So you've made the decision, picked your system and booked your date. Exciting! But if you've never had solar panels fitted before, it's natural to wonder what installation day actually involves. Will it be noisy? Will you need to be home? How long will the power be off?
We get asked these questions all the time, so here's a straightforward walk-through of what to expect when the Swaye team arrives to fit your solar panels.
Before the Day: No Surprises
A smooth installation starts well before anyone climbs a ladder. Once your design is agreed, we'll confirm your booking by email and send text reminders before we arrive, so you're never left guessing. We'll also let you know:
- Where the scaffold will go, and whether we need access to the side or back of the property.
- Where the inverter and any battery will be fitted, usually somewhere like the loft, garage or utility room.
- Roughly how long the job will take for your size of system. Every roof is different, and we'll give you a clear timeline for yours.
If there's anything you'd like to move out of the way, such as garden furniture, plant pots or the car on the drive, we'll mention it in advance.
Getting Safe Access to Your Roof
Safety always comes first. For most roof-mounted systems, scaffolding goes up before the main installation so our roofers and electricians can work safely at height. Depending on the job, this may happen on the day itself or shortly beforehand.
Our roofers are used to all sorts of roof coverings found across Devon, from slate to concrete tile, and they'll treat yours with care.
On the Roof: Fitting the Panels
Once access is in place, the roof work begins:
- Mounting the system. For an on-roof array, brackets are fixed to the roof structure and rails attached to hold the panels. For an in-roof system, the panels sit within the roof itself, flush with the tiles.
- Laying out the panels. Panels are positioned according to your agreed design to make the most of your roof space.
- Running the cables. Cabling is routed neatly from the roof to where the inverter will live, keeping things as tidy and discreet as possible.
You'll hear some drilling and footsteps overhead, but it's usually far less disruptive than people expect.
Inside the House: Inverter, Battery and Connection
While the roofers work above, our electricians get on with the indoor side of things. This typically includes fitting the inverter, any battery storage you've chosen, isolators and the connection into your consumer unit.
There will be a short period when we need to switch off the power to connect everything safely. We'll let you know before it happens, so you're not caught halfway through a video call or with something in the oven.
And because we do things the Swaye Way, you can count on:
- Boots off or overshoes whenever we're inside.
- Dust sheets down to protect your floors and furniture.
- Cleaning as we go, so we leave your home as tidy as we found it.
Switch-On: Testing and Commissioning
This is the exciting bit. Once everything is installed, the system is fully tested and commissioned to make sure it's working safely and as designed. If your system comes with a monitoring app, we'll help you get it set up and show you how to read it, so you can watch your panels generating in real time.
We'll also explain how your system works day to day, and what to do if you ever have a question.
The Paperwork, Handled
Solar installations come with paperwork, and we take care of it for you. That includes your electrical certification, MCS certification and National Grid registration. It's the part most people don't want to think about, and the part we're happy to handle so your system is properly documented and registered.
After the Day: We Don't Disappear
Once you're up and running, we'll check in with you to make sure you're happy and everything is working as it should. If you'd like to keep your panels in top condition for years to come, we also offer solar servicing and cleaning.
You can find out more about the different systems we install on our solar panels in Devon page, or read more about the Swaye Way and how we look after our customers.
Thinking About Solar for Your Home?
If you're considering solar panels in South Devon and want honest, no-pressure advice, we'd love to hear from you.
Swaye Group
- Call: 01752 200496 or 07916 733824
- Email: info@swayegroup.com
- Visit: Unit CF16, Redlake Trading Estate, Ivybridge, PL21 0EZ