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Resident hub
Your home is getting solar panels. Some homes get a battery too. This page explains what they do, what happens on the day, and what we need from you.
If anything here worries you, call us. You do not need to go through your landlord.
01935 315315What is being fitted
The panels
Solar panels sit on your roof and make electricity in daylight. Your home uses that electricity first.
They still work on a grey day, just less. They make the most in the middle of the day and in summer. They have no moving parts and make no noise.
The battery, if you are getting one
A battery stores electricity from the panels so your home can use it in the evening. It usually goes in the loft, a cupboard or a garage.
It is quiet and needs no looking after. Not every home gets one. Your letter will say if yours does.
Your bills
When the panels are working, you buy less electricity from your supplier. How much that helps depends on your home and when you use electricity.
Your bills still come from your supplier as usual, and you still pay the standing charge.
Day to day
The system runs by itself. There is nothing to switch on and nothing to remember.
If you want to get more from it, run the washing machine in the middle of the day, when the panels make the most.
What happens, step by step
Most homes follow these steps. You will get your dates in writing before we start.
Step 1: Survey
A surveyor looks at your roof, loft and fuse box, and works out where the equipment will go. It usually takes under an hour.
What you need to do
Be at home. Clear a path to the loft hatch and the fuse box. Tell us about pets, parking and any help you need.
Step 2: Scaffolding goes up
Usually a day or two before the work. The team works outside and does not need to come in. It is noisy for an hour or two.
What you need to do
Move cars if we ask. Take in washing lines and garden things near the wall.
Step 3: Panels go on the roof
The team lifts a few tiles, fixes brackets to the roof timbers and puts the tiles back. Then the panels go on. Most of this is outside.
What you need to do
Keep children and pets away from the scaffolding. Expect knocking above you for much of the day.
Step 4: Work inside
An electrician runs a cable from the roof to the inverter. This is a box that makes the power from the panels safe for your home. It usually goes in the loft or a cupboard, with the battery if you are getting one.
What you need to do
Clear the loft hatch, the fuse box and the space we agreed at the survey.
Step 5: Power off
Your power is turned off while we connect to your fuse box. This is usually a few hours, not all day.
What you need to do
Charge your phone the night before. Tell us before this day if you use medical equipment, a stairlift or anything else that needs power.
Step 6: Switching on
The electrician tests the system, switches it on and checks the panels are working.
What you need to do
Nothing. Ask any questions you have.
Step 7: Handover
We show you what has been fitted and how to tell it is working. You get the paperwork for the work.
What you need to do
Be at home if you can. If not, we will come back another time.
Step 8: Scaffolding comes down
Usually a few days after the work. Bad weather can hold this up. We will tell you if it does.
What you need to do
Nothing. Call us if it is still up and nobody has told you why.
How to get ready
If any of this is hard for you, tell us and we will help.
- Loft hatchMove anything stored under the hatch. If you cannot lift it, leave it and tell us.
- Fuse boxMove coats, shoes and boxes so the electrician can stand in front of it.
- ParkingLeave space for a van near the house if you can. If parking is hard on your street, tell us before the day.
- PetsKeep pets in one room away from the work. Doors will open and close a lot.
- The day beforeCharge your phone and anything else you rely on. The power goes off for part of the next day.
- Anything elseNight shifts, a baby's nap, a hospital appointment, a carer visit. Tell us and we will plan around it.
At the end
We show you round
Before we leave, the electrician shows you the inverter, the battery if you have one, and what the display means. They show you how to tell it is working.
If anything is not clear, ask them to go over it again.
Your paperwork
You get the manuals, a record of what was fitted, and the electrical certificate for the new work.
Keep it somewhere safe. If you lose it, call us and we will send another copy.