Best Solar Panel Installers/Companies In Birmingham

Selecting a solar panel installer in Birmingham can be quite challenging due to the vast array of choices available.

To simplify this process for you, we have compiled a list of the top five installers serving the local area.

Our selection criteria went beyond just overall ratings. We examined customer reviews and assessed the offerings of each company to ensure they meet high standards of service and quality. This comprehensive approach guarantees that you can make an informed decision when transitioning to solar energy, benefiting from both expertise and customer satisfaction.

No time to wait? You can kick off the process immediately by filling in the below to receive an instant quote:

For the below tables, Google rating and number of reviews is taken from Google and is correct as of 23/08/24. Ranking table is based on volume of reviews, review sentiment, review mentions of customer service, expertise, breadth of services offered, coverage area and years of trading.

1. Glow Green

Company	Google Rating	Number of Reviews	Years In Business
Glow Green	4.2	74	13

Glow Green emerged from a vision to revolutionise the boiler industry by challenging the prevailing stigma of poor service. The company's mission was to offer a compelling alternative that prioritises customer experience, minimises installation delays and ensures a seamless ordering process.

With a passion for environmental sustainability, Glow Green has broadened its scope to become the first UK-based company offering a comprehensive suite of energy-efficient solutions under one roof. Their product range now includes PV Solar, Battery Storage, EV Car Charging, Boilers, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps.

With competitive finance options and a focus on local, personal service, Glow Green aims to ensure customers feel confident and well-supported in their home energy improvement journey.

🚛 Glow Green serves Birmingham and the rest of the UK.

Product Warranty

Low Prices

Accredited

MCS Certified

Qualified Electricians

Award Winning

Quality Control

Rapid Installations

Product Warranty

Low Prices

Accredited

MCS Certified

Qualified Electricians

Award Winning

Quality Control

Rapid Installations

What You Need To Know About Solar In Birmingham

• Birmingham's climatic conditions make it well-suited for solar energy as it receives on average 1,399 hours of sun per year.

• According to GreenMatch, the city has 6,912 commercial solar installations, placing it second in the UK after London.

• The Birmingham City Council (BCC) took a proactive approach to assessing solar energy potential by commissioning a comprehensive solar PV mapping project. The Centre for Sustainable Energy developed a detailed map and dataset that identified prime locations for solar PV array installations throughout the city. The results of this study revealed that widespread adoption of rooftop solar PV installations could potentially lead to a reduction of over 4% in BCC's annual carbon emissions.

• Birmingham also hosts Solar & Storage Live - a significant annual trade fair dedicated to solar energy and energy storage technologies. The fair aims to accelerate the adoption of solar energy solutions through exhibitions, high-level conferences and networking opportunities.

• Birmingham Airport is making significant advancements in solar energy with a major installation project. The airport is installing a 6.8-megawatt solar array featuring 12,804 photovoltaic panels on a noise-blocking embankment along the northeastern edge of the runway. This solar array is expected to provide at least 20% of the airport's on-site electrical power which should significantly reduce its reliance on the grid.

Types Of Solar Panels

When exploring solar panel installation options in Birmingham, you'll want to understand the different types of solar panels available to you. Understanding these options will help you make an informed decision that best suits your energy needs and budget. Here are the main types of solar panels you should consider:

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient type of solar panels you can choose for your Birmingham home. Made from single-crystal silicon, these panels have a distinctive uniform dark appearance. You'll benefit from the highest power output per square meter with monocrystalline panels, making them ideal if you have limited roof space. However, you should be prepared for a higher initial cost compared to other options as their superior efficiency and longevity come at a premium.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option for your Birmingham property, consider polycrystalline panels. These panels are made from multiple silicon fragments melted together, giving them a characteristic bluish color and less uniform appearance. While slightly less efficient than monocrystalline panels, they still offer good performance and can be an excellent choice if you have ample roof space.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

For specific applications in Birmingham, you might consider thin-film panels. These are made by depositing one or more thin layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate. You'll find they're lightweight and flexible, making them suitable for certain installations where traditional panels might not be feasible. However, it's important to note that they're less efficient than crystalline silicon panels and have a shorter lifespan of 10-20 years. Thin-film panels are less common in residential installations but can be useful in particular circumstances.

Are Solar Panel Grants Available In Birmingham?

If you're considering solar panel installation in Birmingham, you'll be pleased to know that various financial support options or grants are available to help make this transition more affordable:

ECO4 Scheme

The ECO4 scheme is available to Birmingham residents:

• You may qualify for free solar panels if you receive certain benefits and live in a low-income household.

• The scheme aims to help reduce fuel poverty and lower carbon emissions.

• To be eligible, your home typically needs an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D-G.

0% VAT on Solar Installations

As of 2023, you can benefit from 0% VAT on solar panel installations:

• This applies to both the panels and the installation costs.

• The zero-rate VAT could save you hundreds of pounds on your solar system.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

While not a grant, the SEG can help you earn money from your solar panels:

• Energy suppliers pay you for excess electricity you export to the grid.

• Rates vary by supplier so you can shop around for the best deal.

Remember to check your eligibility for these grants and schemes as criteria can change. It's also worth contacting Birmingham City Council directly as they may have information on local initiatives or upcoming programs to support solar panel installations.

Will I Need Battery Storage?

You may wonder if you'll need battery storage when installing solar panels on your property in Birmingham. Adding battery storage to your solar panel system could offer several advantages such as storing excess energy generated during sunny periods for use at night or on cloudy days. This could potentially save you more money by using your own stored energy instead of buying from the grid during peak hours.

Whether you need battery storage depends on your specific circumstances. If you're often at home during the day using electricity, you might not need storage as you'll use most of the energy as it's generated. However, if your energy usage is highest in the evenings or at night, battery storage could be beneficial. It's important to consider your budget as adding battery storage increases the initial investment.

Even if you decide against battery storage initially, you can add it later. Many solar inverters are 'battery ready,' allowing for easy future integration. As battery technology improves and costs decrease, adding storage might become more attractive.

Ultimately, the decision to include battery storage with your Birmingham solar installation depends on your energy usage patterns, budget and desire for energy independence. Consult with a local solar installer to determine the best solution for your specific needs.

How Glow Green Works

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