverter and wiring to ensure maximum output.

Key Maintenance Tasks:

  • Cleaning: Panels should be cleaned every 12–18 months to remove dirt, dust, and bird droppings. While rain often cleans them, manual cleaning with water and a soft cloth is recommended for areas with heavy pollution. Avoid using pressure washers, as they can damage the panels.
  • Visual Inspections: Check for signs of wear, such as damaged mountings, loose wiring, or cracks in the panels, particularly after extreme weather events.
  • System Checks & Monitoring: Use the monitoring app to check for performance drops. A full professional inspection is recommended every 3–5 years.
  • Inverter Check: Inverters may need replacing or servicing, with some estimates suggesting a check-up every 5–10 years for safety.
  • Shading Management: Ensure no new trees or structures are shading the panels.

Safety Warning: Always hire a professional for cleaning or inspections, especially for roof-mounted systems, to avoid working at heights.

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Usually not much, rain often does most of the cleaning. If you’re near trees, birds, or heavy dirt, occasional cleaning may help performance.

Cleaning: Panels should be cleaned every 12–18 months to remove dirt, dust, and bird droppings. While rain often cleans them, manual cleaning with water and a soft cloth is recommended for areas with heavy pollution. Avoid using pressure washers, as they can damage the panels.

Panels are incredibly reliable with no moving parts. The few issues we have experienced are typically with inverters, wiring, or monitoring, but these are rare and a correctly installed, commissioned and tested system will give you few headaches if any. Most systems run for years with no trouble.

Most systems include an app or web portal that shows generation, usage, and export (especially if you have a smart meter or battery system). We will set this platform up on a device of your choice and demonstrate exactly how to use it.

With a JPEC system, this is simple, call us and we will diagnose and repair/replace under warranty.

Solar panels typically increase a property’s value by 3% to 14% due to lower energy bills and improved EPC ratings.

They’ll be visible if they’re on a front roof. Many people choose all-black panels for a cleaner look, but visibility depends on roof angle, position and roof covering.

We do everything possible to hide cables by running them in the loft and route neatly down the side or through the house. We will confirm cable routes and show you where equipment will go once a survey has been completed.

Like any significant home improvement or home addition, solar panels generally increase the rebuilding cost of a home, typically causing a slight rise in premiums, though many insurers include them as standard. They are usually covered under buildings insurance as permanent fixtures for damage from fire, theft, or storms. However, you must update your policy to reflect the increased property value and may need added coverage for accidental damage or high-value systems.

Solar panels typically increase a property’s value by 3% to 14% due to lower energy bills and improved EPC ratings. Buyers will ask about age, warranties, and installer paperwork, so it’s important to have your system installed by a certificated approved MCS installer and keep all documents.

At JPEC, our quotes are always based on your actual consumptions. Our tailored quote uses your real annual kWh usage and considers your daily habits (daytime vs evening use).

All JPEC quotes include scaffolding, fuse board upgrades, isolator switches, bird mesh, and long cable runs. We carry all services out under one roof – a ‘’turnkey’’ solution and a one stop shop for peace of mind.

Yes and no. Steep roofs, fragile tiles, hard access, multiple roof faces, or unusual layouts can increase labour and scaffolding costs. However, once we provide you with a quote, the cost is fixed for the valid period of the quote.

Solar output estimates are predictions, not guarantees. At JPEC, we offer monitoring support if desired and can optimise your system regularly, but weather and seasonal variation is normal.

Upfront is usually cheapest overall. Finance can make it affordable sooner, but interest reduces the benefit. It is important to always compare repayments to realistic savings.

Yes, summer generation is much higher than winter. Solar still works in winter but produces less due to shorter days and lower sun angle.

It depends on our schedule and weather but usually within 2 weeks of an accepted quotation and initial payment.