Solar panels: your guide to going green
If you're considering solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, or electricity storage batteries for your home, we want to help you understand your options and find a reliable installer, all at a fair price.
Benefits of solar
Solar panels are a fantastic way to generate your own clean electricity and contribute to a greener future. By using the power of the sun, you can enjoy a range of benefits for both your home and the environment.
- Reduced energy bills: Solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills, as you'll be generating your own renewable energy.
- Environmentally friendly: Solar energy is a clean and sustainable power source, helping reduce your carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.
- Increased property value: Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Join the solar movement in our district!
At North Norfolk District Council, we know that buying solar panels or storage batteries can have benefits for you and for the planet. We also understand it's a big financial commitment, and many people want reliable, trustworthy advice before making a decision.
This webpage is designed to give helpful guidance and tips for residents to feel well informed, understand and explore their options, minimise risks, and help them achieve a reliable, cost-effective installation, as well as promote our new partnership with MakeMyHouseGreen.
We want to see more rooftop solar in the district! We've declared a climate emergency, and solar panels are an example of practical action we can take to support householders, which reduces climate-damaging carbon emissions in the district.
MakeMyHouseGreen partnership
The Council has chosen MakeMyHouseGreen as a delivery partner because of their proven PV partnerships with well-known organisations such as Nationwide Building Society, Cotswold District Council, Wickes and Santander.
MakeMyHouseGreen uses very carefully vetted installers based nearby. The Council has confirmed that MakeMyHouseGreen uses only high quality equipment with good warranties.
The Council has negotiated the scheme for the whole district, meaning householders will benefit from a £500 discount on MakeMyHouseGreen's usual installation cost.
MakeMyHouseGreen also uses all black panels. One of the most common objections to solar panels is that they stand out too much or don't look appealing, but these are visually less intrusive and blend in better than older style panels.
MakeMyHouseGreen has a web platform that you can:
- find out how many solar panels their house can accommodate
- get an estimated installation price
- track the process from initial estimate to completed installation
- monitor performance over time
They also have a market-leading solar calculator that homeowners can use to find out how many solar panels their roof can accommodate and get highly accurate estimates of the price and savings on their bill specific to their home. It uses technology to deliver a smooth, quality installation.
Considerations when deciding
Talk to neighbours, family, or friends with installed PVs or batteries, and learn about their experience. If you get a sales call, always resist 'pressure selling'. For example, resist a salesperson claiming a special discount is 'for today only' or pushing you to sign up quickly. Take your time and do your research.
We recommend the following good advice providers:
- MoneySavingExpert's advice on solar panels is updated regularly and is objective.
- The Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol is a charity with a long history of good advice on all energy matters. Their solar PV and battery advice is up-to-date and helpful to read. You will also find advice on home battery storage.
- The Energy Saving Trust has been providing objective advice on home energy for decades on behalf of the government. Their solar panel guidance is well-presented, as is their energy storage advice.
Choosing a good contractor
There are lots of companies installing solar panels and batteries. Some are well-run and have a good reputation, while others don't. It can be hard to tell the good from the bad, so the following tips might help.
- We recommend getting more than one quotation, regardless of whether you choose to use the Council's partner, MakeMyHouseGreen.
- When comparing quotations, always look at the warranty periods offered for the equipment. This includes the length of the installer guarantee, so any problems that might arise from the installation can be fixed.
- Always look for customer feedback through reputable review sites such as Trustpilot.
- Any installer should be registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), meaning they must meet strict quality standards in the installation.
- Make sure that any installer you use is registered with a reputable consumer code that covers PV. Common ones are the Home Insulation and Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES), the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) and the government's Trustmark Scheme.
The next steps if you choose MakeMyHouseGreen
Please read through the information, advice and tips for home solar. If you're interested, we invite district residents, with no pressure selling and no obligation, to get a price estimate from MakeMyHouseGreen.
We always recommend that you get other estimates and compare those to the estimate you get from MakeMyHouseGreen, making sure you're comparing like with like, including customer satisfaction scores and warranty periods.
For each successful installation, the Council will be paid £50 by MakeMyHouseGreen to help offset the costs of creating and running the scheme.
Start the process
Follow the steps on MakeMyHouseGreen. You will find a page co-branded with the Council and more information on the process.
Next steps
If you decide to proceed, you'll sign a contract with MakeMyHouseGreen. You'll be able to track the whole process through their app.
Your £500 discount will automatically be subtracted from your estimate.