Solar Panel Installers Birmingham
Power the Future of Birmingham.
Lead the Charge.
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▼
Solar Panel
Installers
Birmingham
Get Your Free Quote
▼
Power the Future of Birmingham.
Lead the Charge.
Why Install Solar?
1. Lower Electricity Bills
Want to slash your monthly electricity costs? Solar panels provide immediate savings while protecting you from Birmingham's unpredictable energy prices. Our customers see their bills shrink right away, with benefits that continue to grow for years to come.
2. Save the Planet
Solar energy is one of the cleanest power sources, significantly reducing greenhouse gases and pollution in Birmingham's urban environment. By installing solar panels, you're actively supporting the UK's goal to cut carbon emissions by 68% before 2030.
3. Beat Rising Energy Costs
Traditional energy prices can fluctuate wildly, leaving Birmingham households struggling with ever-increasing bills. Solar panels shield you from these rising costs by generating your own electricity, particularly during expensive peak hours.
4. Low Maintenance
Today's solar panels, also known as PV panels, are built tough with minimal maintenance requirements and typically come with warranties up to 25 years. Even with Britain's notoriously changeable weather, they prove to be a reliable long-term investment.
5. Boost Property Value
Research confirms that houses with renewable energy installations often command premium prices at sale in Birmingham’s property market. This makes solar panels a smart home improvement that pays dividends if you eventually sell.
6. Government Incentives
The UK government’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for sending excess solar energy back to the national grid, creating an additional income stream. Until March 31, 2027, you'll also benefit from zero VAT on solar panel installations, significantly reducing your upfront costs.
7. Self-Sufficiency
Solar panels give you energy independence, freeing you from reliance on big utility companies and their unpredictable pricing. This self-sufficiency proves invaluable during grid instability or power cuts that may affect Birmingham properties without warning.
8. Power the UK's Future
By choosing solar, you're directly contributing to the UK's clean energy supply while joining a community of forward-thinking locals making a real difference. This collective action is essential for the country to achieve its ambitious 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target.
Why Install Solar?
1. Lower Electricity Bills
Want to slash your monthly electricity costs? Solar panels provide immediate savings while protecting you from Birmingham's unpredictable energy prices. Our customers see their bills shrink right away, with benefits that continue to grow for years to come.
2. Save the Planet
Solar energy is one of the cleanest power sources, significantly reducing greenhouse gases and pollution in Birmingham's urban environment. By installing solar panels, you're actively supporting the UK's goal to cut carbon emissions by 68% before 2030.
3. Beat Rising Energy Costs
Traditional energy prices can fluctuate wildly, leaving Birmingham households struggling with ever-increasing bills. Solar panels shield you from these rising costs by generating your own electricity, particularly during expensive peak hours.
4. Low Maintenance
Today's solar panels, also known as PV panels, are built tough with minimal maintenance requirements and typically come with warranties up to 25 years. Even with Britain's notoriously changeable weather, they prove to be a reliable long-term investment.
5. Boost Property Value
Research confirms that houses with renewable energy installations often command premium prices at sale in Birmingham’s property market. This makes solar panels a smart home improvement that pays dividends if you eventually sell.
6. Government Incentives
The UK government’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for sending excess solar energy back to the national grid, creating an additional income stream. Until March 31, 2027, you'll also benefit from zero VAT on solar panel installations, significantly reducing your upfront costs.
7. Self-Sufficiency
Solar panels give you energy independence, freeing you from reliance on big utility companies and their unpredictable pricing. This self-sufficiency proves invaluable during grid instability or power cuts that may affect Birmingham properties without warning.
8. Power the UK's Future
By choosing solar, you're directly contributing to the UK's clean energy supply while joining a community of forward-thinking locals making a real difference. This collective action is essential for the country to achieve its ambitious 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target.
Why Solar Panels
Birmingham?
Local Know-How
As born and bred Brummies, we understand our city's unique weather, planning rules, and building quirks better than anyone. We recognise that each Birmingham neighbourhood has its own solar installation challenges. Hence, our solutions are always tailored to your unique needs.
Future Ready
We only use the most efficient, up-to-date solar kit that's built to handle Birmingham's varied weather. Our skilled, MCS-certified installers make sure every system is set up to last, with room to grow in the future. This means your investment is in safe hands.
Transparency
We believe in being honest, no tricks, no hidden costs. From your first quote request, we give you clear pricing and timelines for each part of the job. It's this straightforward approach that's earned us the trust of people across Birmingham.
Community Driven
By helping our neighbours reduce their energy costs and carbon footprints, we're building a stronger, greener community that benefits everyone. We're committed to placing your long-term savings and satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.
Why Solar Panels
Birmingham?
Local Know-How
As born and bred Brummies, we understand our city's unique weather, planning rules, and building quirks better than anyone. We recognise that each Birmingham neighbourhood has its own solar installation challenges. Hence, our solutions are always tailored to your unique needs.
Future Ready
We only use the most efficient, up-to-date solar kit that's built to handle Birmingham's varied weather. Our skilled, MCS-certified installers make sure every system is set up to last, with room to grow in the future. This means your investment is in safe hands.
Transparency
We believe in being honest, no tricks, no hidden costs. From your first quote request, we give you clear pricing and timelines for each part of the job. It's this straightforward approach that's earned us the trust of people across Birmingham.
Community Driven
By helping our neighbours reduce their energy costs and carbon footprints, we're building a stronger, greener community that benefits everyone. We're committed to placing your long-term savings and satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.
Power The Future.
Go Solar Today.
Power The
Future.
Go Solar
Today.
Home Solar
Installation
Comprehensive Residential Services
We specialise in custom solar installations for Birmingham's diverse properties, from terraced houses in Handsworth to new builds in Edgbaston. Our solutions include standard on-roof panels, sleek in-roof systems for period homes, ground-mounted options for properties with gardens, and custom designs for new builds. We tailor each installation to your property's unique layout, whether it's a curved roof in the Jewellery Quarter or a pitched roof in Moseley, ensuring you get a solar solution that maximises efficiency while complementing your home's distinctive character.
Planning Guidance
While most residential installations don't require planning permission, we provide complete guidance for exceptions like flat roofs (where we fit angled frames) and listed buildings, working closely with Birmingham City Council in the process. We also address your roof’s orientation towards the sun, and any shading issues from neighbouring buildings or trees, recommending alternatives like ground-mounted systems when necessary to ensure you still receive the full benefits of solar energy despite any site limitations.
Home Solar
Installation
Comprehensive Residential Services
We specialise in custom solar installations for Birmingham's diverse properties, from terraced houses in Handsworth to new builds in Edgbaston. Our solutions include standard on-roof panels, sleek in-roof systems for period homes, ground-mounted options for properties with gardens, and custom designs for new builds. We tailor each installation to your property's unique layout—whether it's a curved roof in the Jewellery Quarter or a pitched roof in Moseley—ensuring you get a solar solution that maximises efficiency while complementing your home's distinctive character.
Planning Guidance
While most residential installations don't require planning permission, we provide complete guidance for exceptions like flat roofs (where we fit angled frames) and listed buildings, working closely with Birmingham City Council in the process. We also address your roof’s orientation towards the sun, and any shading issues from neighbouring buildings or trees, recommending alternatives like ground-mounted systems when necessary to ensure you still receive the full benefits of solar energy despite any site limitations.
Commercial Solar
Installation
Tailored Commercial Services
At Solar Panels Birmingham, we provide commercial solar panel installation services to all kinds of businesses in the region, from small Jewellery Quarter offices to large Perry Barr factories and surrounding farms. Our services include on-roof and in-roof panels for traditional or modern buildings, ground-mounted systems for properties with outdoor space, and custom designs for new commercial builds. We analyse your past year's electricity bills to estimate savings, suggest the best installation, and calculate the payback period.
Benefits for Businesses
Investing in commercial solar brings real, practical advantages to your Birmingham business. You'll generate your own power during working hours, cutting reliance on the grid and keeping those rising energy costs at bay. Boost your business’s green credentials while also earning extra cash by selling surplus power back to the grid. With hardly any upkeep needed and lengthy warranties to back you up, your system keeps working hard for decades. Add battery storage if you fancy keeping the lights on after dark. Your property value gets a nice bump too, and with the government's incentives, your investment pays off even quicker.
Commercial Solar
Installation
Tailored Commercial Services
At Solar Panels Birmingham, we provide commercial solar panel installation services to all kinds of businesses in the region, from small Jewellery Quarter offices to large Perry Barr factories and surrounding farms. Our services include on-roof and in-roof panels for traditional or modern buildings, ground-mounted systems for properties with outdoor space, and custom designs for new commercial builds. We analyse your past year's electricity bills to estimate savings, suggest the best installation, and calculate the payback period.
Benefits for Businesses
Investing in commercial solar brings real, practical advantages to your Birmingham business. You'll generate your own power during working hours, cutting reliance on the grid and keeping those rising energy costs at bay. Boost your business’s green credentials while also earning extra cash by selling surplus power back to the grid. With hardly any upkeep needed and lengthy warranties to back you up, your system keeps working hard for decades. Add battery storage if you fancy keeping the lights on after dark. Your property value gets a nice bump too, and with the government's incentives, your investment pays off even quicker.
Solar Panel Savings
£402
Avg Annual Electricity Bill Savings
+
£148.75
Avg Annual SEG Payment
=
£550
Total Annual Savings
For a typical three-bedroom house in the UK, installing a 3.5 kilowatt (kW) solar panel system without a battery is a popular choice. Under standard test conditions (STC), such a system produces about 3,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per year.
However, considering that the actual weather conditions in the UK are roughly 85% as effective as the STC, a 3.5 kW system will practically produce around 2,975 kWh annually.
Most homes use about half of this power directly – that's roughly 1,487 kWh staying in your home instead of being bought from the grid. As per Ofgem, with electricity now costing 27.03p per kWh in the UK on average, you're looking at savings of around £402 yearly on your bills.
The other half gets sent back to the grid, earning you an average of 10p per kWh through the Smart Export Guarantee. That's another £148.75 in your pocket each year.
So, all in, you're saving about £550 annually. These figures will vary depending on your local electricity rates, the exact SEG tariff you get, the size of the solar panels you install and how much sunshine your particular Birmingham street gets.
Want to know exactly how much you could save? Please get in touch with us at Solar Panels Birmingham.
(All figures accurate as of April 2025)
Solar Panel Savings
£402
Avg Annual Electricity Bill Savings
+
£148.75
Avg Annual SEG Payment
=
£550
Total Annual Savings
For a typical three-bedroom house in the UK, installing a 3.5 kilowatt (kW) solar panel system without a battery is a popular choice. Under standard test conditions (STC), such a system produces about 3,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per year.
However, considering that the actual weather conditions in the UK are roughly 85% as effective as the STC, a 3.5 kW system will practically produce around 2,975 kWh annually.
Most homes use about half of this power directly – that's roughly 1,487 kWh staying in your home instead of being bought from the grid. As per Ofgem, with electricity now costing 27.03p per kWh in the UK on average, you're looking at savings of around £402 yearly on your bills.
The other half gets sent back to the grid, earning you an average of 10p per kWh through the Smart Export Guarantee. That's another £148.75 in your pocket each year.
So, all in, you're saving about £550 annually. These figures will vary depending on your local electricity rates, the exact SEG tariff you get, the size of the solar panels you install and how much sunshine your particular Birmingham street gets.
Want to know exactly how much you could save? Please get in touch with us at
(All figures accurate as of April 2025)
How Much Will
You Save?
How Much Will You Save?
Solar Panel
Installation Process
1. Roof Access & Preparation
We start by setting up scaffolding that's right for your Birmingham home. For example, a bungalow on the outskirts of Birmingham will need less than a three-storey terraced house in the city centre. Before lifting a finger, we do a thorough roof survey. This checks the roof's condition, tile arrangements, and any potential challenges, such as uneven surfaces, so there are no nasty surprises during installation.
2. Mounting Structure Installation
Next, we carefully remove just enough tiles to expose your rafters, then secure strong hooks directly into them. We put everything back exactly as it was, adding waterproof flashing to keep your roof dry, even with Birmingham's famous rain. For fancier roof tiles, we may need to do a bit of custom cutting. Once the hooks are solid, we attach to it and secure the mounting rails with high quality screws, creating a sturdy frame that won't budge for decades.
3. Panel Installation
With the frame ready, we clamp your panels securely in place. Our local installers make sure each panel is precisely aligned for optimal sun exposure, which is vital for getting the most efficiency in Birmingham's changeable weather.
4. Electrical Integration
Once the panels are up, we move on to the electrical integration. This involves wiring the DC output from the panels to an inverter, which converts the DC power into AC power for your home. The cabling gets neatly tucked under tiles or through small, properly sealed holes. The AC output from the inverter is then connected to your property's electrical supply and the grid, adding safety measures like isolators and an Ofgem-approved meter. Our team also works with the local District Network Operator (DNO) to secure your system's connection to the power grid
5. Commissioning & Certification
Before commissioning the system, we conduct thorough safety and performance checks to ensure everything is functioning correctly. You will receive all the necessary paperwork, including manuals, warranty details, and maintenance instructions. Finally, we register your system with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which serves as a mark of quality and compliance with UK standards.
How It Works:
1
Get in touch
2
Talk to an expert
3
Get serviced
4
Save on bills
Solar Panel Installation
Process
1. Roof Access & Preparation
We start by setting up scaffolding that's right for your Birmingham home. For example, a bungalow on the outskirts of Birmingham will need less than a three-storey terraced house in the city centre. Before lifting a finger, we do a thorough roof survey. This checks the roof's condition, tile arrangements, and any potential challenges, such as uneven surfaces, so there are no nasty surprises during installation.
2. Mounting Structure Installation
Next, we carefully remove just enough tiles to expose your rafters, then secure strong hooks directly into them. We put everything back exactly as it was, adding waterproof flashing to keep your roof dry, even with Birmingham's famous rain. For fancier roof tiles, we may need to do a bit of custom cutting. Once the hooks are solid, we attach to it and secure the mounting rails with high quality screws, creating a sturdy frame that won't budge for decades.
3. Panel Installation
With the frame ready, we clamp your panels securely in place. Our local installers make sure each panel is precisely aligned for optimal sun exposure, which is vital for getting the most efficiency in Birmingham's changeable weather.
4. Electrical Integration
Once the panels are up, we move on to the electrical integration. This involves wiring the DC output from the panels to an inverter, which converts the DC power into AC power for your home. The cabling gets neatly tucked under tiles or through small, properly sealed holes. The AC output from the inverter is then connected to your property's electrical supply and the grid, adding safety measures like isolators and an Ofgem-approved meter. Our team also works with the local District Network Operator (DNO) to secure your system's connection to the power grid
5. Commissioning & Certification
Before commissioning the system, we conduct thorough safety and performance checks to ensure everything is functioning correctly. You will receive all the necessary paperwork, including manuals, warranty details, and maintenance instructions. Finally, we register your system with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which serves as a mark of quality and compliance with UK standards.
We Promise To Energise
The City Of Birmingham And Its People.
Birmingham
Solar Grants
Good news for local homeowners and businesses: There are several
grant schemes to slash or even completely eliminate your solar panel installation costs.
0% VAT Scheme
Both homeowners and businesses across Birmingham can benefit from zero VAT on solar panel installations until 2027. This instantly knocks 20% off your project cost, making your investment in solar energy even more attractive from day one.
ECO4 Scheme
Available for Birmingham homeowners on benefits with energy-inefficient properties. If you qualify for the ECO4, you could get your solar panels completely free, cutting your energy bills while making your home more efficient. Apply before March 2026 to secure your funding.
LA Flex Scheme
Don't qualify for the ECO4? The LA Flex Scheme might be your ticket to free solar panels if you earn less than £31,000 yearly and have specific health vulnerabilities. Like the ECO4, it's only available until March 2026.
NZGP Fund
Birmingham business owners can access grants between £1,000 and £100,000 for energy efficiency improvements through the NZGP. This substantial funding helps cut your operational costs while bolstering your green credentials.
How It Works:
1
Get in touch
2
Talk to an expert
3
Get serviced
4
Save on bills
We Promise
To Energise
The City Of Birmingham And Its People.
Birmingham Wide Coverage
At Solar Panels Birmingham, we proudly serve the entire city with solar installation services. Whether you're based in the Victorian streets of Edgbaston or the bustling communities of Erdington and Hall Green, our team brings local know-how to every project.
We also cover the urban core of Hodge Hill and Ladywood, as well as the more suburban areas of Northfield, Perry Barr, Selly Oak, Sutton Coldfield, and Yardley.
Being Brummies ourselves, we know the city's building rules, housing styles, and weather quirks like the back of our hand. Whether you've got a Victorian terrace, a 1930s semi, or a modern flat, we'll ensure a quality solar system perfectly suited to your Birmingham property.
Birmingham
Solar Grants
Good news for local homeowners and businesses: There are several grant schemes to slash or even completely eliminate your solar panel installation costs.
0% VAT Scheme
Both homeowners and businesses across Birmingham can benefit from zero VAT on solar panel installations until 2027. This instantly knocks 20% off your project cost, making your investment in solar energy even more attractive from day one.
ECO4 Scheme
Available for Birmingham homeowners on benefits with energy-inefficient properties. If you qualify for the ECO4, you could get your solar panels completely free, cutting your energy bills while making your home more efficient. Apply before March 2026 to secure your funding.
LA Flex Scheme
Don't qualify for the ECO4? The LA Flex Scheme might be your ticket to free solar panels if you earn less than £31,000 yearly and have specific health vulnerabilities. Like the ECO4, it's only available until March 2026.
NZGP Fund
Birmingham business owners can access grants between £1,000 and £100,000 for energy efficiency improvements through the NZGP. This substantial funding helps cut your operational costs while bolstering your green credentials.
Birmingham Wide Coverage
At Solar Panels Birmingham, we proudly serve the entire city with solar installation services. Whether you're based in the Victorian streets of Edgbaston or the bustling communities of Erdington and Hall Green, our team brings local know-how to every project.
We also cover the urban core of Hodge Hill and Ladywood, as well as the more suburban areas of Northfield, Perry Barr, Selly Oak, Sutton Coldfield, and Yardley.
Being Brummies ourselves, we know the city's building rules, housing styles, and weather quirks like the back of our hand. Whether you've got a Victorian terrace, a 1930s semi, or a modern flat, we'll ensure a quality solar system perfectly suited to your Birmingham property.
Make The Change.
Lead The Charge.
Solar Panel
FAQs
Is Planning Permission Required For Solar Panels In Birmingham?
For most Birmingham homes, you won't need any planning permission to get solar panels installed. There are a few exceptions though:
If your panels will stick out more than 200mm from your roof or wall and extend above the highest point of your roof (not counting chimneys), you'll need to check with Birmingham City Council.
Properties in conservation areas or listed buildings will need approval before installation.
If you live in a flat or apartment where panels would go on shared property, you might need permission.
We can help sort this out for you - it's usually straightforward.
Will My Solar Panels Work In The Birmingham Weather?
Absolutely! Your solar panels don't need bright sunshine to generate power - just daylight. While Birmingham's occasional heavy cloud cover might reduce output somewhat, advances in modern solar technology enable panels to work effectively even with indirect sunlight. Even on those classic grey Birmingham days, your system will still produce plenty of energy, keeping your electricity bills down.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In Birmingham?
The cost of a solar installation depends on several factors, including system size, placement, installation requirements, and labour.
When you first contact us at Solar Panels Birmingham, we discuss these variables and provide an initial estimate for you to consider. If you're happy with this estimate, we'll conduct a detailed site survey that looks at roof or land space, sunlight access, and any unique needs.
For context, typical domestic system costs are:
2 kW – £2,500 to £3,500
4 kW – £5,000 to £6,000
6 kW – £9,500 to £10,500
Typical commercial systems range from:
10 kW – £13,000 to £15,000
50 kW – £33,000 to £60,000
100 kW – £60,000 to £120,000
How Long Will My Solar Panels Last In Birmingham?
Solar panel systems are built to last since they have few moving parts. Typically, you can expect your panels to last at least 25 years, with most warranties covering this period.
The inverter, an essential part of your solar installation, generally has a shorter life of over 10 years. With proper care, your system should continue to generate energy efficiently throughout its intended lifespan.
How Long Does It Take To Install Solar Panels?
For homes, the installation process is generally quick and unobtrusive, often completed within a day or two. This includes mounting the panels on your roof, installing the inverter, and connecting your solar PV system to your home's electrical network.
For commercial installations, the timescales can vary significantly based on the complexity and size of the project, ranging from a week to several weeks. Please get in touch with us for a more tailored estimate based on your specific requirements.
Do I Need a South-Facing Roof for Solar Panels in Birmingham?
Not at all! While a south-facing roof will get you the highest annual energy yield, it's far from essential for Birmingham homes.
Today's solar technology, particularly monocrystalline panels with optimisers, works well with indirect daylight. East or west-facing roofs can still deliver 85-95% of what you'd get from a south-facing system. What matters is the pitch of your roof (30°- 40° works best) and any shading, which can affect performance more than which way your roof faces.
We'll check for any shade issues during our survey and can design split east/west systems or add tilted frames on flat roofs to make sure you still get a good return on your investment.
How Much Roof Space Do I Need for Solar Panels?
You'd be surprised how little space you need for effective solar power. Modern panels generate plenty of electricity per square metre, so even smaller roofs can be worthwhile.
A typical 3.5 kW system needs about 20 m² (or 215 ft²) of roof space - that's roughly 4.5m × 4.5m, which fits easily on most Birmingham homes. If you're after a larger 6 kW system, you'd need about 40 m² (430 ft²).
If your roof is on the small side, we can look at higher-watt panels or ground-mounted options to help you get the most solar performance possible.
What Solar Panel System Size is Right for Me?
This depends on a few things - how much electricity you use yearly, the efficiency of the panels you choose, your local sunshine hours, and your home size.
As a rough guide:
1 to 2 bedroom home - 2 kW system
3 bedroom home - 4 kW system
4 to 5 bedroom home - 6 kW system
For businesses:
Small office or shop - 10 kW
Medium supermarket or cafe - 50 kW
Large shops or restaurants - 100 kW
These are just starting points - please get in touch with us to understand what would work best for your specific situation in Birmingham.
Why Should I Pair My Solar Panels with a Battery?
To get the absolute most from your solar panels! With a battery, you can store the extra power your panels generate during the day and use it when you need it most - after dark or when electricity rates are highest. This boosts the amount of your own solar power you actually use from about 50% to 70% - 80%.
Since each unit of electricity you use saves you from paying the grid rate (around 27p) rather than earning the lower export rate (around 10p), the savings add up quickly.
A battery also keeps your lights on during power cuts, can charge up when overnight rates are cheap, and sets you up for future additions like electric car charging.
Most batteries pay for themselves within six to ten years while giving you more energy independence and cutting your carbon footprint further.
Make The
Change.
Lead The
Charge.
Solar Panel FAQs
Is Planning Permission Required For Solar Panels In Birmingham?
For most Birmingham homes, you won't need any planning permission to get solar panels installed. There are a few exceptions though:
If your panels will stick out more than 200mm from your roof or wall and extend above the highest point of your roof (not counting chimneys), you'll need to check with Birmingham City Council.
Properties in conservation areas or listed buildings will need approval before installation.
If you live in a flat or apartment where panels would go on shared property, you might need permission.
We can help sort this out for you - it's usually straightforward.
Will My Solar Panels Work In The Birmingham Weather?
Absolutely! Your solar panels don't need bright sunshine to generate power - just daylight.While Birmingham's occasional heavy cloud cover might reduce output somewhat, advances in modern solar technology enable panels to work effectively even with indirect sunlight. Even on those classic grey Birmingham days, your system will still produce plenty of energy, keeping your electricity bills down.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In Birmingham?
The cost of a solar installation depends on several factors, including system size, placement, installation requirements, and labour.
When you first contact us at Solar Panels Birmingham, we discuss these variables and provide an initial estimate for you to consider. If you're happy with this estimate, we'll conduct a detailed site survey that looks at roof or land space, sunlight access, and any unique needs.
For context, typical domestic system costs are:
2 kW – £2,500 to £3,500
4 kW – £5,000 to £6,000
6 kW – £9,500 to £10,500
Typical commercial systems range from:
10 kW – £13,000 to £15,000
50 kW – £33,000 to £60,000
100 kW – £60,000 to £120,000
How Long Will My Solar Panels Last In Birmingham?
Solar panel systems are built to last since they have few moving parts. Typically, you can expect your panels to last at least 25 years, with most warranties covering this period.
The inverter, an essential part of your solar installation, generally has a shorter life of over 10 years. With proper care, your system should continue to generate energy efficiently throughout its intended lifespan.
How Long Does It Take To Install Solar Panels?
For homes, the installation process is generally quick and unobtrusive, often completed within a day or two. This includes mounting the panels on your roof, installing the inverter, and connecting your solar PV system to your home's electrical network.
For commercial installations, the timescales can vary significantly based on the complexity and size of the project, ranging from a week to several weeks. Please get in touch with us for a more tailored estimate based on your specific requirements.
Do I Need a South-Facing Roof for Solar Panels in Birmingham?
Not at all! While a south-facing roof will get you the highest annual energy yield, it's far from essential for Birmingham homes.
Today's solar technology, particularly monocrystalline panels with optimisers, works well with indirect daylight. East or west-facing roofs can still deliver 85-95% of what you'd get from a south-facing system. What matters is the pitch of your roof (30°- 40° works best) and any shading, which can affect performance more than which way your roof faces.
We'll check for any shade issues during our survey and can design split east/west systems or add tilted frames on flat roofs to make sure you still get a good return on your investment.
How Much Roof Space Do I Need for Solar Panels?
You'd be surprised how little space you need for effective solar power. Modern panels generate plenty of electricity per square metre, so even smaller roofs can be worthwhile.
A typical 3.5 kW system needs about 20 m² (or 215 ft²) of roof space - that's roughly 4.5m × 4.5m, which fits easily on most Birmingham homes. If you're after a larger 6 kW system, you'd need about 40 m² (430 ft²).
If your roof is on the small side, we can look at higher-watt panels or ground-mounted options to help you get the most solar performance possible.
What Solar Panel System Size is Right for Me?
This depends on a few things - how much electricity you use yearly, the efficiency of the panels you choose, your local sunshine hours, and your home size.
As a rough guide:
1 to 2 bedroom home - 2 kW system
3 bedroom home - 4 kW system
4 to 5 bedroom home - 6 kW system
For businesses:
Small office or shop - 10 kW
Medium supermarket or cafe - 50 kW
Large shops or restaurants - 100 kW
These are just starting points - please get in touch with us to understand what would work best for your specific situation in Birmingham.
Why Should I Pair My Solar Panels with a Battery?
To get the absolute most from your solar panels! With a battery, you can store the extra power your panels generate during the day and use it when you need it most - after dark or when electricity rates are highest. This boosts the amount of your own solar power you actually use from about 50% to 70% - 80%.
Since each unit of electricity you use saves you from paying the grid rate (around 27p) rather than earning the lower export rate (around 10p), the savings add up quickly.
A battery also keeps your lights on during power cuts, can charge up when overnight rates are cheap, and sets you up for future additions like electric car charging.
Most batteries pay for themselves within six to ten years while giving you more energy independence and cutting your carbon footprint further.
Solar Panels Birmingham is operated by ReachAI Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company No.15123686.
View our privacy policy and terms of service for more details.
Solar Panels Birmingham. Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Areas We Serve
Solar Panels Birmingham is operated by ReachAI Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company No.15123686.
View our privacy policy and terms of service for more details.