20+ Years Experience

Specialist Solar Panel Installation

National Solar Panels

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Solar panels can make a huge difference in any home, providing an easy way to keep energy bills down through renewable energy. However, like any complex piece of technology, it is not easy to install solar panels yourself – especially not with limited DIY experience.

At National Solar Panels, we can provide expert solar panel installation for a range of solar PV systems, making sure that each customer’s solar panels are installed correctly and effectively. Our expertise allows us to install solar panels in the best places for maximum power generation, working with each client to identify what works best for their home.

If you are looking for solar panel installation that you can rely on, then our specialists can be the best people to turn to. We operate as high-quality solar panel installation contractors, delivering the right solar panel system to our clients in the right way and at the right time.

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Table of Contents

Who are National Solar Panels?

As a professional solar panel system installation company, we work with each customer to deliver a solar panel setup that can benefit their property specifically. Whether you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint or just cut down your electricity bills, we can take charge of solar panel installations and ensure that your solar panels work as effectively as possible.

Made up of a team of solar power specialists and contractors, we know how to tackle all kinds of solar installation. Whether we are picking out the best solar panels for a specific building or handling the solar panel installation process, we work to maximise the energy produced by your solar system while keeping costs affordable.

Why Choose National Solar Panels?

Our expertise has allowed us to handle a wide range of solar electricity systems, from simple flat roof solar panel installation to highly bespoke solar energy systems designed to maximise the level of energy produced.

We understand how to construct a solar panel system safely without compromising renewable energy potential and make sure that we are providing each client with a system that suits their needs.

10 Years of Solar Panel Experience

With over 10 years of experience with installing solar panels, we understand how to provide the right solar panel system for each client. We have installed thousands of solar panels all across the UK, allowing countless customers to generate their own energy via solar power.

Expert Solar PV Installers

With so many solar panels installed successfully, our team are well aware of the specifics behind making a solar panel system work. If you are looking for domestic solar panels installed by professionals, then we can guarantee solar energy systems that suit your home.

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What are Solar Panels?

At the most basic level, solar panels convert sunlight into solar energy. By using a solar inverter and battery system alongside solar panels, a homeowner can convert the sun’s energy into cheaper electricity to supplement their own energy consumption or to sell back to the national grid as excess electricity.

Understanding how solar panels work is not hard. While solar PV panels are complex pieces of equipment, most solar PV systems follow the same basic structure: capturing the sun’s energy, generating energy, and storing it in a solar battery or selling it as surplus electricity.

Solar systems can involve a lot of technical details, such as the inclusion of specific solar batteries or improved solar cell systems. However, to the average homeowner, the most important part is the electricity generated, which can allow them to reduce their energy bills and sell excess solar energy back to the grid.

Most domestic solar panels installed on residential homes have to be placed very carefully. For example, a south-facing roof tends to get more sunlight than a north-facing roof, meaning that they are more energy-efficient on a south-facing roof. Part of our team’s expertise focuses on making sure that solar PV panels are installed in the right place to maximise their potential.

Types of Solar Panels We Install

As a professional team of installers of solar panels, we carry a range of different types of solar PV panels that offer different methods of generating solar power. While most solar panel designs are relatively similar at a basic level, we offer multiple types of solar panels for tackling different situations and client requirements.

All types of solar PV panels vary in terms of efficiency. Certain solar panels work more effectively than others, costing more but providing a more energy-efficient way of producing usable electricity.

While all solar panels are essentially a way of getting “free energy”, they do not all generate electricity in the same way or at the same rate. Our experts understand how to provide the right electricity generation method for each client, right down to the impact different solar panels could have on their electricity bills.

Monocrystalline Solar Panel

Monocrystalline solar panels are the oldest kind of solar panel model, marking the start of the solar journey. Despite being old, they are still a good choice of solar PV panels, with modern options generating electricity very effectively.

These solar panels are made with single-crystal silicon solar cells. These are cut from silicon bars, with the purity of the silicon impacting how effective the solar cells are. Better cells mean more electricity, so higher purity is important.

The single-crystal design of these solar panels allows them to generate a lot of excess energy since they boast a higher power output than many other options. Their black, stylish appearance also makes them a popular choice of solar panels for homeowners with an eye for aesthetics.

Since these are some of the earliest solar panels on the market, many people see them as the standard to judge other panels by. Even so, modern monocrystalline solar panels are not outdated and can easily keep up with other, more recent panel types.

Polycrystalline Solar Panel

Polycrystalline solar panels, or multi-crystal panels, are the mid-range option. While these are less efficient than monocrystalline panels, they are a much cheaper electricity generation method as a whole.

As the name implies, these use multi-crystal solar cells – cells made from many fragments that have been melted together. This is a lot cheaper since this process limits waste and allows silicon to be partially re-used in some cases, but also limits the lifespan and efficiency of the panels compared to their more expensive alternatives.

This is primarily because of how the construction works. Using multiple cells made of various fragments means that electronics cannot move as much on the panels themselves, cutting down how much electricity the solar panels can actually generate over a given period of time.

This makes these polycrystalline solar panels a direct trade-off: while you are paying less for the solar PV system, you are also getting less solar energy and a higher chance of major wear and tear over time. Even so, these solar panels are a popular choice due to how cheap they are relative to other options.

Thin film Solar Panel

Thin-film solar panels are designed with a flexible, slim shape. These use cells that are over 300 times thinner than the standard wafers used in a regular solar panel, meaning that their design is actually drastically different and can be harder to install as a whole.

These solar panels are built using multiple layers of semiconductor materials, then topped off with glass that can help capture more sunlight. This means that these solar panels are not just a thinner alternative – they are a completely new design, at least in terms of how they are constructed.

These thin-film solar panels are inefficient, low-power, and need to be used in larger amounts to generate higher solar energy levels. They also degrade faster than crystalline panels can, meaning that they are often the solar panels that need to be replaced most.

While this might make these solar panels sound like a direct downgrade in every way, they can actually be very useful in specific circumstances. Their physical flexibility means that they can be used in a huge range of ways, such as moulded onto roofing tiles or placed on the curved parts of a building.

This alone makes them very popular with homeowners who care about how their building looks, do not want solar panels that stick out too far or have a home roof layout that works best with a fully-flexible solar panel system.

Thermal Panels

Solar thermal panels are an alternate kind of panel that serves a different purpose. Rather than being an energy supplier, these panels produce heat, which can either be collected and stored to use as electricity later on or as a direct heating measure.

These are very specific kinds of panels and are not considered solar PV systems. This means that they tend to get used less often as a whole and are mostly seen as a highly specific addition to certain homes.

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Which Type of Solar Panel is the Best?

When it comes to solar panels as a whole, there is no best option. The ideal choice for your situation depends on the shape and angle of your existing roof, as well as the way it faces (since a south-facing roof to the south west or south east is best).

As a professional solar panel installer team, we can make sure that our clients get the panels they need, even if they are not sure of any specific types or brands. We can recommend the right solar PV system for your home, providing a bespoke installation process to meet your needs properly.

Whether you want to sell excess energy back to the grid or just want to cut down on energy suppliers’ electricity bills, our solar systems are ideal for any homeowner that wants to use renewable energy more often. Of course, every home is different, so we make sure that we are presenting the right solar energy options to suit your situation.

How Does Solar PV Work?

Solar PV (or solar photovoltaics) focuses on converting light into electricity. Unlike thermal panels, which use heat and water, PV produces electricity directly through the sun’s light.

With an inverter unit and a solar battery, a solar PV system can supplement your existing energy suppliers to keep your bills low or allow you to re-sell your energy to the energy market via the national grid.

When the sun’s rays touch the PV solar cells, the light creates an electric field across the layers of semiconducting materials (generally silicon) on the panel. The more light there is, the stronger this flow of electricity becomes, meaning that panels produce more electricity when subjected to more sunlight.

A standard solar PV panel will consist of:

On their own, solar panels cannot store electricity. With a solar battery (or even just a standard battery system), storing this energy becomes possible. Excess energy can be sold to the national grid for a feed-in tariff via the Smart Export Guarantee, making it even easier to reduce your average electricity bill costs.

How are Solar Panels Installed?

We tackle the solar panel installation process efficiently and reliably, making sure to handle every step correctly. The installation of solar panels can be very complex, with different roofing types and styles requiring different steps entirely.

Our solar panel installation experts understand the steps involved and can make sure that each panel is installed to a high level of safety and reliability.

Adding Brackets

The first step is to add brackets and remove some roof tiles to ensure that they can be installed properly.

Adding Rails

With the brackets in place, we add rails that will support the panels during and after installation.

Attaching Panels

Once the mounts are all in place, we attach the panels to the rails.

This uses specially-designed clips that can easily be removed by hand to allow for quick maintenance.

Each panel has a set of cables behind it that can be joined to others, allowing the panels to operate as a single unit.

Feeding In Cables

We run cables from the inverter up to the panels, making sure that the entire system is properly connected.

The placement of the inverter can vary, but the cables need to have a secure, safe connection to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

Connecting The Cables

We then do last-minute checks to ensure that all parts of the system are connected well and that nothing has been misplaced or damaged.

Testing The System

With the installation complete, we make sure to check all additional systems (such as status monitors) and then test the system.

We will also go over any important details that the homeowners may need to know about their new system.

Solar Panel Planning Permission

Planning permission can be important in certain situations, and some solar panel systems may require you to seek permission before you can start installing them.

We are able to handle the planning permission for our clients, working to make sure that they get the permission they need for their intended solar system. However, this all depends on the kind of system that they are aiming for and what kind of legal limits or regulations might apply.

Do you need planning permission for solar panels?

In most cases, a single standalone solar PV installation will fall under permitted development rights. Permitted development means that you can have the work done without needing to seek planning permission.

Beyond that, permitted development may not cover the work. This means that layer arrays of solar panels require planning permission and that multiple solar panels all interconnected will usually need you to get planning permission before you can install anything beyond the first.

Solar Panel Costs

The cost of solar panels in the UK can vary heavily based on the kind of panels that you are getting. As a professional solar panel installer company, we do our best to keep clients aware of how much they will be spending and what additional costs may apply.

How much do solar panels cost?

While the cost of each kind of solar panel can vary wildly, a standard 250w solar panel will cost around £300-500, depending on its size. Note that different solar systems can also be more or less complex, especially ones with multiple batteries or various other additional features.

We work with our clients to make sure that they are not being pushed over budget by their solar systems. Regardless of the size of the project solar panels are involved in, we make sure that we do not bloat the project: solar panel systems can be complex, and we do not want to push our clients past what they can afford.

Remember that solar panels might eventually pay for themselves, either through sold energy or reduced energy bills. With each new panel included in a project, solar energy becomes increasingly able to pay for itself, making it easier to add new panels if needed.

Are solar panels worth the investment?

Saving on electricity costs alone can make even a simple renewable energy project solar panel system worth it. The Smart Export Guarantee allowing you to sell energy means that you can recoup the cost quite easily, even if you only have a single panel in your home.

If you want to lower your carbon footprint, then solar panels can be a great choice. As long as your home is suitable for solar and has decent sunlight coverage, you can significantly reduce how much energy you are getting from polluting sources.

Are solar panels worth it in 2024 UK?

Solar panels are a great choice in general, but they are especially useful now more than ever, with the government incentivising them in a range of different ways. Our experts can guide you through the benefits of solar panel systems.

What Is the Maintenance Cost of Solar Panels?

An average solar panel system only needs about £100 in repair costs per year. Of course, this does not account for significant one-off sources of damage or long-term neglect, so be sure to take care of your solar system yourself whenever you notice it is getting dirty.

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Home Solar Panels

Solar panels are ideal for residential homes, allowing a homeowner to dramatically reduce their electricity costs.

Is my home suitable for solar panel installation?

Almost every home is suitable for solar power – it just needs to be installed carefully and correctly. However, a south-facing roof is the preferred option, ideally flat south rather than south-east or south-west.

Any southern angle can get a good amount of sunlight, allowing the panels to work more efficiently overall.

Commercial Solar Panels

Solar panels can be a great addition to commercial businesses, too, providing some extra bill reduction and allowing a business owner to earn some extra money by re-selling surplus energy.

This can be especially important for businesses that are committed to being less polluting and using renewable materials whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you install solar panels on your own?

While you can technically install some solar panels yourself, it can be much riskier and less reliable than getting a professional to do it. Our experts understand how to install these modules safely, all while ensuring that they will work as expected.

Solar panel installation is about more than DIY skills it is also about understanding how these systems work and knowing how to set them up from scratch.

Can a house run on solar power alone?

In most cases, solar panels will not be enough to run your entire home unless you buy an excessive amount. While you can do this with the right tools and panel options, most solar panels are used as supplementary power sources to save money and reduce pollution.

Are there any grants for solar panels?

The UK government offers multiple grants for various renewable energy systems, including solar panels. Our expert installers can help you secure any grants that apply to your project. As a Microgeneration Certification Scheme-certified company, these grants are fully available to us.

Is installing solar panels cheaper than electricity?

Installing solar panels costs a bundle of money upfront but can gradually pay for itself. A good set of panels can cut your energy costs by up to 90% if you are lucky, but even a 20% reduction can quickly add up over time.

What is the best time to install my new solar panels?

You can install solar panels at any time of the year, but it is a good idea to get them completed by April to ensure maximum sunlight immediately afterwards. As you might expect, these panels work best in summer, when skies are more likely to be clear, and the sun’s rays will be stronger.

When can I expect my electricity bill to go down after installing new solar panels?

Expect your energy bills to drop almost immediately after setting up a solar panel. However, it is important to note that most panels take a while to pay for themselves – a single panel might require anywhere from 10-25 years to have covered its own cost.

How many solar panels do I need?

There is no specific boundary on how many solar panels are best for any home. However, there is a commonly-used formula to help calculate the ideal number.

(Your household’s energy requirements multiplied by peak sunlight hours in your region) divided by the panel’s wattage

Remember that your roof size, shape and angle can also influence this.

Get In Touch

We can serve customers all across the UK, from South-East England to the North-West. If you want to know more about what we can offer and the kind of work that we do, do not hesitate to get in touch and talk to some of our experts.

Summary

At National Solar Panels, we can provide a great range of solar panel systems, handling the installation to a professional standard. Regardless of what you need, we can work to make sure that you get the panel system you are looking for with minimal delays.

Find More Info

Make sure you contact us today for a number of great solar panel installation services.

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What Others Say About Our Services

We absolutely love the service provided. Their approach is really friendly but professional. We went out to five different companies and found National Solar Panels to be value for money and their service was by far the best. Thank you for your really awesome work, we will definitely be returning!

Sam Chambers
Greater London

We have used National Solar Panels for many years as they are certainly the best in the UK. The attention to detail and professional setup is what makes this company our go-to company for all our work. I highly recommend the team for the immense work - we highly recommend them!

Patrick Hunter
Greater London

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