Solar Panels for Homes | Wickes Solar

Start your free personalised solar quote

Tell us about your home, choose a convenient appointment and we'll prepare a personalised solar and battery quote.

✔️ MCS certified installers ✔️ 25 year panel warranty

✔️ Flexible payment options

Key solar questions

Do I need planning permission for rooftop solar at my home? In most cases, no. Solar panels on pitched and flat roofs are classed as permitted development. However, there are exceptions for listed buildings and some conservation areas.

What is a typical payback period? Payback depends on system size, your energy use, and tariff rates. We'll give you a personalised projection. Most customers see estimated payback periods between 7 and 10 years.

Can I pay in stages? What deposit is required? Yes. If you're paying in cash, we ask for a 10% deposit before installation, with the remaining balance due on completion. We also offer flexible finance plans over 5, 10, or 15 years. Find out more about our solar finance options.

What is MCS and why does it matter? MCS is the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, and it's the industry standard for quality and safety. Choosing an MCS-accredited installer means your system is certified, which is often required for export payments. Wickes Solar is a MCS accredited installer.

We meet the highest industry standards, so you can be confident in the quality, reliability, and performance of your solar system.

FAQs

You can choose whichever option is easiest:

Enquiry form: Fill in a few details here and we’ll call to arrange a time.
Call us: Speak to our team on 0331 630 0893, and we’ll schedule it for you. Shortly after booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with next step instructions, as well as any meeting links.

No. Your home will stay connected to the National Grid. Solar panels reduce how much electricity you buy, but you can still draw from the grid when needed. If you add a battery, you can store excess energy to use later.

In a power cut, your electrics normally turn off for safety. Some battery systems offer a limited backup supply, but you’d need to choose this option when designing your system.

Yes. Panels generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sunshine. They still work on cloudy days, though output will be lower than on bright days. Very hot weather can reduce efficiency too, so the UK’s mild climate is actually ideal for long-lasting performance.

No. Panels work from general daylight, not just direct sunshine. They’ll still generate electricity on overcast days, though at a lower output.

It depends on the size of the system, the direction of your roof, and how much shading there is. We’ll provide a personalised generation estimate during your consultation.

An export tariff pays you for the electricity you send back to the grid. To qualify, you’ll need a smart meter and to register with a supplier that offers one. We’ll also provide your DNO certificate, which you’ll need to set up your Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Our panels come with a 30-year performance warranty and a 25-year product warranty. Inverters and batteries typically come with 10-12-year product warranties.

You’ll be given access to the manufacturer’s monitoring app. It lets you track generation, battery storage, and energy use in real time.

Wickes Solar powered by Solar Fast has rebranded to Wickes Solar, bringing the same trusted service and solar expertise under one unified name. Wickes Solar is a trading name of Gas Fast Ltd. Gas Fast Ltd is a Wickes group company.

Most installations are completed in a single day. Larger or more complex systems may take a little longer.

*This price includes 12 DMEGC 465 W panels, a Fox H1 3.7 hybrid with EP6 battery, and installation on a domestic property with single scaffolding for a 2-storey building.

**The estimated payback period is based on the price, full system potential, calculated for a home in Birmingham and a unit rate of 27.6p/kWh, assuming a 7.02% annual increase in the unit rate in line with EPVS guidelines. Calculations are based on installation on a south-facing roof at a 35-degree pitch, no shading, and a customer who is home most of the day. Every installation is unique and the payback period will differ based on a number of factors, including your location, roof pitch, shading, electricity price and usage. We will provide a payback estimate specific to your circumstances during your appointment.