Installing solar panels. DIY or get an MCS professional in?
Embrace the power of solar energy.
If you’re considering solar, it’s a good time to learn more about the many advantages.
Reduce monthly electricity costs.
The more of your electricity is solar generated, the less you’ll need to pay for power from the grid.
Less reliant on the grid.
You won’t pay as much and you’ll be freeing up electricity for others.
Get paid for your excess energy.
Through SEG, you can get paid for any of the solar electricity you don’t use.
Solar is clean and renewable.
There’s no harmful emissions or air pollution. And you’ll reduce your carbon footprint.
Solar panels have become more and more popular recently. New technology has made solar panels more efficient, affordable, and attractive to homeowners. And more people than ever are recognising the value of solar energy, both for its economic benefits and positive environmental impact.
But if you’re considering installing solar panels, exactly who will you get to install them? Can you do it yourself? Or should you get a professional? There are pros and cons to both ways. Let's take a look at them.
Exploring your options.
Installed by an MCS-certified installer.
MCS stands for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. Having MCS certification is a mark of quality and assurance that your installer meets recognised industry standards. They must use high quality products, be compliant with regulations, and have professional expertise. MCS also certifies low-carbon renewable energy generation - like solar panels and air source heat pumps (ASHP).
Put simply, an MCS accredited professional like ours will take care of all the headaches for you.
This is the way most people get their solar panels installed. And it has several advantages.
Not every DIY enthusiast is trained to handle electricity. But, a professional, accredited installer is qualified and will do the job safely, to the highest standards.
And speaking of safety… How safe do you feel installing solar panels high up on your roof? Again, our installers are equipped with the training and tools to do just that.
Service beyond the installation.
But the benefits of a professional installation don't stop when the panels are up.
For added peace of mind, our installers are bound to the HIES consumer code that offers protection for renewable energy products installed in your home. HIES offers you deposit and stage payment protection insurance for solar panels up to £5,000 for 120 days from the contract date.
That means that if your installer stops trading before they have installed your panels, any payments you have made are safe.
They also offer protection if the installer stops trading and cannot fulfil any written guarantee you have with them.
What's more, the Council of Mortgage Lenders advises that MCS-certified installation is needed as a minimum condition to give you a mortgage. Many home insurers feel the same.
And finally, if you were planning to sell any excess electricity you generate back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee, guess what? Yes, you'll need that MCS certification.
So, to avoid all the bureaucracy and technical problems that installing solar panels involves, an MCS certified installer is the way to go.
The DIY route.
DIY solar panel kits are popular for homeowners who have electrical expertise and training, want to save on installation costs, and would like a hands-on understanding of solar panel systems.
These kits come with all the components and instructions to set up your own solar panel systems. As long as you have some DIY skills, you can customise your installation to suit your situation. And you'll have the personal satisfaction of building your own.
DIY panels may sound attractive if you already have the necessary electrical training or construction skills. But, don't forget, you will need to think about things other than the electricals, such as:
Checking for planning permission.
Complying with building regulations.
Will DIY panels affect your home insurance costs?
Will your energy supplier provide you with electricity now you have panels?
If you want to sell any excess electricity back to the grid, you must get MCS certification or the equivalent from a body like Flexi-Orb.
For a safe, high quality installation, we always recommend you have your solar panels installed by a professional - one that is MCS certified.
Why should you choose E.ON Next for your solar panels?
Since we started in 2020, E.ON Next has aimed to help our customers move to clean, renewable energy sources - like solar panels. Take a look at what you can expect from an E.ON Next solar installation.
We use MCS certified installers.
0% finance options available up to 36 months.
30-year performance warranties on solar panels.
Get a 6-panel solar system installed from £4,995.
Get your solar panels professionally installed or do it yourself?
For many people, choosing a professional installer is the simple, and more importantly, safer choice. With a skilled, MCS-certified installation from a reputable provider like E.ON Next, you get safety, efficiency, compliance, and peace of mind.
But if you’re thinking about installing your solar panels yourself, then consider the following carefully:
Are you trained to install electrical systems and work at heights?
DIY solar kits are designed to be as user-friendly as possible. However, they also require a fair amount of technical know-how and physical labour. Ultimately, you’re still going to be working with dangerous elements, such as your home’s mains electricity and roof installation.
Solar panels are a long-term investment.
They have to work well and stay safe for years to come. Professional installation gives you the peace of mind of MCS certification, a mark of quality and safety that unlocks benefits like selling back excess electricity or securing a mortgage.
DIY might seem like a bargain upfront, but it could cost you down the line.
A professional installer will maximise your solar panels' efficiency, reduce costly errors, and keep your warranty safe. Plus, many insurers and energy providers only cover accredited systems.
Installing solar panels is about more than just the initial setup.
Professionals will also get the job done quickly and efficiently and handle all aspects, from obtaining permits to connecting to the grid. They'll make sure everything is up to scratch, which can be a complex process if you are unfamiliar with the regulations.
A DIY installation can be a satisfying and viable option for seasoned home improvers with electrical training. However, opting for professional installation ensures that your solar panels are set up optimally, leaving you free to enjoy the benefits of renewable energy without the hassles.