Do You Need an Electrician to Install Solar Panels?
The Cornwall and UK shift towards renewable energy sources has seen a major increase in the number of home and business owners looking to install solar panels. This eco-friendly and cost-effective solution not only reduces your carbon footprint but also significantly cuts down your electricity bills. However, one question that often arises when considering this transition is, “Do you need an electrician to install solar panels?”
The short answer is YES, but that wouldn’t fill out a blog. This blog post will look into why it’s essential to hire professional, correctly qualified electricians for the job and how the process of installing solar panels goes.
Why Should I Hire a Professional Electrician?
Safety First
First and foremost, safety should be your top priority. Installing solar panels involves working with high voltage electrical equipment on rooftops, which can be dangerous if not handled correctly. A correctly qualified electrical company has the necessary training and experience to manage these risks correctly.
Furthermore, they are familiar with local building regulations related to solar panel installations. Not complying with these regulations can lead to penalties or even make your home insurance void.
Quality Assurance
While DIY projects can be rewarding, installing a solar panel system is not something you want to experiment with. A poorly installed system can lead to inefficiencies, frequent breakdowns, or even damage to your property. Plus having a company that deals with this equipment daily will be able to design the best bespoke design for you.
Professional electricians ensure that the installation is done right the first time around. They have the expertise and software to correctly design the placement of panels for maximum sunlight exposure and connect them properly for the best possible energy conversion for your property.
Support
When you hire a professional electrician for solar panel installation, you also get access to their after sales installation services. These may include regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting any issues that arise over time, and providing valuable advice on how best to use and maintain your new system.
The Process of Installing a Solar Panel
Site Assessment
Before beginning the installation process, a professional electrician will assess your property to determine the best location for the panels. They will consider factors like roof angle, shading, and local weather conditions to ensure maximum efficiency. This will lead to your bespoke design being presented to you.
Installation
The actual installation involves securing the solar panels onto your roof and connecting them to an inverter. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) produced by the panels into alternating current (AC), which can be used in your home and/or business. The roofing work will be taken care of by professional roofers, who have experience in accessing a roof and how to correctly fix to it.
Electrical Connection
This is where the expertise of an electrician really comes into play. They will safely connect your solar panel system to your home’s electrical grid, ensuring that it integrates with your existing power supply.
Inspection and Testing
Once everything is set up, the electrician will inspect and test the system to ensure it’s working correctly. The testing will also be carried out based on the MCS compliance regulations to issue your correct certification. This also validates your warranty for the solar kit you have installed. They will also guide you on how to monitor its performance and maintain it correctly.
Conclusion:
Do You Need an Electrician to Install Solar Panels?
In conclusion, while it might be tempting to install a solar panel system yourself or hire someone for cheaper rates, it’s not worth risking your safety, home or business or compromising on quality. Hiring a professional electrician ensures that your solar panel installation is done safely, efficiently, and in compliance MCS regulations.
Remember that installing a solar panel is an investment towards a greener future and lower energy costs. So make sure you entrust this task to professionals who can guarantee you get the most out of this investment.
Here's what our customers say:
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have battery storage with solar panels?
You don’t need to have a battery for your solar PV panels to work. However, the battery energy storage allows you to use more of the energy you generate in your home rather than exporting it back to the grid, which could save you money.
Can electrician sign off their own work?
Only if they are affiliated with an electrical representing body. Here at NSN Electrical we have a 20years affiliation with NAPIT – One of the top electrical governing bodies.
Do you offer a guarantee?
We offer a 12-month guarantee on all our work.
A select section of items we install holds a longer guarantee. This means we can get the item replaced for just the charge of the install if after 12 months.
Please enquire with us beforehand.
