SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION: YOUR DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO GOING SOLAR IN HAMPSHIRE, DORSET & WILTSHIRE

Harness the power of the sun to slash your electricity bills, gain energy independence, and invest in a sustainable future. Starks Solar is your trusted local expert for bespoke solar panel installation and design.

WHY INVEST IN SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION?

In an age of volatile energy prices and growing environmental awareness, a solar panel system is one of the most intelligent and rewarding investments a homeowner can make. It is a tangible asset that delivers immediate financial returns, enhances your property, and provides long-term energy security. For homeowners in the sunny counties of Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire, the conditions are perfect for maximising these benefits.

Benefit 1: Achieve Substantial Financial Savings

The primary motivation for many is the significant reduction in electricity bills. By generating your own free electricity, your reliance on your energy supplier plummets. Any electricity your panels produce is used by your home first, meaning you are not buying it from the grid at peak prices. The savings are twofold:

• Reduced Energy Bills: A typical 4kWp system in the South of England can meet 50-70% of a medium-sized household’s annual electricity needs, saving you hundreds, and often thousands, of pounds each year.
• Earn Money with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Any surplus electricity you generate is automatically exported to the grid. Under the SEG scheme, licensed energy suppliers pay you for every unit you export. While not a huge income, it further reduces your system’s payback time and rewards you for contributing to the grid. You can find detailed information on the scheme on the official Ofgem website.

Payback & ROI Example: A well-designed system in our region can often pay for itself in 6-9 years. With panels warrantied for 25 years, that means you could enjoy over 15 years of completely free electricity, representing an annual return on investment that frequently outperforms traditional savings accounts.

Benefit 2: Make a Positive Environmental Impact

Switching to solar is a powerful statement of your commitment to sustainability. By generating clean, renewable energy on your own rooftop, you directly reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels. A typical residential solar installation can offset approximately 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Over the 25-year life of the system, that is equivalent to planting hundreds of trees. Add Solar panel installation to your home.

Benefit 3: Increase Your Property’s Value and Appeal

Homes equipped with solar panel installation systems are more attractive to modern buyers. Studies have shown that properties with solar panel installations can command higher prices and sell faster than comparable homes without. A solar system improves a home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, a key factor for many purchasers, and signals a future-proofed, low-running-cost property.

HOW SOLAR PANELS WORK: FROM SUNLIGHT TO SOCKET

The technology behind solar panels is both fascinating and robust. The process of converting sunlight into usable electricity for your home involves several key components working in perfect harmony.

1. The Photovoltaic Effect: Solar panels (or modules) are made up of many photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells, typically made from silicon, absorb photons from sunlight. This energy excites electrons within the cells, causing them to flow and creating a Direct Current (DC).
2. Conversion to AC: Your home’s appliances run on Alternating Current (AC) electricity. The DC electricity from the panels flows to an inverter, which is the brain of the system. The inverter converts the DC electricity into usable AC electricity.
3. Powering Your Home: This AC electricity then travels to your consumer unit (fuse box) and is distributed throughout your home, powering your lights, appliances, and any other electrical devices. Your home will always use the free solar power first before drawing any required extra from the grid.
4. Exporting the Surplus: If the panels are generating more power than your home is using, the excess is automatically exported to the national grid for your neighbours to use, earning you SEG payments.

THE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF YOUR SOLAR PANEL installation SYSTEM

A high-quality solar panel installation is more than just the panels themselves. We design systems using durable, top-tier components to ensure decades of reliable performance.

Solar Panels (PV Modules)

We primarily use high-efficiency Monocrystalline panels from leading manufacturers like Aiko. These are identifiable by their black colour and offer the best performance and longevity. They have excellent output even in lower light conditions, making them ideal for the UK climate. All panels we install come with a 25-year performance warranty.

The Inverter

The inverter is crucial. We specify the right type for your project, usually a ‘hybrid’ inverter that is ready to connect to a battery storage system. Brands we trust and install include Sigenergy and Fox ESS. These advanced inverters not only convert power but also provide detailed performance monitoring via a smartphone app.

The Mounting System

The unseen hero of your system is the mounting equipment that secures the panels to your roof. We use MCS-certified mounting systems with specific roof hooks for every tile type (e.g., concrete, slate, rosemary) to ensure a weatherproof and structurally sound installation that will withstand the worst of the British weather. We also include bird proofing mesh as standard to protect the system.

OUR DETAILED SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION PROCESS

At Starks Solar, we provide a complete end-to-end service, managing every step with professionalism and care.

1. 1. Initial Consultation (Free): It begins with a conversation. We discuss your energy usage, goals, and property details. This is a no-obligation chat to see if solar is right for you.
2. 2. Technical Survey & System Design: Our trained surveyor will visit your property to conduct a thorough assessment. This includes evaluating your roof’s condition and orientation, checking for shading issues, and inspecting your existing electrical system. Using this data, we design a bespoke solar panel system optimised for your home, complete with performance estimates and a payback calculation.
3. 3. Fixed-Price Quotation: You receive a detailed proposal outlining all components, costs, and projected savings for your solar panel installation. Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees.
4. 4. Installation: Our highly skilled, in-house team of NICEIC registered roofers and electricians carries out the solar panel installation. This typically takes 1-2 days. We handle everything, from erecting scaffolding to the final electrical connections, ensuring minimal disruption and leaving your property tidy.
5. 5. Commissioning & Handover: We rigorously test the system to ensure it’s operating perfectly. We then provide a full handover, showing you how to use the monitoring app. We handle the DNO connection application and provide you with your MCS certificate, which you need to sign up for an SEG tariff.
6. 6. Ongoing Support: Our service doesn’t end when we drive away. We provide ongoing support and are always available to answer questions. Your system is covered by long manufacturer warranties and our workmanship guarantee.

COMPLETE YOUR ENERGY ECOSYSTEM

A solar panel installation is the foundation of home energy independence. To truly maximise your savings and self-sufficiency, consider integrating these powerful additions.

Solar Panel installation and Battery Storage

A solar battery, such as the Tesla Powerwall or a Sigenergy battery, stores your excess solar energy generated during the day. Instead of exporting it for a small SEG payment, you can use that free energy in the evening when your panels aren’t producing. This can increase your energy self-sufficiency from 50% to over 85% and provides a reliable backup during power cuts. As Tesla Certified Installers, we are experts in designing these integrated systems. Explore our Battery Storage solutions.

Solar Panels and EV Chargers

If you own an electric vehicle, combining it with solar panels is a perfect match. With a smart charger like the Myenergi Zappi, you can charge your car using only surplus solar energy, effectively making your fuel free. This dramatically reduces your transport costs and your overall carbon footprint. Learn more about our EV Charger installations. Get Both EV charger and solar panel installation for a full FREE VAT installation.

WHY CHOOSE STARKS SOLAR?

• ✔Local Expertise: We specialise in solar panel installations in Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire. We understand the local architecture, planning regulations, and weather patterns.
• ✔Fully Accredited Professionals: We are MCS certified, which is your guarantee of quality and eligibility for SEG payments. Our electricians are NICEIC registered, ensuring the highest level of electrical safety.
• ✔Premium Products & Workmanship: We only use top-tier components and our in-house team is highly skilled and dedicated to exceptional customer service and a flawless finish.
• ✔Tesla Certified Installers: Our official certification from Tesla demonstrates our expertise in installing premium battery storage solutions.

SUCCESS STORIES: REAL RESULTS FOR LOCAL HOMEOWNERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the lifespan of a solar panel installation / system? Most solar panels have a performance warranty of 25-30 years and can continue producing electricity for 40 years or more.

Do solar panels work in cloudy weather? Yes. Panels produce electricity from daylight, not just direct sunlight. While output is lower on overcast days, they still generate power. The UK’s climate is perfectly suitable for effective solar generation, as confirmed by organisations like the Energy Saving Trust.

Do I need planning permission for solar panels and solar panel installation? In most cases, solar panels are considered ‘permitted development’ and do not require planning permission. Exceptions can apply to listed buildings, conservation areas, or very large systems. We will advise you on this during our survey.

What maintenance do solar panels require after solar panel installation? Solar panels are incredibly low maintenance. A good rainfall is often enough to clean them. We recommend a professional clean and system check every few years to ensure optimal performance.

What is the difference between kW and kWh? A kilowatt (kW) is a measure of power (how much electricity can be produced at one moment). A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measure of energy (how much electricity has been used or generated over time). Your electricity bill is measured in kWh.

Will my roof be damaged? Absolutely not. Our certified roofers use specialist mounting systems designed to be completely weatherproof and maintain the integrity of your roof structure.

READY TO EMBRACE THE SOLAR REVOLUTION?

Join the thousands of homeowners in Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire who are enjoying lower bills and a cleaner conscience. Take the first step towards your energy independence today with your own solar panel installation.

Starks Solar | Your Trusted MCS Certified Partner for Solar Energy

Serving Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire