Can I legally install solar panels myself?
Yes, it is perfectly legal for you to install solar panels yourself. However, taking on a DIY solar panel installation means assuming additional legal responsibilities. When you decide to sell your property with the panels included, MCS-Certifications will be required. To uphold the necessary standards and procedures, this certification must be conducted by a certified engineer.
Is it cheaper to install solar panels myself?
Yes, installing solar panels yourself is usually cheaper upfront compared to hiring professional installers. By taking on the installation as a do-it-yourself project, you can save on labour costs and avoid paying a significant installation fee.


Are there any building regulations for DIY Solar panels on your home?
Regardless of whether you hire an installer or carry out a DIY solar system installation at your home, you’ll need to follow the standard UK building regulations for your area.
These regulations typically cover:
- Ensuring that your roof is strong enough to support your panels.
- Mitigating the risk of fire your solar panels pose.
- Knowing how to install your solar components correctly to ensure proper ventilation.
- Ensuring the entry points of your cables don’t allow moisture into the structure.
- Improving the electrical safety of your installation.
- Knowing how to mount your panels and other components securely.
For more information on the building regulations for your area, visit the links below:
England And Wales – http://www.opsi.gov.uk/revisedstatutes/acts/ukpga/1984/cukpga_19840055_en_1
Scotland – https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2004/406/contents/made
Northern Ireland – https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2000/389/contents/made
Do I need permission to install DIY Solar panels?
Most of the time, if your panels meet certain criteria and standards, you don’t need to obtain planning permission to install solar panels on your property.
However, in some special cases, which will be listed below, you will need to obtain planning permission before installing your panels:
- If your property is a listed building.
- If you live in an area designated as a conservation area.
- If you are going to carry out any major modifications on the building. For example, an increase in size.
- If your solar panels protrude more than 0.2 metres or 20 centimetres from your roof. For example, an installation on a flat roof is typically more than 0.2 metres due to the angled stands.
- If you are carrying out a ground installation with stand-alone panels that are:
- More than one panel
- Taller than 4m
- Located within the grounds of a listed building
- Each panel has an area of more than 9m²
If any of the above cases apply to you, do not worry. You can still apply for a special planning permission from your local authority.
To summarise, if the DIY installation of your solar panel system doesn’t involve any major changes to the building – such as changing its size, shape, exterior appearance or other aspects, you likely won’t need special permission from your local authority.
However, if you want to make a big change, you might need to get planning permission from your local authority before installation. We highly recommend checking in with your local authority to see if there are any other regulations to follow regarding independent energy generation.
Do I need to monitor and maintain my DIY solar system?
A DIY solar system needs regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure that it keeps performing safely and at the highest efficiency. Fortunately, the level of maintenance your solar system needs is on the low-side, so it won’t take up much of your time.
Examples of monitoring and maintenance activities for DIY solar are:
- Cleaning your solar panels when they’re dirty.
- Checking the tightness of all screws, bolts, and connections, making sure to tighten any loose items. This should be done regularly.
- Dusting and cleaning the environment of your inverter(s), batteries, etc. at least twice a month.
- Frequently checking if the cables and components are operating at their optimal temperatures.
- Removing any debris that has accumulated on your solar panels.
Failure to follow maintenance guidelines may damage your solar system, reduce efficiency, pose health risks, or void your warranty.
We highly recommend you bring any faulty equipment to us or a licensed professional for repairs. Attempting any DIY repairs is often a recipe for disaster, voiding warranties, or causing further damage. Contact us to find out about our servicing and maintenance packages.
What if I can’t install the solar system myself?
We have a team of expert installers who can come out and install your solar panels on your roof for you. Just give out team a call 0330 124 2941 and we can get you booked in.
