What is the very first step?

Get 3+ quotes from MCS-certified installers. This costs nothing, commits you to nothing, and gives you the information to make a decision. Use our Get Quotes page or search mcscertified.com.

How long from start to generating?

3-6 weeks. Physical installation: 1-2 days. The rest is: quotes (1-2 weeks), survey/design (1 week), paperwork/scheduling (1-2 weeks).

How Do I Start with Solar?

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 18 March 2026|guide

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

Getting started with solar — 5 simple steps from thinking about solar to generating electricity. Start today.

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How do I get started with solar panels?

Getting started with solar: (1) Get 3+ quotes from MCS-certified installers — use our Get Quotes page or search mcscertified.com. Free, no obligation. (2) Compare on total value: panel brand, inverter type, warranty, price, reviews. (3) Choose your installer and sign the contract (14-day cooling-off period). (4) Wait 3-6 weeks for survey, paperwork, and installation. (5) Your system starts generating electricity from switch-on day. Register for SEG, set up monitoring, notify your insurer. Done. The whole process is simpler than getting a kitchen fitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related: Home Heating Systems

Solar panels are most powerful when combined with an efficient heating system. Heat pumps use solar-generated electricity to heat your home at 300-400% efficiency — making them the ideal partner for solar.

heat pump installation process

Heat pump installation typically takes 2-3 days and is best planned alongside solar.

From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide