How it works

How does Leoht estimate the amount of electricity that your home could generate

What is the process for getting solar panels installed?

Let’s look at the step by step process.

How do solar panels generate electricity?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/dCZtDnsusrY Solar panels generate electricity by using the photovoltaic effect. In 1921, Albert Einstein won his first and only Nobel prize for his work on describing the photoelectric effect. Light (a beam of particles) knocks loose electrons from the solar...

How are solar panels installed?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y2NpLWWsNDw Scaffolding To allow access to work on the roof safely, a scaffold needs to be put in place. Where possible our roof access contractors can use harnesses that replaces the need for scaffolding on particular roof types. Measuring and...

How do solar panels work?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bhwg1OOKRSY In 1921, Albert Einstein won his first and only Nobel prize for his work on describing the photoelectric effect. Light (a beam of particles) knocks loose electrons from the solar cell, the solar cell then directs these electrons along...

Step 1: Creating a model

We’ll create a computerised model of your property, noting direction, shading, pitch, location, MCS irradiance data, optimisers and inverter/solar panel specifications.
This model enables us to choose the optimal solar panel system for your home.
We’ll tell you how much you could save with solar. We’ll also tell you, based on your roof’s production data, what your system’s Co2 savings would be equivalent to.
When finished, the model undergoes a comprehensive validation report to guarantee compatibility.

Step 2: Compatibility check

We check that each component used in your design are compatible with each other.
We check that the PV array is sized correctly with the inverter and that the system complies with industry regulations. We also consider mechanical and electrical constraints.

Step 3: MCS Performance calculation

We then calculate how much your bespoke system will generate using the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) performance calculation, taking into account location, direction, pitch and shading using 1000s of satellite images compiled together to recreate your environment in 3D. We can even use the ‘Digital Surface Mapping’ technique to measure the height of surrounding trees and buildings.
You will even be able to see how much energy you will generate at different times of the year compared to your consumption.

Step 4: Schedule a home visit and accept your proposal

Click ‘schedule a home visit’ on the right of your unique proposal page.
Your home visit will check the suitability of your property and finalise the design of the system with you.

Once you are happy with the design, click ‘Accept proposal’.

You could have your installation up and running within 3-4 weeks!

Leoht solar installation FAQs

How do solar panels work?

One for the zoom family quiz!

In 1921, Albert Einstein won his first and only Nobel prize for his work on describing the photoelectric effect.

In a nutshell, light (a beam of particles) knocks off electrons from the solar cell; the solar cells direct these electrons along a current – creating electricity. In theory, solar panels could last forever as there are no moving parts.

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How much roof space do I need?

Solar power panel efficiency has increased significantly over the last ten years so you might be surprised at how much electricity even a small roof could generate.

The smallest system we would recommend would be 9 x 380W panels, covering an area of 17 square meters. (4m x 4.25m).

How many solar panels do I need?

Do I have to have a south-facing roof for solar power panels in the UK to be worthwhile?

No. It’s a common myth. Whilst south facing is the most optimum facing position, as a rule of thumb – an identical East or West facing roof would generate 85% as much energy as the south-facing roof.

You may prefer to have an east and west facing roof than the south and north-facing roof as you could fit twice as many electric residential solar panels on the east/west roof than just south facing.

Even a North facing roof will generate approx 55% as much energy as a south-facing roof. For example, a 20 year old 10% efficient south-facing solar panel would generate approximately the same amount of energy as a modern north-facing solar panel.

How do solar panels generate electricity

Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?

The installation of solar panels on residential buildings are considered permitted development so you do not require planning permission if they comply with the following conditions.

There are necessary limits and conditions which must be complied with to benefit from permitted development rights.

Solar panels should not be installed above the highest part of the roof and should not project more than 200mm from the roof slope or wall surface.
Installers should not install solar panels on a building that is within the grounds of a listed building or on a site designated as a scheduled monument.
If your property is in a conservation area, or a World Heritage Site, you must not install solar panels on a wall that faces a highway.

Feel free to reach out to us to buy solar panels in the UK & switch to a sustainable lifestyle. Give us a call at 01273 286 627 and request for a free design and quote.

Planning Portal

Do I need permission from the grid to connect or install solar panels in the UK?

The district network operator (DNO) is the company responsible for distributing electricity from the national grid to your home. Installers must inform the DNO of your installation within 28 days after the date of installation. Leoht will handle this for you.

You do not require permission for systems under 16 amps per phase (3.68kW single-phase or 11.04kW three-phase supply). All of the residential solar panel systems that we install fall into this category. System sizes are based on the AC inverter rating rather than the peak DC output of the solar system.

“By following bad advice regarding output limits you could be costing yourself £000’s.”

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