What homeowners wish they’d known before getting solar…

If you’re thinking about getting solar panels for your house, then you’ve probably spent some time scrolling through the Facebook groups. You’ll find plenty of people sharing what went well, what didn’t, what they wish they’d known before they signed, and a whole heap of technical jargon!

Of course, some of the information you hear is really useful, while the rest needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. So, to help you separate the ‘wheat from the chaff’, so to speak, we’re here to share a pretty straightforward guide on what homeowners wish they’d known before their solar panels were installed, so that you can avoid making the same mistakes!

Let’s dive in…

1. Choose an installer who delivers a high quality, well-managed installation from start to finish.

Choosing the right installer can feel like a minefield, right? In our experience, referrals from friends, family and people who have used specific installers and who’ve had a great experience are the most reliable way to secure a high-quality solar panel installation. But that’s not always possible, so how do you know if an installer is trustworthy and will deliver a high quality, efficient installation that’s just right for your home and family?

You see, people talk a lot about using a reliable, experienced installer who will help you make the right decisions. You’ll see people mention MCS, RECC and the importance of outstanding aftercare following installation, but what does that really mean?

The best solar panel installers will have a range of current accreditations and certifications. The absolute minimum is:

• MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme)
  This is the main quality standard for UK solar. MCS installers meet recognised technical requirements and can register your system so you’re eligible for Smart Export Guarantee payments.
• RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code)
  This protects you as a customer. Members agree to strict rules on quotes, contracts, advertising, cancellations and complaints.

A reliable installer will also:

• Do a full and complete assessment of your home and energy requirements (not just a quick scout around on Google Maps!)
• Explain your solar panel design clearly, and be able to justify their planned work
• Provide accurate paperwork and transparent payment terms
• Support you in managing your installation

Local firms often offer better aftercare because you can reach them easily, but it’s important to remember that how long a company has been around doesn’t automatically guarantee quality; some newer firms also deliver excellent work. What’s really important is clear communication, transparent advice and guidance, plus a solar panel design package that makes sense for your home and family.

2. Understand what the DNO does and why it matters

The Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is the company responsible for the electricity network in your area. In the East Midlands, for example, it’s National Grid. They don’t install your solar system, but they do control how much electricity you’re allowed to export back to the grid.

You’ll see people talking about:

• G98
  This applies to small systems (typically up to 3.68 kW export). Your installer installs the system and then notifies the DNO afterwards. No permission needed in advance.
• G99
  This applies to larger systems or systems with higher export potential. It requires permission before installation. The DNO checks your local network capacity before approving it.
• Export limits
  The DNO may limit your export to protect the local network. This doesn’t stop you installing solar. It simply restricts how much excess power you send back to the grid.

Export-limiting inverters allow you to install a larger solar array while capping the export to whatever the DNO allows. You still benefit from a larger array, but you respect the network limit.

Issues usually arise when installers don’t explain any of this. A good installer will talk you through your DNO position early, so you understand what’s possible in your area and why.

3. Make sure the system is designed around your usage

This is one of the biggest areas where people end up with regrets. Some wish they’d added more panels. Others wish they’d chosen a bigger battery. Some feel they undersized the whole thing. These regrets often come down to systems that weren’t designed around the home’s actual energy use and the homeowners future, mid- to long-term plans.

A well-designed system will be tailored to your home, and it will take into account:

• How much energy you use during the day
• How much you use in the evening
• Seasonal changes
• Whether you charge an electric vehicle
• Whether you have or plan to install a heat pump
• Whether you want to charge a battery overnight on a cheap tariff
• Your long-term energy and sustainability goals

Solar panels and batteries aren’t “one size fits all”, for example some houses benefit from a larger array, while others require fewer panels. Most homes benefit from additional battery storage to provide energy independence and flexibility.  

The aim is not “as many as possible”, rather “the right solar panel system for your home”.

4. Think about battery storage

Solar batteries let you store the energy your panels produce during the day and use it later when the sun isn’t shining. This means you rely less on the grid, save more on your bills, and make the most of your solar investment. For many homeowners, batteries are the key to getting real flexibility and energy independence.

Where you put the battery is just as important as having one. Batteries work best in a stable temperature range. That’s why lofts aren’t ideal; they get very hot in summer and freezing in winter, which can affect battery performance, plus they’re awkward to reach if you ever need maintenance or which to add more storage over time.

Best practice is to install batteries in a temperature-stable, well-ventilated area such as a garage, utility room, or ground-floor cupboard. Poor placement (e.g., in a loft that gets very hot in summer and freezing in winter) can lead to performance issues and make maintenance harder.

Some batteries have built-in heating for cold weather, but placement still matters. It’s a long-term investment, so take the time to discuss options with your installer to get it right.

5. Be prepared for lower energy production in winter

Winter generation is one of the biggest surprises for first-time solar owners. A system that produces 25 to 35 kWh on a sunny summer day might only manage 1 to 4 kWh on a gloomy January afternoon; it’s simply the nature of the UK climate.

This is where a battery and a good tariff come into their own. In winter, most households rely more on overnight charging to reduce daytime costs. Solar generation ramps back up from March onwards.

And yes, solar panels still generate power during the winter months, since modern photovoltaic panels work on the full spectrum of visible light, so they will generate some energy during the shorter daylight hours.

6. Bird protection and roof fixings are worth considering

Bird mesh comes up for discussion often in solar community groups. It’s simply a metal or plastic guard underneath the solar panels, which stops birds nesting there. While not every house needs this protection, it’s often provided automatically as part of an installation.

Roof fixings are also important. Quality hooks, rails, flashings and weatherproofing protect your roof long term. A well-installed system should stay secure and watertight for decades. This isn’t the glamorous, but it’s an essential part of the installation for panels which serve you for years to come.

7. Take time to learn the monitoring app

Many homeowners say they wish they’d taken a bit more time to understand their monitoring app. The app is where you see:

• How much your system is generating
• How much energy your home is using
• What’s going into the battery
• What’s coming out of the battery
• What you’re exporting back to the grid

Once you know how to read this, you can make small adjustments that add up over time. In some homes, using the right battery settings and the right tariff can make a noticeable difference to monthly costs.

A good installer will set the app up with you, explain the basics and make sure everything is reading correctly before they leave.

8. Get personalised advice before you sign anything

Online groups are useful when you’re collecting ideas, but they can’t tell you what’s right for your home. Every property is different; your roof, your usage patterns, your tariff, your local grid limits and your long-term plans all shape the design. This is why some people end up disappointed, not because solar doesn’t work, but because nobody took the time to match the system to their actual needs.

If you want a system that performs well for years, it helps to talk to someone who can look properly at your home rather than rely on guesswork.

The bets installer can help you:

• Understand what size system genuinely suits your usage
• Decide whether a battery will benefit you
• Avoid paying for things you don’t need
• Check whether your quote is technically sound
• Get clear on what the DNO will and won’t allow in your area
• Feel confident you’re making a good long-term decision

It shouldn’t be a sales pitch – it should simply be a chance to talk through your home, your goals and your energy use with someone who installs systems in real houses across the East Midlands every week.

If you’re close to signing and want a second pair of eyes on your plans, you can book a free consultation with us. It’s often the difference between an “ok” system and one that genuinely works for your home.

Ready to talk it through?

If you’d like us to look over your quote, sense-check a design or help you understand your options before you commit, we’re happy to help. You can book a free, no-obligation consultation at a time that suits you.

It’s a simple way to get clarity, avoid common mistakes and feel confident that the system you choose will do exactly what you need it to do.