Hey everyone! I've been exploring the possibility of doing a DIY solar installation on my roof in the UK. Recently, I had a brief survey done by a pro, and they mentioned that due to my limited roof space, it wouldn't be financially viable to install solar panels—only 4-5 panels would fit, which made me reconsider hiring someone, especially since it would cost us three times more. We use about 10,500 kWh a year, and while a professional installation might only give us a return on investment in about 8-9 years, I believe I could set up a DIY system at a much lower cost.
I've calculated that with some creative planning, I could fit 9 panels and achieve a modest 4-4.5 kW system alongside a hybrid inverter and a DIY battery kit, bringing the estimated total cost to around £4,000. However, I learned about the UK's Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and how critical it is to have this certification for any renewables installations to stay 'above board.' My electrician indicated that getting an MCS cert for a DIY setup is unlikely, which has got me thinking about the risks involved—especially concerning home insurance, mortgage implications, and resale value.
I've also spoken with a few installers who seem unsure about optimizing my roof for panels, and I've found stark price differences between DIY setups and professional quotes. I'd love to hear your insights or experiences regarding DIY solar installations in the UK, especially if there are ways to do it legally and safely!
3 Answers
I had a similar issue with my rental—installers said only 5 panels would fit, but with some creativity and ground mounting, we ended up with a full G.98 compliant setup! Just be wary of over-relying on what installers say. Sometimes their estimates are narrow-minded; explore all options, including wall mounting if necessary. And yes, I totally agree about the inflated prices from national providers. You can find better deals yourself.
Definitely get several local quotes. I had a similar experience; one installer thought only 8 panels would fit due to my roof's shape, but another measured properly and got 18 on there. It's amazing what a thorough assessment can uncover. Just make sure they do a site visit instead of a quick online calculation!
That's great advice! I’ll start looking for local installers who can come out and measure. Thanks for sharing your experience.
It's totally doable! I've got a DIY solar setup myself. Just to clarify, not having an MCS certification doesn't prevent you from exporting power, it just means you won't get paid for the excess energy you produce. Check with your home insurance, though—some may want to know about your setup when you sell. The key for installation is to ensure you're using an inverter compliant with the ENA database and notify your DNO about the setup. If you manage that, you can still get an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and all the necessary paperwork. Good luck!
Thanks for the info! It's reassuring to know it could work. I’ll definitely check into the DNO compliance with my planned hybrid inverter. It's good to know I don't have to give up on export payments entirely.
Appreciate the encouragement! Seems like getting multiple quotes from local installers could really help me optimize my setup and save money.