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ON-ROOF solar panels in South Devon
Proven solar on your existing roof – a fast, tidy way to start making your own electricity.
Get a quoteOn-roof solar, explained
What it is
Add proven on-roof solar to an existing pitched roof with a fast, cost-effective installation. Panels sit on rails just above your tiles or slates, fixed to the roof with brackets.
You generate clean electricity, cut energy bills and make the most of unused roof space.
We fit on-roof solar on homes, businesses and farm buildings from Plymouth to the South Hams, with every install planned and fitted by our own team from Ivybridge.
Who it suits
- Homes with a sound pitched roof, tiled or slate
- Anyone who wants solar without re-roofing
- Businesses and farm buildings with suitable roofs
- People planning a battery or EV charger now or later
Why it’s worth it
The benefits
Lower bills
Use your own solar electricity in the day and buy less from the grid.
Quick to fit
No re-roofing needed, so it’s usually the simplest way to add solar.
Ready for more
Add a battery or an EV charger now or later to make more use of your generation.
Export payments
With an MCS install you can apply for Smart Export Guarantee payments for electricity you send to the grid.
Things to consider
- Your roof needs to be in good condition. If it needs work soon, it can make sense to do that first or consider in-roof.
- Shading from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings affects output. We check this at survey.
- Scaffolding is needed for the install.
Typical prices
What on-roof solar typically costs
Prices are for a two-storey house with medium-to-high quality brands. Cheaper brands could lower the price, and premium brands could raise it.
Prices include scaffolding and certification. In-roof is priced at 1.3× the solar and roof-works part, and flat roof is 15% less on that part; batteries, inverters and gateways cost the same on any roof.
All prices are exclusive of VAT.
Prices are a guide and subject to a site survey, or photos you send us, so we can give you an accurate quote.
Quotes are always free. Send us a few photos and we can usually give you a reasonably accurate quote without a visit, so there’s no need to take time off work or wait in for us.
What’s included
What a typical install includes
Survey and design
We check your roof, orientation, shading and usage, and design a system around them.
Scaffolding and fixings
Safe access, plus rails and brackets suited to your tiles or slates.
Panels and inverter
Panels on the roof and an inverter (or hybrid inverter if you want a battery) indoors.
Testing and paperwork
We test and commission everything, show you the app and handle MCS and DNO paperwork.
How it works
Four simple steps
- 1
Enquiry
Tell us about your property and what you’re after, online or on the phone.
- 2
Survey
We look at your roof or land, your usage and your supply, then send a clear estimate, usually within 5 working days.
- 3
Install
Our own team fits everything tidily: dust sheets down, clean as we go.
- 4
Handover & aftercare
We commission the system, show you the app and hand over your certificates and MCS paperwork, then call about a week later to check you’re happy.
Grid connections
Grid connections and paperwork, all handled
We have a strong working relationship with National Grid in the South West. We work with them to confirm how much your site can export and what size of solar, battery and inverter is approved for your property, whether that’s a home, business, industrial unit or farm. Every installation follows MCS, NICEIC and BS 7671 regulations. We handle the full process for you: National Grid applications, MCS registration, NICEIC certification, and your certificates and warranty documents at handover.
The technical bit: smaller systems are usually notified to the network operator after install (G98). Larger systems, which includes most commercial, industrial and farm systems, need approval before install (G99), and the network operator can set an export limit.
Rules & regulations
In plain English
A simple overview to help you plan. We check the details for your property at survey.
Planning permission
Most roof-mounted solar on houses is permitted development, so planning permission usually isn’t needed. Panels shouldn’t stick out too far from the roof slope, and there are exceptions such as listed buildings and some conservation areas. We’ll flag anything to check with your council.
Building Regulations and electrical safety
The electrical side is designed and certified to BS 7671 (the UK wiring regulations) and notified under Part P by our NICEIC-registered team. You get your certificates at the end.
FAQs
Common questions
Will it pay for itself?
It can, depending on your home! Solar can help cut your electricity bills, but how quickly it pays for itself depends on your roof, how much electricity you use and when, your tariff and whether you add a battery. On many of our projects, solar and solar with a battery typically pay back in about 5–8 years.
Does solar work in winter?
Yes, it does! Panels generate from daylight rather than heat, so they keep producing on bright winter days, just less than in summer when the days are longer.
Is my roof suitable?
Yes, there’s a good chance it is! Most sound pitched roofs are suitable, but direction, angle and shading all play a part, which is why we survey before we quote.
What happens on the day?
Less fuss than you might think! Scaffolding goes up, the rails and panels go on, the inverter goes in, and we test and commission everything before showing you how it all works.
★★★★★ 230 five-star Google reviews
“Ash and crew are professional, meticulous and responsive while providing a warm family feel, their service leaves one certain they've selected the best team for the job!” – Troy Thomas
Let’s look at your roof
A few quick questions and we’ll get back to you. No obligation.
Get a quote Call 01752 200496