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Not only do you need an electrician to install solar panels, you need an electrician who’s qualified and experienced in installing solar panels.

Solar panel installation is definitely not a DIY job as it requires skill and precision to safely and properly install the panels.

There are various regulations that solar panel installation must adhere to, including the following:

• 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations

• Microgeneration Installation Standard MIS3002, issue 2.0

• Part P of the Building Regulations (as solar panel systems are classed as ‘special installations’ and require a Building Control Body to be notified to carry out an inspection)

When planning solar panel installation, if you’re planning to hire an electrician rather than a dedicated solar panel installation engineer, you want to make sure that the electrician has undergone specific profesional Solar PV training.

Need help with solar panel installation?

Whether you need advice on which solar panels to choose or want to know more about how much solar panels will cost, it’s always good to get advice from local renewable energy experts before you get started.

Find the best local renewable energy specialists near you with our quick and easy online search. Or request a quote and we’ll reach out to multiple local tradespeople for you and they’ll get in touch with you directly.

You’ve probably already heard of renewable energy, especially now that sustainability and green homes have become a focus for governments around the world.

But, what is renewable energy? The standard definition of renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that naturally replenish, making them a sustainable energy alternative to the likes of fossil fuels. In theory, renewable energy sources won’t run out but they may be limited in terms of the amount of energy that is available per unit of time.

The most popular renewable energy sources currently are:

• Solar energy

• Wind energy

• Hydro energy

• Tidal energy

• Geothermal energy

• Biomass energy

Types of renewable energy

Here’s an overview of the most popular renewable energy sources currently available:

• Solar energy – The energy from sunlight is one of our most plentiful supplies of renewable energy, although the amount of solar energy we can use varies according to the time of day, season of the year, and geographical location.

• Wind energy – Wind farms are an increasingly familiar sight in the UK and the contribution of wind energy to the National Grid is increasing each year. Wind turbines drive generators, which then produce electricity – although having a wind turbine in your back garden isn’t always an option for homes.

• Hydro energy – Hydro power is one of the most commercially developed energy sources. Energy is harnessed by using a dam or barrier to create a reservoir and the controlled flow of water from the reservoir then drives a turbine, which generates electricity.

• Geothermal energy – Heat energy can be harnessed from the Earth itself, by tapping into the natural heat that lies below the surface. Geothermal energy is either used directly to heat homes or to generate electricity.

• Biomass energy – To create biomass energy you need to convert solid fuel made from plant materials into electricity. Although classified a renewable energy source, generating biomass energy does involve burning organic materials to produce electricity – although it’s now a much cleaner, more energy-efficient process than in the past.

How to use renewable energy at home

There are a number of ways you can use renewable energy in your home. You can start by checking your current energy supplier(s) and switching to a renewable energy company, if you’re not already with one.

Depending on your home, you may also be able to install solar panels, an air source heat pump, or a ground source heat pump.

In addition to directly using renewable energy, check out our guide on how to make your home more energy efficient.

Want to speak to renewable energy experts in Downpatrick?

Sometimes it helps to have a quick chat with local renewable energy specialists to understand what options are available in your area and how much they’ll cost.

If you’re ready to reach out to local renewable energy installers, you’re in the right place. We can help you find the best tradespeople in your area with our quick and easy online search – or request a quote and we’ll get multiple local engineers to contact you directly.

There’s no denying that the cost of installing renewable energy sources in your home can be expensive in the short term. But the idea is that you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of renewable energy, that will hopefully save you money in the long run – and dramatically reduce your impact on the environment.

Renewable energy installations are getting cheaper, compared to what they have cost in the past, but it’s important to do your homework and read up on the various options before deciding which renewable energy source(s) is best for you and your home.

It’s also worth noting that most homes in the UK that use renewable energy do so as a supplement to more traditional energy sources. This is something to discuss with your local renewable energy installers, so that you can make an informed decision by understanding exactly how much energy you will be able to generate.

Find the best local renewable energy installers

If you’re keen to get started with your renewable energy installation project, we can help you find the best local qualified tradespeople near you – including those who come highly recommended by your neighbours.

You can either use our quick and easy online search to find and contact local renewable energy installation companies yourself. Or, alternatively, request a quote and we’ll do the legwork for you by reaching out to the best local renewable energy installers near you and we’ll get them to contact you directly.

Adding renewable energy is a great way to increase the sustainability of your home, but there are a few things you can do first to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from renewables with an energy efficient home:

• Upgrade your boiler with a modern, energy-efficient model that can warm your home more effectively, with a smaller carbon footprint and cheaper monthly bills

• Switch energy supplier and install a smart meter so that you can be confident you’re sourcing your home’s energy from the most sustainable source, and you can be aware and control how much energy you’re using.

• Insulate your home properly by installing insulation between floorboard, in cavity walls, in loft spaces, and reseal your windows and doors.

• Install and maintain your double glazing to ensure you’re minimising heat loss, and you could save up to £115 a year, as well as achieving a potential energy efficiency rating of A++.

Installing renewable energy in your home

Once you’ve taken measures to make your home as energy efficient as possible, you might want to consider a renewable energy installation, such as:

• Fitting solar panels on your roof, or using outdoor space

• Adding an air source or ground source pump

• Installing a wind turbine, if you have the space and suitable location for one

The key to any renewable energy source is doing your research, and speaking to local experts who can provide you with their professional advice.

Want to find out more about local renewable energy services?

When planning a renewable energy installation project, it’s important to speak to local renewable energy specialists to understand what’s involved and how much it will cost. Experienced engineers and installers will be able to advise on the options available and which ones might be best for you and your home.

Keen to get started? Search for the best local renewable energy experts in Downpatrick and get in touch with them yourself. Alternatively, you can get multiple quotes from local renewable energy experts by using our request a quote feature – simply post details of what you need and we’ll get reliable local tradespeople to contact you directly.

To hire a trusted renewable energy expert, you will want to ask the right questions. These are good questions to start with:

• What insurance do you have?
• Do you have an MCS qualification? (MCS is the Microgeneration Certification Scheme - an international scheme to recognise experts in renewable energy)
• What maintenance and servicing packages for you offer?

Here is more guidance on hiring a renewable energy expert near you.