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Solar panels

Solar Panels

Solar panels, also called photovoltaic (PV) panels, are an eco-friendly addition to your home, but must be professionally installed and maintained to be safe.

Solar power has steadily increased its share of global electricity production and is a well-established technology.

It is vitally important to use a skilled, trained and qualified solar PV installer who is registered with a competent person scheme (CPS) when having solar PV installed on your property.

It is also recommended to have your system inspected and tested at least every five years to ensure it remains safe and efficient.

Although the risk of fire from solar panels is low, known problems can occur through bad installations, poor quality connections and cable damage through vermin and weathering, particularly if cables have not been secured correctly.

Some systems use micro-inverters or power-optimisers to limit the power generation when a fault develops.

Many newer inverters monitor the insulation resistance of the cables, powering down when a fault is detected. However, many installations don’t have an automatic fire detection system so a fire may spread before being discovered.

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Key points

  • Solar panels must be installed by a trained and qualified professional. 

  • Don’t feel pressured into purchasing. Reputable firms give you time to decide. 

  • Regular cleaning and proper maintenance improve the performance of solar panels. 

  • Check what kind of RCD you need for your solar PV system. 

  • Register your solar PV system as this keeps the UK electricity network safe. 

Buying and registering solar panels

  • Reputable solar panel installers should be signed up to a consumer code, such as the RECC to prevent pressure-selling tactics.
  • A reputable company will give you time to consider your options and their quote and provide extra information you need to make an informed decision. Companies registered with MCS also offer an additional level of assurance.
  • Be suspicious if you are contacted by solar panel companies out of the blue or put under pressure to buy quickly, especially with time-limited or 'one-off' discounts.
  • It's also common to be cold-called about add-ons to existing installations which you may not need. 
  • Be wary of receiving a quote from a salesperson rather than a specialist surveyor and ensure it includes ongoing costs such as maintenance.
  • Low prices (or high savings) may not include all necessary parts and services. And watch out for extremely short payback times.
  • The Government has announced plans to make plug-in solar systems more widely available, but please be aware that, at present, these systems supply power to household circuits in a way currently not permitted by regulations. Read our statement about plug-in solar. 
  • Registration is crucial for the safety and continuity of the UK electricity network. A credible installer should be able to take care of this for you by submitting G98 or G99 forms on your behalf. 
  • The building owner is responsible for registering a solar PV system with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).  
  • Systems with the ability to export up to 3.68kWp (kiloWatt peak) can be notified to the DNO within 28 days of being installed under the ‘connect and notify’ arrangement using G98. 
  • Systems with an export capacity greater than 3.68kWp will need pre-approval via the ‘apply to connect’ process (G99) before being able to be connected to the network, to ensure there is capacity in the network.

Maintaing solar panels safely

  • To make the most of solar energy, keep solar panels clean and maintained. This could increase energy production by up to 15 per cent, benefiting you through savings on energy costs.
  • Most panels have a self-cleaning coating which, when installed at a suitable angle, allows rain to clear dirt and debris.  
  • Periodic cleaning by a specialist company can help remove accumulated dirt, dust, and debris (including lichen and guano). This improves the panels’ ability to absorb sunlight, maximises energy production, and prevents ‘hotspots’ which can result in a panel failing. 
  • Dirt, such as dust, leaves, or other debris obstructs sunlight reducing the systems efficiency and may affect the whole system, not just affected panels. Without regular cleaning, anything sticking to the surface could cause permanent damage.  
  • Do regular visual checks to identify any cracks, breaks, loose connections, and any cable damage caused by vermin and weathering.
  • If you spot any problems, contact a professional to check and repair immediately.
  • It is important the correct type of RCD or RCBO is used with the PV system. This should be verified with the manufacturer and will often be a type B which can withstand any DC earth leakage. 

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.  

  • Use an installation company registered with a CPS and qualified to install solar PV systems. 

  • Ensure your solar PV system is registered with your DNO (pre-approval may be required if your system can export greater than 3.68kWp). 

  • Ensure your solar PV system is regularly inspected and tested at least every 5 years is recommended). 

AVOID

  • Buying solar panels from a cold caller or if you feel under pressure to buy. 

  • Buying add-ons for existing installations unless you need them. 

  • Letting dirt and debris build up, this can obstruct sunlight and affect the whole system. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

To use the electricity generated by solar panels, you need an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).

String inverters are the most common and cheapest option as they connect solar panels in series but, if one panel fails, it could impact the whole system.  

Micro-inverters and power-optimisers separate panels so this doesn’t happen but may be more expensive. Inverters may be fitted in your loft but if it tends to get hot in there, consider an alternative location such as a garage.

It is also a requirement that the inverter is located such that it can readily be accessed and maintained. 

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