With the recent government announcement that VAT on solar panel installation will be cut to 0% until 2027, there has never been a better time to consider installing solar panels.

The VAT cut, alongside rising energy costs has seen an upsurge in the number of households searching for a “solar PV installer near me”. BTM Solutions are the Southend, Essex solar energy electricians you can rely upon to design and install a solar panel system that is right for your needs.

Is My Home Suitable for Solar Panels?

Before you can begin any installation there are a few basic considerations. You will need to ascertain whether your roof is suitable for a solar panel installation. This is determined by position – ideally South facing, amount of shading and suitability of building materials. Most solar PV installations do not require planning permission however, if you live in a conservation area or in a listed building you will need to speak to your council’s planning department.

How To Select a Solar PV Installer

Where do you begin when you are looking for a reputable company to install your solar panel system? There are many companies that will offer their services to you and not all of them will have the right experience, training and accreditation to provide you with a safe and satisfactory installation. To help make it easier for you to find a company you can trust, we have put together a simple guide.

• Are they accredited? An MCS or BPEC accredited solar energy electrician will have completed nationally recognised training that is specific to solar panel installation. You gain added consumer protection and can be assured that your electrician is competent. BTM solutions have successfully completed the BPEC certification in the installation and maintenance of solar technology. As part of our ongoing commitment to gain the highest levels of accreditation and training we will shortly be MCS accredited too.
• Compare quotes. It is always recommended to ask for quotes from 3 solar PV installers. This allows you to not only compare prices but to gain invaluable insight into installer working methods and their quality of advice. BTM solutions solar electricians are always happy to provide you with a detailed consultation and quote.
• Ask about the products your solar installer recommends. How do they perform against other brands? Do they provide warranties? A first-class solar panel installer will only work with the best, most reliable technology and these will provide robust guarantees.
• Lastly check out the solar PV installer reviews and see if their customers recommend them. Here at BTM Solutions we are proud of our 5-star service and the positive reviews of our customers speak for themselves.

Solar Panel Installation Process

The next decision will be which system to choose. Tesla and GivEnergy are two of the best-known brands but a good solar energy electrician will have knowledge of the whole market to share with you. They will talk you through the benefits of each and determine which best suits your needs. They will also be able to advise you on additional technology such as solar battery storage systems that work alongside your PV panels to provide greater energy efficiency and savings.

Once you have selected your solar panel system it will be time for the installation to begin. The process usually takes 1-3 days and you will be without power for a couple of hours during this time. You may need scaffolding erected to allow your solar PV installer to access your roof safely whilst they install the frames and the panels themselves. Your electrician will then connect the solar panels to the grid and get you up and running. They will talk you through any necessary maintenance and provide you with all the relevant documentation. And that is it, you will be generating, clean and green, free energy!

If you are interested in generating your own energy and making savings on your energy bill, then please contact us at BTM Solutions to discuss your options. We are your Essex based local, trusted and reliable solar panel installers. Our experienced and fully qualified electricians are here to share the expertise and assist you every step of the way. Contact us today.