Are you looking to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and the National Grid? A solar panel installation at your Bristol home can make those dreams of energy independence – and lower bills – a reality.
To help you achieve those dreams, you’ll need the services of a reputable and experienced solar panel installer in Bristol. Allied Electrical Services have provided top quality electrical services including solar panel installations to the people of Bristol for over 25 years. We have put together this blog to help answer your questions about solar panel installation.
Can I have Solar Panels?
There are lots of questions we are asked about solar panels, but this is by far the most common one. There are a few things that make your Bristol home suitable for a solar panel installation. Your solar panel installer will be able to advise you of your home’s suitability based on these criteria.
• Which direction does your roof face? - If you have a solely north facing roof its unlikely to receive enough sunlight to make solar panels a worthwhile investment for you. Ideally the roof for a solar panel installation should be south facing, but east and westerly facing roofs can also work well with a sufficient number of panels.
• Is your roof heavily shaded? – Is your roof receiving a lot of shading from nearby buildings and trees? If so, it won’t be able to generate much power.
• What condition is your roof in? The roof at your Bristol home needs to be strong enough to support the weight of a solar panel installation. It must be in good condition and if a new roof is likely to be needed within a few years, it is best to do it first.
• What condition are your electrics in? Many people forget this, but your solar panel installation requires your electrics to be in good condition. If your wiring is elderly, or your fuseboard is outdated they will need upgrading before a solar panel installation can take place.
If you would like to find out if your Bristol home is suitable for a solar panel installation, our friendly and experienced solar electricians at Allied Electrical Services will be happy to help.
What happens during a solar panel installation?
Once you’ve decided to go ahead with a solar panel installation at your Bristol home, your installer will speak with you to discuss the project and to finalise the details of your solar installation. Using their extensive experience and training, our friendly solar panel installers will talk you through the various additional options such as solar batteries and will design a system that meets your needs.
The first step of the solar panel installation begins with the erection of scaffolding to allow safe access to your roof at your Bristol home. This will usually be in place for a day or two either side of the actual solar panel installation. On the day of the solar panel installation itself your solar panel installers will begin by fitting solar panel mounts to your roof. After these have been mounted the panels, themselves will be fitted. The electrician will then physically wire your solar panels and install the solar inverter and solar battery if you opted for one. They will the establish the connection to your fuse box. To make the process easier, make sure the area where your fuse box is located is clear and easy to access. Whilst the electrical work is carried out you will be without power for a short time. After this your installer will connect the system to the grid. Then it’s time for a tidy up and a demonstration of how your solar panel installation works – you are now generating your own energy!
How do I choose a Solar Panel Installer?
When you are looking for a solar panel installer to carry out the solar panel installation at your Bristol home, it can seem to be a bit of a minefield to find a reputable one. To make sure you receive the best service and the right advice there are a few things you should check.
Our tip tips for choosing a solar panel installer:
• Are they qualified and registered? – Choosing a solar panel installer who is qualified and registered will provide peace of mind and gives additional protection should anything go wrong. As electricians they should be registered with either NICEIC or NAPIT, the electrical industry's governing bodies. A reputable solar panel installer will also be MCS accredited.
• What products do they use? – Have a look at whether your solar panel installer recommends high quality, dependable products. There are good quality options available to suit all budgets. A reputable installer will only use highly rated suppliers that are reliable and long lasting. Have a look at some reviews to see which products come highly recommended and which should be avoided.
• Compare quotes – It’s a good idea to get at least 3 quotes for the solar panel installation at your Bristol home. If a quote seems very low compared to the others – or features lots of extras – it is best avoided.
Solar Panel Installer in Bristol
If you are considering a solar panel installation at your Bristol home, contact our experienced team at Allied Electrical Services today. Our highly trained, experienced and fully qualified electricians will help you every step of the way. We are NICEC approved contractors and are MCS accredited, so you can rest easily knowing that you are in safe hands. Call us today and start your journey to energy independence.
