Expert Electrical
Expert Electrical | Solar Installation | Electrical | Manchester
At HEP, our expert electrical team turns Manchester’s famously changeable skies into a reliable source of clean energy. From the first rooftop survey to the final safety check, we handle every stage of your solar installation with precision, using premium panels, smart inverters and battery options that maximise savings while shrinking carbon footprints. Homeowners, landlords and local businesses alike trust our NICEIC-approved engineers to design tailor-made systems that blend seamlessly with existing electrics and comply with all current regulations.
Because we’re Manchester-based, you get rapid response times, transparent pricing and a friendly crew who know the city’s roofs—and weather patterns—inside out. We organise all paperwork, grid approvals and monitoring apps, then back your array with long-term warranties and on-call aftercare. Ready to lock in lower energy bills and brighter tomorrows? Book your free consultation with HEP today and let’s put sunshine to work for you.
FAQs
Does Manchester receive enough sunlight for solar panels to be worthwhile?
Yes. Greater Manchester averages 950–1,100 kWh of solar irradiation per square metre each year—only about 10 % less than the UK’s sunniest regions. Modern photovoltaic (PV) modules convert diffuse as well as direct light, so even on overcast days they continue to generate electricity. A well-sited 4 kW system in Manchester typically produces 3,300–3,600 kWh a year, covering 65–85 % of a typical household’s annual usage.
What types of solar PV systems can you install and how do I choose the right one?
We design and fit three main options: (1) on-roof framed arrays (the most common and cost-effective), (2) in-roof integrated panels that sit flush with new or replacement tiles, and (3) ground-mounted arrays for properties with sufficient garden or land. We also offer DC-coupled and AC-coupled battery storage. During a free site survey we assess roof orientation, pitch, shading, electrical demand and budget to recommend the optimum system, panel wattage, inverter size and optional battery capacity.
How long does a typical residential solar installation take in Manchester?
From signed quotation to switch-on is usually 3–6 weeks. The physical installation itself takes 1–2 days for most homes: Day 1 – scaffolding, panel mounting and cable runs; Day 2 – inverter, consumer-unit connection, commissioning and app set-up. We handle DNO (Distribution Network Operator) approval, MCS certification and Building Control notification, so paperwork does not delay you.
Are there any incentives or grants available for solar PV in Greater Manchester?
Homeowners benefit from 0 % VAT on domestic solar and battery installations until March 2027, cutting costs by 20 %. Export payments are earned through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG); local suppliers currently pay 5–15 p/kWh for surplus energy you feed back to the grid. Salford and Stockport councils also run periodic group-buying schemes such as "Solar Together" that can lower upfront costs. Businesses may claim capital allowances and, in some cases, Enhanced Capital Allowances for battery storage.
Will my panels work during cloudy or rainy weather and what maintenance is required?
PV cells generate electricity from visible light, not heat, so they still work in cloudy conditions—output will be lower (30–60 % of peak) but consistent. Rain actually helps by washing off dust and pollen. Panels are static, have no moving parts and are warranted for 25–30 years. We recommend a visual inspection and electrical test every 5 years and an occasional clean if dirt, moss or bird droppings build up. We offer low-cost maintenance packages that include remote performance monitoring.
How quickly will I see a return on my solar investment and what savings can I expect?
A typical 4 kW system in Manchester costs £5,000–£6,500 installed. Annual bill savings average £550–£750 when combined with an export tariff; with a 5 kWh battery those savings rise to £800–£1,050 by maximising self-consumption. At current electricity prices (32–34 p/kWh) the payback period is 6–9 years, after which electricity generated is effectively free for the remaining 16–20 years of the panels’ warrantied life, giving a lifetime return on investment of 8–12 % per annum.