{"id":1365,"date":"2026-05-07T07:04:31","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T07:04:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/newsite\/?p=1365"},"modified":"2026-05-13T07:25:42","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T07:25:42","slug":"solar-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/newsite\/2026\/05\/07\/solar-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Solar in Depth."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The light energy frees electrons, creating a Direct Current (DC) flow of electricity.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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A photovoltaic system consists of PV cells, which are grouped into modules (solar panels) and arranged into arrays.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
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They contain cells, usually made of silicon, that release electrons when hit by sunlight, creating a flow of electricity. An inverter converts this power into the standard electricity used for appliances, helping lower energy bills<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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Solar PV basics.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Solar panels provide an eco-friendly and sustainable method for power generation, as they harness sunlight and produce no direct greenhouse gas emissions during use. They are utilized globally to lower electricity costs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and minimize the carbon footprint associated with energy production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the past 20 years, solar power has seen significant advancements in both affordability and technology, including improved energy transfer and storage capabilities. For solar energy to be truly beneficial in the UK, it is essential to either store the generated energy using batteries or feed the excess power back into the grid through energy providers.The system gathers that heat, boosts it, and releases it indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunlight (photons) hits the solar panel cells, which are made of special materials (semiconductors).<\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
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Different types of solar panels.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Solar PV<\/strong> (Photovoltaics).
This is the technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells<\/a>. These cells are typically made from semiconductor<\/a> materials, such as silicon, which absorb photons from sunlight and release electrons. This flow of electrons generates direct current<\/a> (DC) electricity, which can be converted to alternating current (AC) using an inverter<\/a> for use in homes.
Solar PV systems can vary in scale from small residential rooftop installations to large solar farms. They are a key component of renewable energy strategies, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Solar thermal.<\/strong> This is the technology that harnesses sunlight to produce heat, which can be used directly for heating our water, it can be used commercially to generate steam for industry, but we are looking at domestic systems here.\u00a0
Solar thermal technology is valued for its efficiency in directly using the sun\u2019s energy for heating applications, contributing to lower energy bills and reduced reliance on conventional fuel sources.
The panels used either have a dark absorbing surface made from polymers<\/a> or evacuated tubes which look like fluorescent tubes. The evacuated tubes are more efficient in cold climates but can overheat if too hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Monocrystalline<\/a> (black) are more efficient, while Polycrystalline<\/a> (blue) are often cheaper<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Inverter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Solar PV<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Solar Thermal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Installation Guide.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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For any renewable heating or solar project, whether funded privately or through a UK grant scheme, the current best practices, manufacturer\u2019s instructions and relevant building regulations should be strictly adhered to.
If installed on a UK grant scheme then a quality assurance program that certifies small-scale renewable energy systems and installers need to be followed, currently this is supplied by\u00a0MCS<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also advised to use MCS installers to mitigate any problems with planning and safety compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other companies like the IAA<\/a> offer microgeneration guarantees too.\u00a0Most of the time when applying for renewable funding the installation company usually has the mechanism to set up the funding and this should be explained from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should NOT have to pay anything upfront or post install unless extras are quoted and agreed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These extras could be, for instance, extra panels, battery connected inverter’s, batteries and possibly EV chargers.
Get your installers to confirm the process of connecting to your grid supply, which is detailed below.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Currently, there are various funding streams, but are typically means tested.
Have a look at the\u00a0funding area<\/a>\u00a0of the site for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To achieve effective solar panel installation in line with best practices, MCS standards, and building regulations, please review the following installation and operation guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ground Array<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Roof Array<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Pre-install.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Before connecting a solar power system, you must submit a DNO application<\/a> to the relevant distribution network operator<\/a>.
This ensures they can assess and manage the required *electricity capacity. The documentation needed depends on the system\u2019s size, larger systems generally require more paperwork before installation.
For solar power systems, the standard threshold is 16 amps per phase, determined by the inverter\u2019s AC output. If you’re unsure of the amp rating, consult the installation company\u2019s electricians for guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Labels\/shut off<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Inverter Error<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Schematic Diagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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*Electrical capacity, measured in amps (amperage), is the maximum amount of electricity a circuit can handle, so the DNO needs to make sure the generated power can be pushed back down the cables safely!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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 “phase” refers to the distribution of electrical load within a circuit, with “single phase” meaning there’s only one live wire supplying power to a household. Most UK homes are single phase.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Systems with an AC output under 16 amps per phase<\/a> (less than 3.68kw) can be registered with a G98 form<\/a>, usually allowing immediate installation. 
Systems exceeding 16 amps per phase<\/a> (more than 3.68kw)are classified as large and require prior approval and a G99 form<\/a> from the DNO before installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Informing your supplier.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re trying to set up a Smart Export Guarantee<\/a> with a supplier, they will require documentation like a DNO letter, they may also want a G98 or G99 approval and MCS certificate<\/a>, They will require an export MPAN (they can usually request this from your DNO). Email your electricity supplier to inform them of the solar installation, give them the exact date of installation even if you have not received your MCS or other documentation. They will then confirm in return and hopefully guide you with the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an export MPAN?<\/strong>
An export Meter Point Administrator Number (MPAN) is an industry reference for a unique 12 or 13-digit reference number to identify where electricity is fed into the grid. It helps to ensure exported electricity is measured accurately and payments\/credits owed are assigned to the correct account. This can take your supplier many weeks to retrieve from your DNO. This number is different from your standard MPAN 21-digit number on your bill. We have a section in the blog to explain more.
More details here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post-install.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All DC and AC solar cables and isolators Should be labelled throughout the installation. <\/strong>This is a MCS guideline,\u00a0which we know is not a\u00a0regulation, but\u00a0any good installer should complete\u00a0all the tasks mentioned.\u00a0
Ask the installers if your supplier is being informed. <\/strong>The installers may inform your supplier and pass on the necessary documentation but personally contact your energy supplier by email to confirm.
PV cables under the panels.<\/strong> These should be secured, so the wiring is not touching the roof. This is to prevent failure, snagging and build up of debris.
Safe lockable isolation at inverter.<\/strong>\u00a0DC (black) and AC (red)
Correct fixing of inverter.<\/strong> Manufactures will state surface mount requirements (fireproof etc).
Clear diagrams of system to be placed near inverter <\/strong>(schematic diagram).<\/strong> This shows the setup of the system for maintenance and electrical circuits.
Solar on roof label to be close to main fuse.<\/strong> This is mainly to inform emergency services that DC exists on the roof.
Monitor meter.<\/strong> Should be installed in a location for ease of access and allow the occupier to be able to monitor the system to check for generation and faults (can be installed into consumer unit). The generation meter light should be blinking in the daylight, if not could be failure, check for warning on inverter. Some inverters are remotely monitored for failure, this should be explained and monitoring contact information left on site.
Check that your meter is suitable for selling on excess energy.<\/strong> This usually has to be a smart meter and your energy supplier can guide you.
Panel position.<\/strong>\u00a0Solar panels should be installed to optimize daylight and eliminate shading, this is typically at a 35\u00b0 angle facing south. Panels should not extend more than 200 mm from the roof surface and be minimum 400mm from the edge to prevent uplift, latest regulations,\u00a0MCS guidance<\/a>\u00a0and manufacturer installation information should be followed. Flat roofs and pitched roofs have different installation techniques and parameters.
Solar\u00a0wizard,<\/a>\u00a0a good place to start to check orientation.
Panel Type.<\/strong> Ask what configuration panels are.
They could be in\u00a0series\u00a0or\u00a0parallel.<\/a>
Protection.<\/strong>\u00a0Panels may need to be protected from nesting birds or vermin.
Labels.<\/strong>\u00a0Cables should be labelled with DC warnings, and this should ideally be visible on each internal and external run.
All meters and isolation switches should be labelled.
Ground Panels.<\/strong>\u00a0If panels are ground mounted, then cables to inverters should be safely and securely routed and labelled. Typically, in ground trenches at a minimum 500 mm.\u00a0Ground mounted panels should be secured to prevent wind lift. Weighted and secured.
Earth wires<\/strong> (bonding). Should be fitted to gas meters and water stopcocks. To prevent any electrical current moving to uninsulated pipework in case of failure or damage to the system.
Planning permission.<\/strong> Typically, not required for domestic solar panel installations. However, planning permission may be required for listed buildings and conservation areas. If using an MCS registered installer, this should be verified for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Generation Meter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Generation Meter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Earth Bonding<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Series or Parallel.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Series connection. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n