Solar starts with the right site and the right brief.
Commissioned solar PV, roof-integrated systems, batteries and plug-in products involve different decisions. Tell Beffer what you are considering so the enquiry can be reviewed for service fit and coverage.
An enquiry does not confirm an installer, product supply, approval, price or savings.
What changes the answer?
- The site: roof condition and strength, usable space, orientation, shading and access.
- The system: PV, integrated roofing, battery or a specific plug-in product.
- The permissions: ownership, planning or listed-building controls, electrical work and grid requirements where relevant.
Describe what you know. An appropriately qualified provider must assess suitability and the final design.
Choose the work or product you mean
These are separate briefs. A general roofer listing does not establish solar design, electrical or product competence.
Domestic rooftop solar PV
For a home roof installation. Share the postcode, roof type and condition, approximate available space, shading and electricity use if known.
An installer should assess the roof, electrical design, permissions, connection and commissioning.
Commercial rooftop solar PV
For a business or other non-domestic building. Include roof plans, tenancy or ownership position, site access and usage information if available.
Structural capacity, fire and electrical design, grid connection and site approvals need project-specific assessment.
Roof-integrated solar PV
For panels that form part of a new or renewed roof covering. Explain whether roofing work is already planned and what covering exists.
Roof weatherproofing, structure, mounting and electrical work need coordinated design and clear responsibility.
Battery storage with solar
For storage alongside a new or existing PV system. Say what equipment is already installed and what you want the battery to do.
Compatibility, siting, safety, capacity and any connection requirements need a qualified design.
Compliant plug-in solar
For a small compliant product, often considered for outdoor space or a suitable balcony. Say where it would go and whether you own or rent.
The exact kit, fixing location and any landlord, freeholder or planning consent still need checking.
Helpful details for an initial review
Approximate or unknown answers are fine. Budget is optional.
- Property postcode, home or commercial site, and whether you own, lease or rent it.
- Roof type, age or condition if known; any planned repair or renewal; safe photos, drawings or roof plans.
- Orientation, shading, available area and access constraints if known. Mark measurements as estimates.
- Any existing PV, inverter or battery equipment, your electricity usage pattern and what you want the system to do.
- For plug-in solar, the exact product if selected and proposed mounting surface, with any permissions already obtained.
Ask the provider to set out the survey, equipment, roof and electrical work, grid steps, commissioning, warranties, exclusions and the basis of any cost or savings estimate.
Questions before you enquire
Does a suitable roof guarantee solar will work?
No. Roof condition, structure, orientation, shading, access and the electrical connection all affect the design. An installer should check these before offering a final specification.
Will I need permission or a grid notification?
The answer depends on the property, location and system. Solar on houses may fall within permitted development, with exceptions. An installer should check planning, building, ownership and network requirements for the proposed work.
Are plug-in solar devices allowed in Great Britain?
Compliant plug-in solar devices became legal to buy and use in Great Britain from 27 August 2026. That does not make every device or mounting position suitable. Check product compliance and any property permissions before purchase or installation.
Can Beffer tell me the price or savings now?
No. Equipment, roof work, access, electrical work, storage and usage all affect cost and value. Ask for an itemised proposal with assumptions, exclusions, commissioning documents and any projected savings clearly explained.
Technical and property guidance: Energy Saving Trust solar guide and Planning Portal rules for England.
Plug-in solar update: UK government announcement, August 2026. Planning and property rules can differ across the UK.
Have a solar project in mind?
Send the details you have. The enquiry can be reviewed for the right trade, product and coverage.
Need roof repair or replacement first? Read the roofing guide.