Solar panel installation: what should you expect?
How are solar panels installed?
Solar panels are a great and increasingly affordable way to make your home more sustainable and efficient. If you’re thinking about switching to solar, you might have a few questions about the installation process. This guide covers timelines, costs, and what to expect during each stage of the solar installation process.
The solar panel installation process
Solar panel installation is a pretty simple process. After the initial quote and surveys, most of the installation work can usually be done in one day .
Here’s a breakdown of each stage, from quoting to aftercare:
1. Pre-installation
Get a free, personalised quote
The first thing to do is get a free quote from one of our network of third-party installers . It’s super easy and only takes a minute – just answer a few questions and we’ll do the rest.
All they’ll need to know is if you own your home, if you want a battery or just panels, and your home and roof type. Finally, provide your contact information, and you’ll usually hear in a day or two with your personalised quote.
Your solar installers will contact you
Once you’ve told us about your home, we’ll pass your details on to one of our installation partners. We work with several different companies across the UK – all with decades of experience. So when it comes to panels, there’s not much they don’t know.
They’ll get in touch to arrange a pre-installation survey. This can be done in person or virtually – whichever is most convenient . They can then give you a fixed price quote¹ and, if you’re happy, work with you to arrange a suitable date for installation. Simple as that!
They’ll arrange your scaffolding
Before your installation day, the team will put up some scaffolding so the installers can safely access your roof.
This is a quick process, and your installers will arrange everything for you.
Once your installation is done, the scaffolding will be taken down as soon as possible.
2. On the day of installation
Your installers will arrive bright and early to get started on your solar panel installation.
Most teams include a project manager, two roofers, and an electrician – but this can vary according to the job.
Measuring the best location for the solar panels
The first step in the solar panel installation process is working out the best place for your panels.
This usually involves going up onto your roof to take a closer look. Your team will also consider direction, shade, tile type and accessibility.
Once they’ve agreed on the right spot, the area is marked in chalk or non-permanent paint, and electrical testing can begin.
Installing test circuits
The team will set up some small, temporary test circuits to check there are no breaks or faults in the wiring. These are quick to install and won’t involve any disruption to your home electrics.
They won’t affect the installation of the panels; they just help flag any connectivity issues.
It’s a small but important step that lowers the chances of needing any follow-up tinkering after installation.
Fitting mounting brackets
Next, the team will fit metal mounting brackets to your rafters, which means lifting a few tiles to get access. They’ll replace as many tiles as possible after the brackets are fitted.
These brackets hold rails, which the solar panels are attached to. The brackets and rails are tough enough to withstand stormy weather and strong winds, and discreet once the panels are installed.
Installing solar panels
When it’s time to install the panels themselves, the team will hoist or carry each panel up and fix it to the rails.
During this step, they’ll work out the best angle for the time of year and set the solar panels for maximum daylight – normally somewhere between 30 and 45 degrees.
Testing and activation
Finally, the team will test the panels to ensure they’re working properly, and all that wonderful solar energy will be sent to the right place.
When everything is tested, they’ll switch your solar panels on. So, they can start harvesting energy from the daylight straight away.
If you’ve opted for a battery, the team will set this up in a spot that works best for you. And everything can be connected.
Get started with the Hive app
Your installers will also set you up with a Hive hub, so your panels and battery can connect to the Hive app. This makes it really easy to monitor what energy your panels use, store and export.
And if you decide to get any other Hive products in the future, like smart lights or EV charging, you’ll be able to control them through the same app.
3. Post-installation
Register for a SEG Tariff
Once your panels are installed, you can apply for a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff. This is a government scheme that pays you for selling excess electricity back to the grid.
It’s worth making sure that you get set up on the right SEG tariff to make the most of your renewable energy source.
For instance, you could shrink your electricity bills by up to 95% in your first year with solar panels, a battery, our Hive Solar Saver offer, and a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff from our friends at British Gas.²
We’ll send you an email with more details shortly after your solar panel installation is done.
Cleaning and maintenance
Solar panels are incredibly low maintenance. Most systems come with a special coating to protect them from residue left behind by water and dirt. But if you live in a built-up area or birds have been busy on your roof, they may occasionally need a clean.
Check out our detailed guide on cleaning and maintenance for more info.
How long does solar panel installation take?
When it comes to timeframes there is no hard and fast rule. Every home is different, and there are several factors that can influence how long installation can take.
Taking everything into consideration, from initial quote to removing the scaffolding, the process usually takes a couple of weeks.
But in terms of actually fitting the panels to your roof? Well, unless you have a very large roof with lots of panels to install, that’s generally done in one day.
Can solar panels be installed on a flat roof?
The simple answer is yes – but the process is a little different.
The angle your panels are tilted at plays a big part in how well they work. Panels need to be set between 30 and 45 degrees to absorb as much solar energy as possible.
On a pitched roof, the angle is built in; on a flat roof, we’ll tilt the panels during installation. Then space them out a little wider, to avoid shading.
This means there’s less room for panels, but more room for access. It makes installation quicker, and cleaning and maintenance a whole lot easier.
How much does it cost to install solar energy?
Solar panels deliver great savings in the long term. On average, the cost of solar panel installation, with a battery, for a three-bed home is around £8,000.
It’s worth remembering that different factors contribute to cost – panel type, number of panels and your chosen installer, so the cost might be lower depending on what you need.
Check out our costing guide for more information.
Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?
Generally, no, you don’t need planning permission to install solar panels.
In 2023, permitted development rights were expanded to include solar panels, removing this costly and time-consuming step from the process.
But there are some situations where you may still need planning permission:
You live in a listed building
You’ll need Listed Building Consent to install solar panels anywhere on the property – even on the ground.
Your home is in a conservation area
In most cases, permitted development rights still hold, unless your panels will be visible from a highway.
You want to install ground-mounted solar panels
You’ll need planning permission if your installation is larger than nine square metres, higher than four metres, or within five metres of your property’s boundary.
Can I install solar panels myself?
Bit of a DIY buff? Well, you’re within your legal rights to install solar panels yourself – for the most part. Connecting your system to the grid must be done by a qualified electrician.
If you do take on the job yourself, you also risk missing out on key benefits of a professional installation.
Unless your installation is carried out by an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited professional, you won’t be eligible for the SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) scheme, which means you can’t sell electricity back to the grid.
Installing solar panels yourself may also void your home insurance and/or mortgage contract. So if something does go wrong, you won’t be covered.
It’s risky, so we think it’s best to leave installation to the pros.
Looking to get a quote for solar panel installation?
There you have it – everything you could ever want to know about solar panel installation!
Solar power has come a long way. The technology is more efficient, accessible, and affordable than ever, so it’s a great time to make the change to renewable energy.
Ready to go solar? We’re on hand to answer your questions and find the right setup for you.
Get solar panels with HIVE
Learn more about solar power
For more information about all things solar, take a look at our other guides:
How many solar panels do I need?
Make sure you get the right solar panel set-up to maximise energy independence and cost savings with our handy guide.
Understanding solar panel size in the UK
All the factors you need to take into consideration when deciding on the size and number of solar panels you need.
Solar panel grants: everything you need to know
Find out about the government help available to cover some of the cost of your solar panel installation.
¹ Subject to no specification change
² Based on a medium demand (2,700 kWh) property in London, with south-facing 10 panel 4kW arrays and a battery providing 35% of the home’s electricity needs. Excess energy is sold back to the grid at 15.1p per kWh using the British Gas ‘Export & Earn Plus’ SEG tariff. Saving includes ‘Hive Solar Saver’ discount of 25% on electricity unit rate in first year and savings will vary after that. We will give at least one months’ advance notice of the offer ending on the BG website. Typical bill calculated using national average July-September 2025 price cap rates. Actual savings will depend on location, installation, aspect and electricity use. For full details please see the Hive Solar Saver Terms & Conditions.