Top tips for buying solar panels
Having your own solar panels and battery storage to power your home or business with clean energy can be a smart investment. By installing solar panels and producing renewable electricity you can reduce your energy bills, but you will also be playing your part to support our area's move towards net zero and contribute towards tackling the climate challenge.
Here are our top tips if you're considering solar power:
- read the Solar Panel Guide by the Energy Saving Trust
- check installers who are registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme
- consider other technologies such as battery storage as well as retrofitting your home with energy efficient measures such as insulation
- get more than one quote to compare the cost, system and services offered
- do your research; for example, solar panels differ in quality which is often reflected in the price and could impact on their lifespan and performance
- usually solar panel installations are considered as permitted development so don’t need planning permission; however if, for example, you live in a conservation area, a listed property or have a flat roof you may need to notify our planning team
Find out more about planning permission and solar panels on the Planning Portal