Solar panels – Pine Grove
Solar panels generate free electricity during daylight hours.
FAQs – Solar panels
If you’ve been offered the opportunity to have solar panels installed at your home, these FAQs should answer any questions you may have.
We will install in-roof solar panels that integrate with your new roof.
Because of this there will be:
- No racking on top of the roof
- No netting needed to prevent birds nesting
- Panels will sit flush with the roof for a neat finish
1. Survey & Design
We’ll check your roof’s angle, orientation (south-facing is best), and shading (e.g. trees).
Then design a system with the right number of panels and inverter size for your home.
2. Scaffolding & Panel Mounting
Scaffolding will be erected for safe access.
After the new roof membrane and battens are installed, panels will be secured to the battens.
Your home will then be re-roofed with new tiles and flashing to keep it watertight.
3. Wiring & Inverter
Panels will be connected via DC cabling to the inverter (usually in the loft).
The inverter will connect to your home’s consumer unit (fuse board).
4. System Testing
Installer checks panels, inverter, and safety isolators.
System tested for safe grid connection.
Smart meter or monitoring app set up to track performance.
Yes:
Move garden furniture, plants, ornaments, and sheds at least 4 meters from walls. If you are unable to move them, the contractor may be able to assist.
Move vehicles or caravans and cut back bushes/trees if asked.
If preparation isn’t done, contractors can’t be responsible for damage.
Yes:
This is a construction project, so expect noise and some mess.
Scaffolding will be erected, and work involves installing panels and re-roofing.
Pets may find the noise stressful so please be aware and always keep them supervised.
Installers will cover windows and clean up brick/tile waste after.
Take care in your garden while the work is being carried out. Installers may store materials there while the work is in progress.
Keep doors and windows closed and avoid hanging washing to reduce dust.
Contractors will keep disruption to a minimum and update you regularly.
Installing panels is part of the re-roofing process, which usually takes 2–3 weeks.
The Changeworks Quality Assurance team will carry out independent inspections on targeted properties.
The system manufacturer will also inspect some installations.
Read our Living with Solar Panels Guide for tips on getting the most out of your system.
Moray Council has confirmed that you can benefit from any excess energy generated from the system through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG):
A government-backed scheme that pays you for electricity you generate but don’t use.
All large energy suppliers offer SEG; smaller ones may too.
Tariff rates vary, so you’ll need to shop around for the best rate.
Rates are usually lower than the price cap, so it’s more cost-effective to use your own energy.
The Moray Council Contact Centre can assist with any application.
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