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                        "text": "To install solar panels in the UK, first check whether your roof is suitable, then get quotes from qualified installers, complete a survey and agree a final system design. Your installer should confirm planning, building regulations and DNO requirements before fitting the mounting system, panels, inverter, cabling and any battery. The system is then tested, commissioned and handed over with certificates, warranties and monitoring details."
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                        "text": "Many domestic roof-mounted solar panel installations are permitted development, so planning permission is often not needed. However, you should check carefully if your property is listed, in a conservation area, in a National Park or protected landscape, a flat or maisonette, or if you are considering a ground-mounted system. Planning permission is separate from building regulations and DNO requirements."
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                        "text": "Solar panel installations must be structurally and electrically safe. The roof must be able to carry the additional load, the fixings must resist wind uplift, weatherproofing must not be compromised, and the electrical work must be correctly designed, installed and tested. Your installer should explain how building regulations compliance will be handled and provide the relevant certificates after installation."
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                        "text": "The DNO is the Distribution Network Operator responsible for the local electricity network. Grid-connected solar systems must either be notified to the DNO or approved by the DNO, depending on the inverter size and connection type. Smaller systems often fall under G98 rules, while larger systems usually need G99 approval before installation. A common G98 limit is 16 amps per phase, roughly 3.68 kW AC on a single-phase supply."
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                        "text": "The physical installation of a straightforward home solar system often takes 1 to 3 days once scaffold is in place. The full process from quote to commissioning usually takes longer, often around 2 to 8 weeks, because it includes surveys, design, scaffold booking, paperwork, DNO checks and any roof or electrical preparation. Planning issues, roof repairs or DNO approval can extend the timeline."
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                        "text": "As a broad guide, a 3 kWp solar PV system may cost around £5,000 to £7,000 installed, a 4 kWp system around £6,000 to £8,500, a 5 kWp system around £7,000 to £10,000, and a 6 kWp system around £8,500 to £12,000. A home battery can add around £3,000 to £8,000 depending on capacity, specification and installation complexity. Actual prices depend on the roof, equipment, scaffold, electrical work and whether extras such as bird protection are included."
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                        "text": "A 4 kWp system typically uses around 10 panels if each panel is rated at 400 W. The exact number depends on the panel wattage, roof layout, shading and safe spacing around roof edges. Modern panels are often around 1.7 to 2.0 square metres each, so usable roof area is a key part of the design."
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                        "text": "A suitable roof is usually structurally sound, not due for replacement, reasonably unshaded and large enough for the proposed array. South-facing roofs usually generate the most electricity, but south-east, south-west, east and west roofs can also work well. Roof condition, shading from chimneys or trees, cable routes, access, wind exposure and the type of tiles, slates or roof covering all need to be checked before installation."
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                        "text": "If your roof is likely to need repair or replacement soon, it is usually better to complete that work before installing solar panels. Panels can last for decades, and removing and refitting them later adds cost and disruption. A good installer should flag cracked tiles, fragile slates, weak roof structure or other roof issues before finalising the design."
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                        "text": "Most standard grid-connected solar PV systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons. This prevents electricity being exported to the grid while engineers may be working on the network. If you want backup power, you need a system specifically designed with backup functionality, suitable battery storage and the correct electrical arrangement."
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                        "text": "You should receive a handover pack that includes your MCS certificate, DNO notification or approval evidence, electrical installation certificate, warranty documents, system schematic, equipment manuals, monitoring details, commissioning information and emergency shutdown instructions. If a battery is installed, you should also receive the battery warranty and operating documents. Keep these records for export tariff applications, warranty claims, insurance and future property sale enquiries."
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