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Original poster

Solar panel help!!!

7 replies

Irgyburgy · 27/06/2025 21:08

We’ve decided to invest in solar panels and so have started the horrific task of getting quotes. It fees like the Wild West! Each company says we need a different setup and theirs is the best way to go - really struggling to actually get to grips with what we need so I can compare apples with apples. So if there is anyone out there with solar knowledge I’d really appreciate some unbiased clarity:

  • what size inverter is needed for a system of 10 panels with an output of 4.75kw? (I’m assuming we won’t get the full 4.75 output)
  • how many 5KW batteries for a household with average daily usage of 9kw?
  • are microinverters worth the extra (east/ west set up with a small amount of shading)
  • are optimisers necessary?
  • anything else to look out for/ think about?

thanks for reading :)

OP posts:
Crazymadchickenlady · 27/06/2025 21:33

Make sure they are MCS certified especially if you want to get paid for your excess electricity. We have two batteries 5.8 kw each. We charge them up in winter at the cheap rate at night and use during the day.

Nicaveron · 27/06/2025 21:48

Irgyburgy · 27/06/2025 21:08

We’ve decided to invest in solar panels and so have started the horrific task of getting quotes. It fees like the Wild West! Each company says we need a different setup and theirs is the best way to go - really struggling to actually get to grips with what we need so I can compare apples with apples. So if there is anyone out there with solar knowledge I’d really appreciate some unbiased clarity:

  • what size inverter is needed for a system of 10 panels with an output of 4.75kw? (I’m assuming we won’t get the full 4.75 output)
  • how many 5KW batteries for a household with average daily usage of 9kw?
  • are microinverters worth the extra (east/ west set up with a small amount of shading)
  • are optimisers necessary?
  • anything else to look out for/ think about?

thanks for reading :)

I had the same issue - many quotes some of which were decidedly dodgy.
I thanked my lucky stars when I discovered a Company that explained everything to me in simple English. I then paid for the survey this company completes before quoting. I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. No issues with installation. I also had an Electric Vehicle charge point installed at the same time. Have now bought an Electric vehicle and love the car.
Company I used is - TechforEnergy. I highly recommend them.

AliceM456 · 27/06/2025 21:48

Don't know the specs I'm afraid but we went with Project Solar and would highly recommend, but I think they are on the more pricier end mostly due to full long iron clad guarantees. They spent a lot of time with us calculating all the usage, measuring aspects, determining battery size etc. The output well exceeds the original estimate they gave which they did suggest was conservative. We've been pleased with them if any help.

Original poster
Irgyburgy · 28/06/2025 07:27

AliceM456 · 27/06/2025 21:48

Don't know the specs I'm afraid but we went with Project Solar and would highly recommend, but I think they are on the more pricier end mostly due to full long iron clad guarantees. They spent a lot of time with us calculating all the usage, measuring aspects, determining battery size etc. The output well exceeds the original estimate they gave which they did suggest was conservative. We've been pleased with them if any help.

Thanks, we had a quote from them but were really put off by their hard sell tactics - they did seem to spend more time talking about their finance package than the actual product and were really pushy - maybe we got a dodgy rep. Glad you are happy with your installation :)

OP posts:
XVGN · 28/06/2025 07:27

I have no experience to share but think that the Gary Does Solar channel on YT seems pretty good. He does recommend some suppliers that he thinks can be trusted. Have a look and decide if you feel the same.

Original poster
Irgyburgy · 28/06/2025 07:27

Nicaveron · 27/06/2025 21:48

I had the same issue - many quotes some of which were decidedly dodgy.
I thanked my lucky stars when I discovered a Company that explained everything to me in simple English. I then paid for the survey this company completes before quoting. I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. No issues with installation. I also had an Electric Vehicle charge point installed at the same time. Have now bought an Electric vehicle and love the car.
Company I used is - TechforEnergy. I highly recommend them.

Show quote history

Thanks - I’ll have a look at them….

OP posts:
Original poster
Irgyburgy · 28/06/2025 07:28

XVGN · 28/06/2025 07:27

I have no experience to share but think that the Gary Does Solar channel on YT seems pretty good. He does recommend some suppliers that he thinks can be trusted. Have a look and decide if you feel the same.

Thanks, will do.

OP posts:
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