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Solar panels installed on the roof of a modern British home in daylight

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Home › Services › Solar Panels

Solar Panel Installation for Your Home

Solar Panel Installation for Your Home

Solar Panel Installation for Your Home

Generate electricity from your roof with a solar PV system designed around your property, your household and your future plans. SolaMax manages the project from assessment and quotation to coordinated installation, handover and technical support.

Generate electricity from your roof with a solar PV system designed around your property, your household and your future plans. SolaMax manages the project from assessment and quotation to coordinated installation, handover and technical support.

Get Your Free Quote

Get Your Free Quote

How Solar Works

How Solar Works

Benefits of solar panels

Benefits of solar panels

Daylight generation

Generate electricity from your roof with a solar PV system designed around your property, your household and your future plans.

Electricity cost control

Savings arise principally when solar electricity replaces electricity you would otherwise buy from your supplier.

Future energy needs

A household with an electric vehicle or heat pump may value a different design from a similar property with relatively low daytime consumption.

Long-term support

SolaMax remains your central contact for technical and warranty-related enquiries under the agreed terms.

How do solar panels work?

How do solar panels work?

How do solar panels work?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels turn daylight into direct-current (DC) electricity. An inverter converts this into alternating-current (AC) electricity for your home’s appliances. Your home uses available solar generation first, subject to system configuration and your actual electrical demand. Where generation exceeds what the home is using, a suitable installation may export the excess to the grid, charge a compatible home battery or direct it towards other controllable loads.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels turn daylight into direct-current (DC) electricity. An inverter converts this into alternating-current (AC) electricity for your home’s appliances. Your home uses available solar generation first, subject to system configuration and your actual electrical demand. Where generation exceeds what the home is using, a suitable installation may export the excess to the grid, charge a compatible home battery or direct it towards other controllable loads.

Solar panels do not need a hot day to operate. They generate electricity in daylight, including when skies are cloudy. Output is lower when irradiance is low, and generation changes substantially between seasons. A well-designed quotation should show realistic annual and seasonal expectations rather than promising that solar will eliminate all electricity bills.

Solar panels do not need a hot day to operate. They generate electricity in daylight, including when skies are cloudy. Output is lower when irradiance is low, and generation changes substantially between seasons. A well-designed quotation should show realistic annual and seasonal expectations rather than promising that solar will eliminate all electricity bills.

Illustrative solar-only energy flows
Solar PV panelsDC generationInverterDC / AC conversionHomeAC household loadsGrid connectionAC import / exportSolar DCACAC distributionand meteringImport / exportSolar PV panelsDC generationInverterDC / AC conversionHomeAC household loadsGrid connectionAC import / exportSolar DCACDistribution + meteringImport / export
Solar PV panels
Generate DC electricity from daylight.
Inverter
Converts solar DC into AC electricity.
Home
Uses available solar generation to meet demand.
Grid connection
Supplies remaining demand and may receive permitted exports.

kW, kWp and kWh: the numbers that matter

kW, kWp and kWh: the numbers that matter

kW, kWp and kWh: the numbers that matter

kWp (kilowatt-peak)

describes the rated DC power of a solar panel array under standard laboratory test conditions.

kW

describes power at a point in time, for example the output of an inverter.

kWh

describes an amount of energy generated or consumed over time.

For an illustrative example, ten 450 Wp panels have a total rating of 4.5 kWp (10 × 0.45 kWp). The actual roof area, mounting clearances, access zones and usable generation depend on the chosen modules and survey findings. This is an equipment illustration, not a specification for every SolaMax project.

For an illustrative example, ten 450 Wp panels have a total rating of 4.5 kWp (10 × 0.45 kWp). The actual roof area, mounting clearances, access zones and usable generation depend on the chosen modules and survey findings. This is an equipment illustration, not a specification for every SolaMax project.

A 5 kWp array is not expected to produce 5 kW throughout the day, and a 5 kW inverter does not mean the house will generate 5 kWh every hour.

What size solar system does your home need?

What size solar system does your home need?

What size solar system does your home need?

The largest possible array is not automatically the best investment. System size should consider your electricity usage, daytime demand, roof geometry, shading, household plans and whether a battery or EV charger will be included. A household with an electric vehicle or heat pump may value a different design from a similar property with relatively low daytime consumption.

The largest possible array is not automatically the best investment. System size should consider your electricity usage, daytime demand, roof geometry, shading, household plans and whether a battery or EV charger will be included. A household with an electric vehicle or heat pump may value a different design from a similar property with relatively low daytime consumption.

Design questionWhy it matters
Annual electricity useHelps establish the scale of the opportunity
Usage during daylightInfluences how much generation can be used directly
Roof orientation and pitchAffect the timing and amount of generation
Shading and obstructionsCan change array layout and predicted output
Battery or EV plansMay change inverter and system design choices
Electrical supply and export limitsCan affect the permitted connection arrangement

Roof orientation, shade and condition

South-facing roofs often offer strong annual production, but east- and west-facing arrays can also be useful because their output is spread across different parts of the day. Shade from chimneys, nearby buildings and trees should be assessed at different times of year. We also consider the roof covering, visible condition, access, fixing method and whether specialist assessment or remedial work is necessary before installation. Solar should not be used to conceal an unsuitable roof.

South-facing roofs often offer strong annual production, but east- and west-facing arrays can also be useful because their output is spread across different parts of the day. Shade from chimneys, nearby buildings and trees should be assessed at different times of year. We also consider the roof covering, visible condition, access, fixing method and whether specialist assessment or remedial work is necessary before installation. Solar should not be used to conceal an unsuitable roof.

Minimal solar orientation illustration

Orientation and pitch

Minimal solar shade illustration

Seasonal shading

Minimal solar condition illustration

Roof condition and access

What’s included in a residential solar PV system?

What’s included in a residential solar PV system?

What’s included in a residential solar PV system?

A complete installation normally involves PV modules, a mounting structure suited to the roof, DC and AC electrical equipment, an inverter, protection and isolation arrangements, monitoring where specified, and the relevant documentation and commissioning work. The actual components depend on the design. We explain material choices and any optional additions in your written proposal, rather than expecting you to compare equipment on marketing claims alone.

A complete installation normally involves PV modules, a mounting structure suited to the roof, DC and AC electrical equipment, an inverter, protection and isolation arrangements, monitoring where specified, and the relevant documentation and commissioning work. The actual components depend on the design. We explain material choices and any optional additions in your written proposal, rather than expecting you to compare equipment on marketing claims alone.

Minimal solar modules illustration

PV modules and mounting

Minimal solar inverter illustration

Inverter

Minimal solar protection illustration

Protection and isolation

Minimal solar monitoring illustration

Monitoring and handover

String inverters, optimisers and hybrid inverters

Inverter approachDesign consideration
String inverterA conventional string inverter converts solar DC electricity for household use and export.
Module-level electronicsModule-level electronics may be considered where roof layout or shading warrants them, but their benefits and cost need to be justified for the property.
Hybrid inverterA hybrid inverter is designed to work with compatible battery storage; it can be appropriate when storage is part of the installation or a realistic future requirement.
CompatibilityCompatibility, usable operating modes and manufacturer conditions must be checked, not assumed.

How much electricity will solar panels generate?

How much electricity will solar panels generate?

How much electricity will solar panels generate?

Annual generation depends on local irradiance, installed capacity, orientation, pitch, shade, equipment losses and operating conditions. An honest proposal should describe its calculation method and assumptions, ideally including monthly generation estimates, so you can distinguish summer peaks from winter expectations.

Annual generation depends on local irradiance, installed capacity, orientation, pitch, shade, equipment losses and operating conditions. An honest proposal should describe its calculation method and assumptions, ideally including monthly generation estimates, so you can distinguish summer peaks from winter expectations.

Illustrative calculation only: if a proposed 4.5 kWp array were modelled to generate 4,000 kWh per year and the household used 40% of that generation directly, it would use 1,600 kWh of solar electricity at home and export or otherwise allocate the remaining 2,400 kWh. Neither 4,000 kWh nor the 40% figure is a SolaMax performance forecast. Your actual result would depend on the property and consumption profile.

Illustrative calculation only: if a proposed 4.5 kWp array were modelled to generate 4,000 kWh per year and the household used 40% of that generation directly, it would use 1,600 kWh of solar electricity at home and export or otherwise allocate the remaining 2,400 kWh. Neither 4,000 kWh nor the 40% figure is a SolaMax performance forecast. Your actual result would depend on the property and consumption profile.

Illustrative solar generation
Illustrative monthly generation · kWh0150300450600JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Hypothetical monthly allocation of the illustrative 4,000 kWh annual example. These figures are not measured, site-specific or guaranteed and are not a SolaMax performance forecast. Actual generation varies with location, orientation, shading, equipment and operating conditions.
January–December · Energy in kWh · On mobile, swipe to view all months.

Solar panel costs, savings and export payments

Solar panel costs, savings and export payments

Solar panel costs, savings and export payments

The cost of a solar installation is influenced by panel count and type, inverter selection, roof access, scaffolding, electrical work, monitoring, connection requirements and any additional building work. That is why a single advertised price is rarely enough to compare proposals fairly. Ask what is included, what might be charged separately and which assumptions could change after a survey.

The cost of a solar installation is influenced by panel count and type, inverter selection, roof access, scaffolding, electrical work, monitoring, connection requirements and any additional building work. That is why a single advertised price is rarely enough to compare proposals fairly. Ask what is included, what might be charged separately and which assumptions could change after a survey.

Savings arise principally when solar electricity replaces electricity you would otherwise buy from your supplier. In some cases eligible exports can also receive payments under an export tariff, subject to the supplier’s requirements, metering and relevant eligibility documentation. Export prices and import tariffs change; a sensible calculation should account for both and should not assume that every generated kilowatt-hour is worth the full retail import price.

Savings arise principally when solar electricity replaces electricity you would otherwise buy from your supplier. In some cases eligible exports can also receive payments under an export tariff, subject to the supplier’s requirements, metering and relevant eligibility documentation. Export prices and import tariffs change; a sensible calculation should account for both and should not assume that every generated kilowatt-hour is worth the full retail import price.

For impartial background information, see Energy Saving Trust and the UK government’s guidance on permitted development rights. Planning and other permissions must always be checked against your property and location.

For impartial background information, see Energy Saving Trust and the UK government’s guidance on permitted development rights. Planning and other permissions must always be checked against your property and location.

Why SolaMax

Why SolaMax

SolaMax

Complete project management

One coordinated journey from quotation to commissioning.

Engineering-led system design

System sizing, compatibility and operating assumptions are considered together.

Own technical servicing

A central contact for technical questions after handover.

Whole-system warranty coordination

Clear support across the installed arrangement under the agreed terms.

How SolaMax manages your installation

How SolaMax manages your installation

How SolaMax manages your installation

SolaMax coordinates your project from assessment and quotation through installation and handover, then remains your central contact for technical and warranty-related enquiries under the agreed terms.

SolaMax coordinates your project from assessment and quotation through installation and handover, then remains your central contact for technical and warranty-related enquiries under the agreed terms.

1. Initial conversation.

We ask about your property, electricity use, budget and future requirements.

2. Assessment and design.

We consider roof suitability, system options, monitoring, grid arrangements and any design constraints.

3. Written proposal.

You receive a stated equipment specification, installation scope, assumptions and commercial terms.

4. Coordinated installation.

SolaMax manages the project and coordinates appropriate installation specialists.

5. Commissioning and handover.

We explain how to operate and monitor the agreed system and provide the applicable documentation.

6. Service after installation.

SolaMax remains your central contact for technical and warranty-related enquiries under the agreed terms.

Should you add battery storage?

Should you add battery storage?

Should you add battery storage?

Battery storage may increase the proportion of generated electricity used in your home, but it adds cost and conversion losses. It should be sized against your consumption, generation and tariff, not added by default. If evenings are your main period of electricity use, see solar panels with battery storage. To understand batteries in more detail, read our home battery storage guide.

Battery storage may increase the proportion of generated electricity used in your home, but it adds cost and conversion losses. It should be sized against your consumption, generation and tariff, not added by default. If evenings are your main period of electricity use, see solar panels with battery storage. To understand batteries in more detail, read our home battery storage guide.

Solar panel FAQs

Solar panel FAQs

Solar panel FAQs

Yes, they generate electricity in daylight, but shorter days and weaker sunlight normally mean much lower output than in summer. Your forecast should illustrate seasonal variation.

Ready to understand what your roof could deliver?

Ready to understand what your roof could deliver?

Ready to understand what your roof could deliver?

Tell us about your property and energy use. We will explain the options, the assumptions behind a proposed system and what happens next. Get a Free Quote. We serve homes across our current service areas.

Tell us about your property and energy use. We will explain the options, the assumptions behind a proposed system and what happens next. Get a Free Quote. We serve homes across our current service areas.

Get a solar panel proposal for your home

Get a solar panel proposal for your home

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