Solar panels are increasingly be installed as a DIY project for many wishing to benefit from this technology.
Trade and diy solar panels kits suppliers
DIY and trade solar panels for ultimate performance.
MCS accredited solar panels or evacuated tubes kits are becoming increasingly popular. Self installers and trade partners are using these easy to install solar panel and evacuated solar tubes systems with extra confidence that premium quality bestows.
Solar trade suppliers
Take a tour of our solar kits gallery >>Flat plate solar panels kits
The Kingspan range of solar heating panels are premium hot water heating solar panels which use the sun to heat water tanks for bathing or pools.
Flat plate diy solar panels kits can be mounted on your roof, in your roof, on a flat roof, on the ground, on a wall or as a canopy.
DIY on-roof solar panels kits >>Evacuated solar tubes kits
The Kingspan range of evacuated solar tubes kits are made in Switzerland - Our premium water heating solar tubes (evacuated tubes) use solar energy (radiation) to heat domestic water and swimming pools.
DIY evacuated solar tubes kits >>PV solar panels kits
The Kingspan range of pv solar panels are unique because they give greater output performance per panel than any other photovoltaic solar panel on the market. Used to generate electricity using the sun, these systems are installed by both electricians and accredited installers.
Mono & Poly PV solar panels kits >>All MCS approved solar panels kits contain everything you need for a professional installation.
Solar heating sizing guide: For every 100 -150 Litres tank size installed, you will need 1 'flat panel' or 2 sq meter 'solar tubes' etc.
Photovoltaic panel sizing guide: This depends on your roof size and how you can configure the panels, either portrait or landscape, within your roof space. The amount of panels will dictate the size of the inverter system, so we would recommend first measuring your roof space from inside your loftspace first.
Guaranteed quality
With so many different solar panel technologies and quality differences on the UK market, it can be confusing, so we have used our experience and expertise to create the Kingspan, ET, Sanyo and Sharp systems.
Common questions about DIY solar installations
Are all roofs suitable for solar panels?
This will be determined at the survey stage. Anything between south-west and south-east facing is good, but east and west facing roofs can be installed with solar panels. If you do not have a suitable roof, you should consider wall-mounted or A-frame installations.
Which solar panels for DIY installations?
PV electric solar panels are unsuitable for DIY installations. Solar heating panels can be installed by anyone with good plumbing knowledge. These DIY solar panels kits supply you with professional MCS accredited solar panel or tubes technology with all approved quality parts and components manufactured in Europe.
Do you need planning permission?
No, unless you live in a listed building, in an area of outstanding natural beauty or in an A-frame house.
What skills do I need to install solar heating panels?
Most plumbers and some diy solar panels kits installers, have the necessary skills to install a solar panel system. The only part were you may need help is the roofing aspects.
Many plumbers have teamed up with local roofing companies to complete the job together. Solar water heating panels or evacuated tubes. All UK health and safety procedures must followed prior to a self install.
When working with heights, electrics and plumbing, you should always use the correct safety equipment. Always use professional MCS solar installers if you're not sure.
What skills are needed to install pv solar panels?
Apart from a head for heights, the installation requires good knowledge of electrical principles. If you don't have these skills, then we recommend your work alongside a professional with Part P qualifications for safety and peace of mind.
Which is easier to install, PV or solar heating?
Generally speaking, they both have their advantages and disadvantages. It really depends on your experience and knowledge. You will require a fully accredited MCS installer to commission the installation if you are planning on selling to the National Grid.
Can I apply for the feed-in tariffs with diy installations?
If you want to apply for the feed-in tariffs currently available, then you won't be able to install as a DIY project. All installations applying for the tariffs must be installed and signed off by MCS solar panels installers.
This can be very expensive, so installing solar panels yourself may reduce the overall installation costs, thus saving you money rather than earning you money to recoup the initial cost of the installation. Alternatively there are free solar panels offers, but we advice to install and benefit yourself.
Will I need to install a new hot water cylinder with solar heating?
If your current heating tank does not have a twin coil system inside, then yes. Look for 2 unused ports at the bottom of the tank to check. The secondary coil is used to transfer the heated fluid from the solar heating panels via the coil into the tank.
Once installed, your solar panels will take over from the boiler's job of heating hot water during daylight hours, so you are much less dependant on fossil fuels to heat your water supply. At night your conventional boiler regains control, only needing a small top-up at night.
We can supply diy panel kits with or without 150, 180, 200, 250 and 300 litres solar cylinders (vented or unvented).
How are the solar panels secured to the roof?
When not using A-frames on a flat roof, the panels for both solar heating and PV panels are secured to the roof batons using non-degradable brackets. No degradable silicone is used, unlike some low quality systems, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
Full fitting instructions are supplied with all panels.
What's the best way to get the panels onto the roof?
Once you have a secured scaffolding platform at gutter height to your home, you can use a winch and pulley system like professional solar installers use. These can be hired from most good tool hire companies.
What's the best way to connect pipes with solar heating?
Solar heating is pressurised to a 3 bar flow. Because of this, professional solar installers always recommend compression joints for peace of mind. This equipment can be hired from most good tool hire companies.
We can provide readymade/insulated pipe-work to lengths of 10, 15, 20 metres. These save time and negate the need to join lengths of expensive copper pipe work.
Why Kingspan solar panels range?
Because we are not tied to any particular manufacturer, we have cherry picked the best in terms of quality and performance, to give you and your customers peace of mind. Installing low quality products will have a direct effect on the solar panels life expectancy and energy performance and ultimately the solar installers reputation.
These unique solar panels or solar water heating kits gather heat from the atmosphere, which is used to heat up an anti-freeze fluid. This fluid circulates through the system and through connecting pipes into a heat exchanger within your hot water tank. The heat is then transferred to the water in the tank
Do you supply fitting instructions with your solar panel kits?
Yes, step by step instructions are supplied with each kit.
Health and safety always.
When working with heights, electrics and plumbing, you should always use the correct safety equipment. Always use professional MCS solar installers if you're not sure.
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