Solar Panels Network Blog

Smart Meters and Solar Panels

If you have solar panels in the UK and you’re not yet on the Smart Export Guarantee, there’s a good chance your smart meter setup is the missing piece. Smart meters, specifically second-generation SMETS2 meters, enable the accurate half-hourly export readings that most SEG tariffs require. Without the right meter, you can’t access the best Read more »

Feed in Tariff Guide

Solar energy is one of the cleanest forms of energy. People across the globe are getting more environmentally conscious and opting to use renewable energy sources instead of traditional forms of electricity. It benefits them in many ways. While solar energy helps reduce your carbon footprint, it is also financially lucrative for households and businesses. Read more »

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Guide

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) was the UK government’s flagship scheme for supporting low-carbon heat technologies, running from 2011 to 2022. If you’re still receiving RHI payments, or trying to understand what replaced it, this guide explains how the scheme worked, what it paid, and what UK homeowners and businesses can access today instead. The Read more »

Caravan Solar Panels Guide

Adding solar panels to a caravan, motorhome, or campervan transforms how you use it. Free, silent electricity from the sun means longer off-grid stays, no hook-up fees, and appliances running without the noise and smell of a generator. For touring the UK and beyond, a well-designed solar setup makes a real practical difference, and it’s Read more »

Solar Panel Maintenance

CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE Key Takeaways Solar panels require minimal maintenance, the most important task is keeping the panel surface clean, which may only need doing once or twice a year in the UK. Annual or bi-annual professional servicing costs £100–£200 and covers panel inspection, inverter health, and cable/connection checks. Solar panels degrade Read more »

Solar Panels Grants Guide

The UK government has several ways to help homeowners reduce the cost of going solar in , and the savings can be significant. Between zero VAT on installations, the Smart Export Guarantee paying you for electricity you export, and grant schemes for lower-income households, the total financial benefit over the lifetime of a system often Read more »

Solar Tracker Costs

Solar trackers are ground-mounted systems that automatically tilt and rotate solar panels to follow the sun across the sky, maximising the amount of direct sunlight the panels receive throughout the day. A standard fixed ground-mounted system generates its best output for a few hours around solar noon. A tracked system can extend that peak-performance window Read more »

MCS Approved Installers Guide

Finding a trustworthy solar panel installer in the UK can feel overwhelming when you’re investing thousands of pounds. MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is the UK’s primary quality mark for solar installers, and choosing an MCS-approved installer isn’t just sensible, and it’s essential if you want access to government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee, Read more »

Solar Panel Mounting Guide

Solar panel mounting is one of the most important decisions in any solar installation. The way your panels are attached to your roof, or mounted on the ground, affects not just how much energy they generate, but also the structural integrity of your roof, the warranty coverage you receive, and the lifetime of the system. Read more »

DIY Solar Panels

DIY solar panels are a realistic option for UK homeowners who want to power a shed, caravan, motorhome, or garden outbuilding without paying for professional installation. With the right components and a bit of practical knowledge, building a working off-grid solar system is well within the capability of anyone who’s comfortable with basic electrical work. Read more »