Is my roof suitable?

When installing a solar cell system on an older home or building, you will want to take into consideration what type of roof you have and whether it can support the weight of your system.

Is my home in a suitable location?

Solar panels will operate with the most efficiency in locations that offer bright and direct access to sunlight. Houses shaded by trees or other buildings between 9 am and 3 pm may not be as effective. There are systems available the track the sun during the day which could be a solution in areas where sunlight is limited.

Do I need planning permission?

Solar panels on domestic roof tops are generally placed under ‘permitted development’ in most areas – with the exception of conservation areas and areas of outstanding natural beauty. You will need to check your local planning portal for further information. Some commercial systems may need permission.

Here are some of the planning portals in the areas we cover to help you:

Wiltshire local planning portal

For further information on renewable energy installations planning permissions and Grid applications visit the Energy Saving Trust.

How long will it take to fit a Solar PV system?

An average size domestic system takes about two days to install and commission. A larger system will take proportionally longer.

Is there any disruption to my energy supply whilst a system is being fitted?

Your power supply will be turned off for no more than one hour whilst electrical testing is carried out.

What guarantee will I get on my solar panels?

Generally (although guarantees differ slightly) most solar panels have a sliding power output warranty of 25 years, and inverters carry a five-year warranty as standard with an option to increase. IDDEA offer a two-year warranty on our workmanship.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee and how does it work?

Please see our Smart Export Export Guarantee  page for more information.

Do I need to change my insurance?

As putting solar panels on the roof of a building is considered a change to the structure, you should get in touch with your insurance provider before installing the solar panels to make sure that your policy will not be affected. In the majority of cases, your insurance policy will cover you under your current terms but you must check.

Your insurance policy may not come with coverage for theft or damage of your new panels, so it is wise to check your policy covers this too.

How long do solar panels last?

Most solar panels last for at least 25 years but some last longer.

What maintenance do solar panels need?

Solar panel systems require almost no maintenance. Once they have been installed, all you need to do is keep them clean and check to make sure trees do not begin overshadowing them. Most arrays are tilted at 15^O or more, so rainfall helps to clean them.

Ground-mounted panels may gather more debris, dust and sometimes snow. The dirt can be easily removed using hot water and a brush. Washing up liquid can be used if the dirt is particularly bad.