Solar Panel Installation — Glasgow

The first step is to schedule a consultation with our expert solar panel installers at PWS. During this consultation, we will assess your property, discuss your energy needs and goals, and provide you with a customised proposal outlining the best solar system for your home. 

This proposal will include details on the size of the system, the estimated energy production, and the projected cost savings over time. 

Solar installations generally take 4–5 days, depending on the scale of the work involved. The actual time for the solar installation process may vary depending on the size of your solar PV system, roof space, the complexity of your roof layout, and the specific mounting system required to get as much sunlight as possible.  

Prior to installation, our solar panel installers will conduct a thorough site assessment to determine the optimal placement of your solar panels and identify any potential challenges or requirements unique to your property. This assessment helps us provide you with a more accurate timeline for your installation of solar PV in Glasgow.    

In 2008, Scottish solar installations were designated “permitted development,” meaning planning was no longer necessary. There is an exception if your home is listed or within a conservation area. Even if your property falls under the “permitted development” category, it is essential to ensure that your solar panel installer adheres to the specific criteria set forth by the Scottish Government.        

These criteria include aspects such as the size and positioning of the solar panels, their distance from the edge of the roof, and the materials used. At our solar panel installation company, we stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and guidelines, ensuring that your home or commercial solar panel installation complies with all necessary requirements.

Yes and no! If the proposed inverter is 3.68kW or below, we can connect the system to the national grid without permission and inform the supplier afterwards using the G98 notification procedure. If the inverter is larger than 3.68kW, we must apply for pre-permission using the G99 procedure. 

G99 can take up to 6 weeks for approval, and solar power work cannot begin until permission is granted. Some suppliers charge up to £300 for the G99 network design study, but others do it for free. Our solar panel home installation company will do all the form-filling, so you can relax!    

Payment schedules are set by the Renewable Energy Consumer Code and MCS scheme. A 25% deposit is taken to secure materials, a 35% advance payment is paid 3 weeks before initial installation, and a 40% balance is required upon full installation. Your deposit and installation are covered by an insurance-backed warranty from the Independent Warranty Association for your protection.   

At PWS, we understand that installing a renewable energy source is a huge investment, and we strive to make the process as transparent as possible. A solar installer from our team will work with you to explore various funding opportunities, including interest-free loans, grants, and other incentives that may be available in your area.      

If your budget allows for solar panels with battery storage, then 100% yes. When you are out during the day, the solar PV battery storage will store surplus solar energy to be used when at home. Sadly, in Scotland, we are grey and wet from October to March, and naturally, solar production is reduced. This is when an off-peak tariff and a solar panel with battery storage are crucial.  

During these times a solar with battery storage can be charged using off-peak rates such as Octopus Go during the night and discharge the cheap extra energy into your home during the day. Charging a 10kWh battery overnight can save around £2 per day or £60 per month from your electricity bills during autumn and winter.     

A typical install will include an inverter, consumer unit, one battery, isolators and a meter. This can be installed on a 1.2M x 2.4M sheet of plasterboard. We use OSB wooden board covered by a fire-rated board for a non-combustible and aesthetic finish behind the equipment. Check our projects page for solar power installation images.   

Inverters and batteries can be outside, but it’s not the most efficient place for them. Battery performance degrades when temperatures fall to around freezing. Inclement weather and a higher risk of damage are also factors to consider.  

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your solar PV system, it is best to install inverters and batteries in a protected indoor location. This can be a garage, utility room, or any other suitable space that maintains a stable temperature and protects the components from the elements.   

The average payback period for solar panels is 5–10 years. High-demand electricity users will make greater savings than low-demand users, resulting in a shorter payback period. Having solar will also increase your energy awareness via the app, and good energy habits must be implemented to get the most out of your system.   

Several other factors can influence the payback period of your solar and battery storage system, including the size of your installation, the efficiency of your solar panels, how much electricity you consume, and the amount of direct sunlight your property receives.

It depends on the type of solar panel system you have installed. If your system is grid-tied without a battery, it will automatically shut off during a power outage to prevent excess electricity from feeding back into the national grid, which could pose a safety risk to utility workers. 

However, if you have a solar battery installed, you can continue to power your home with the stored energy during an outage, providing you with energy independence and peace of mind.