How We Install
Solar Panels
From the initial roof survey and system design through to installation,
commissioning and handover, every Mr Solar system is carefully planned
around your property and energy requirements.
Experienced solar specialists
Professional system design
Solutions for different properties
Survey to commissioning
A Solar Installation Designed Around Your Property
Mr Solar has experience installing solar panels on many different roof
types. Although the main installation principles are similar, the
mounting system, fixings and design must be appropriate for the
individual roof.
Roof-Mounted Solar
Solar panels are secured above the existing roof covering using
roof-specific hooks, brackets, rails and clamps.
In-Roof Solar
The panels form part of the roof covering, creating a lower-profile
appearance that is particularly suitable for new roofs and reroofing.
Flat-Roof Solar
Angled or low-profile mounting systems position the panels securely
while managing wind loading, shading and roof protection.
Solar panels are expected to remain in place for many years. The mounting
system must be suitable for the roof covering, underlying structure,
panel layout and calculated wind and snow loads.
Roof Types Suitable for Solar Panels
We select the mounting system according to the roof covering and structure.
A method suitable for one roof should not automatically be used on another.
Concrete and Clay Tiles
Roof hooks are normally fixed securely to the underlying rafters.
Rails are then attached to the hooks before the solar panels are
secured with approved clamps.
Tiles must sit correctly around the fixing points without being left
raised or placed under damaging pressure.
Slate Roofs
Slate is more fragile than standard roof tiles and requires a suitable
specialist fixing and weatherproofing method.
The installation should avoid unnecessary drilling through the slate.
Appropriate flashing or slate-replacement systems help maintain
weather protection around each fixing.
Metal Roofs
Standing-seam roofs can often use specialist clamps that attach to the
seams without penetrating the roof covering.
Profiled or trapezoidal metal roofs may use approved sealed fixings
designed specifically for the roof sheet and supporting structure.
Flat Roofs
Flat-roof systems may use ballasted or mechanically fixed mounting,
depending on the roof structure and waterproofing system.
Panel angle, row spacing, shading, drainage and wind loading must all
be considered during the design.
In-Roof or Inset Solar
In-roof systems replace part of the normal roof covering, allowing
the solar panels to sit closer to the roofline.
These systems are well suited to new-build properties, extensions
and roof-renovation projects.
Commercial and Agricultural Roofs
Warehouses, factories, barns and agricultural buildings may offer
substantial roof areas for larger solar installations.
Structural condition, roof-sheet type, safe access and electrical
infrastructure must be carefully assessed.
Checking the Condition of Your Roof
Before installing solar panels, we assess whether the roof appears
suitable and whether any visible defects should be addressed first.
Because solar panels can remain in place for decades, completing
necessary roof maintenance before installation can avoid the cost
and disruption of removing the array later.
- Condition of tiles, slates or metal roof sheets
- Visible signs of water ingress or damage
- Condition and position of roof timbers
- Roof pitch, orientation and usable area
- Chimneys, vents, rooflights and other obstructions
- Access requirements and safe working arrangements
- Potential shading from trees and nearby structures
If significant maintenance or reroofing is required, this should
normally be addressed before the solar installation begins.
What We Consider When Designing Your System
The best system is not simply the maximum number of panels that will fit.
It should be designed around the building, electricity consumption and
long-term energy plans.
Roof Orientation
We assess the direction of each roof area and how generation is
likely to be distributed throughout the day.
Pitch and Layout
A broad range of roof pitches can perform well. The final design
considers pitch, orientation, available area and aesthetics.
Shading
Trees, chimneys, adjoining buildings and roof features can affect
generation at different times of day and year.
Energy Usage
Annual and daytime electricity consumption help us recommend an
appropriate solar and battery capacity.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?
System size should be based on more than annual electricity use alone.
We also consider when the energy is consumed, the available roof area
and whether battery storage, electric heating or an EV will be added.
Annual Consumption
A property using approximately 4,000 kWh per year may be suited to a
solar array around 4–5 kWp, subject to roof and usage assessment.
Example Solar Array
Ten 450 W solar panels provide a total array capacity of 4.50 kWp.
Actual annual generation depends on location, pitch, orientation
and shading.
Battery Capacity
A battery of approximately 5–10 kWh may suit many homes, but the
correct capacity depends on demand, solar surplus, tariff and
required power output.
a 4.5 kWp solar array does not automatically generate exactly 4,500 kWh
every year. We provide a site-specific generation estimate as part of
the proposal.
Planning Permission and Grid Approval
Many domestic roof-mounted solar installations can be completed under
permitted development rights, but this is subject to conditions and
individual property circumstances.
Permitted Development
Standard domestic solar installations often fall within permitted
development rights when the relevant conditions and limitations
are satisfied.
Listed Buildings
Listed building consent and planning permission may be required.
The local planning authority should be consulted before work begins.
Conservation and Protected Areas
Additional restrictions can apply in conservation areas, National
Landscapes—formerly AONBs—and other protected locations.
DNO Application
The local Distribution Network Operator may require notification or
approval depending on the inverter capacity and connection design.
Commercial Properties
Commercial installations may involve additional planning,
structural, landlord, lease or grid-connection considerations.
Managed Support
We explain the normal certification and grid-connection process
associated with the proposed installation.
Permitted development and planning rules depend on the building,
installation design and location. Written confirmation may be advisable
where there is uncertainty.
The Solar Panel Installation Process
Once the design and necessary approvals are in place, our installation
team completes the roof and electrical work in a planned sequence.
Prepare the Site
Access equipment is installed where required and the work area is
checked before roof installation begins.
Locate the Structure
Suitable structural fixing positions are identified according to
the roof type and mounting-system design.
Install Mounting System
Roof hooks, brackets or specialist supports are secured before the
mounting rails are fitted and aligned.
Fit the Solar Panels
The panels are positioned on the mounting system and secured using
the approved end and mid clamps.
Installing the Mounting System
The solar panels and mounting system must withstand long-term
exposure to wind, rain and changing weather conditions.
- Roof-specific hooks or brackets
- Secure attachment to suitable structural positions
- Correctly spaced and aligned mounting rails
- Approved corrosion-resistant components
- Suitable weatherproofing around fixing positions
- Panel clamps tightened to the specified torque
The roof covering must sit correctly around the fixing arrangement
to help preserve weather protection and avoid unnecessary loading
on tiles or slates.
Solar Panel Protection and Optimisation
Several optional features can be included depending on the property,
roof layout and surrounding environment.
Bird Protection
Bird protection helps prevent pigeons and other birds from nesting
beneath roof-mounted solar panels.
Nesting material, droppings and movement beneath an array can cause
noise, blocked drainage and damage to cables or connectors.
Panel Optimisers
Module-level optimisation may help where panels experience different
orientations or patterns of partial shading.
Optimisers do not create sunlight or completely eliminate shading
losses, but they can reduce the effect one panel has on others in
a compatible system.
Panel-Level Monitoring
Some optimiser and microinverter systems provide individual panel
monitoring, making performance differences easier to identify.
Connecting the Solar Panels
Solar panels are connected into carefully designed strings using
suitable solar DC cable and compatible connectors.
- Correct string design and voltage calculations
- Compatible, approved solar connectors
- Clean and dry connector assembly
- Correct cable preparation and crimping
- Secure cable management beneath the panels
- No unsupported cables resting on the roof
- DC polarity and insulation-resistance testing
Solar connectors should be correctly matched and assembled using
the appropriate tools and manufacturer instructions.
Installing the Inverter and Battery
The inverter converts the DC electricity generated by the solar
panels into AC electricity suitable for use in the property.
We select a suitable location based on the equipment specification,
available space, cable route, ventilation, accessibility and
environmental conditions.
- Suitable internal or approved external location
- Correct clearances and ventilation
- Accessible position for monitoring and maintenance
- Secure, non-combustible mounting surface where required
- Carefully planned DC and AC cable routes
- Battery location assessed against manufacturer requirements
An IP rating does not remove the need to follow the manufacturer’s
installation, clearance and environmental requirements.
Connecting the System to Your Property
The inverter’s AC output is connected to the property’s electrical
installation through suitable protection and isolation equipment.
Consumer Unit Connection
The system is normally connected to the property’s consumer unit,
distribution board or a suitable dedicated supply arrangement.
Electrical Protection
Appropriate circuit protection, isolation, labelling and earthing
arrangements are installed according to the system design.
Energy Monitoring
A meter or current transformer may be installed to monitor household
consumption, solar generation, grid import and export.
if the consumer unit or associated wiring is unsuitable, corrective work
may be recommended before the solar system can be safely connected.
Testing, Commissioning and Handover
The installation is not complete until the system has been tested,
commissioned and explained to the customer.
Electrical Testing
Required DC and AC tests are completed and the results are recorded.
System Commissioning
The inverter, battery and monitoring equipment are configured and
checked for correct operation.
Customer Handover
We explain how the system works, how to use the app and what to do
if a warning or fault appears.
Documentation
Applicable certification, system information, warranties and
commissioning documents are provided.
Solar Panel Installation FAQs
How long does installation take?
Many domestic installations can be completed within two days.
Larger or more complex systems may require additional time.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
A correctly designed and installed mounting system should not damage
a roof that is in suitable condition. The fixing method must match
the roof covering and structure.
Is scaffolding required?
Safe access equipment is normally required for pitched-roof
installations. The exact arrangement depends on the property and
planned work.
Can panels be fitted to an east or west roof?
Yes. East- and west-facing roofs can produce useful electricity and
may spread generation more evenly across the day.
Should I install bird protection?
Mr Solar normally recommends suitable bird protection on roof-mounted
systems where birds could access the area beneath the panels.
Can a battery be added later?
Often, yes. We can design a battery-ready system or discuss compatible
retrofit options for an existing solar installation.
Trusted Solar Installers Across Norfolk and Suffolk
Read feedback from customers who have chosen Mr Solar for solar PV,
battery storage and ongoing support.
Planning a Solar Panel Installation?
Let our team assess your roof, electricity use and future energy
requirements before preparing a tailored solar and battery proposal.
Professional design. Careful installation. Ongoing local support.