Your Guide to Going Solar in 2026

Published by C&T Smart Energy · March 2026

Thinking about solar? You're not alone. Thousands of South Wales homeowners are making the switch to energy independence. But the process can feel overwhelming if you don't know where to start. This guide walks you through every step — from deciding if solar is right for you to flipping the switch on your new system.

Step 1: Assess your home's solar potential

• Do you own your home? (Or have permission from the owner/mortgage lender)
• What's your roof like? (Orientation, age, shading, space)
• What's your energy consumption? (Check your bills)
• What's your budget? (Solar only: £5,500–£7,500; solar + battery: £10,500–£14,500)

If you answer "yes" to most, book a free professional solar survey. We'll handle orientation, shading, and savings projections.

Step 2: Understand your options

• Solar only (no battery): best for daytime occupancy, budget-conscious
• Solar + battery: best for high evening use, energy independence
• Solar + battery + heat pump: best for full electrification, highest savings

Step 3: Explore financing options (private route)

Most customers choose one of three routes: pay upfront, use a personal loan, or spread the cost with finance. The right choice depends on your budget and how quickly you want to move.

• Pay upfront (cash)
• Personal loan / home improvement loan
• Flexible finance options (monthly payments)

Step 4: Choose your installer (what to look for)

• TrustMark and RECC accreditations
• Clear written quotes, no pressure sales
• Proper shading analysis and system design (not guesswork)
• Warranties: panels, inverter, workmanship
• Aftercare and support once it's installed

Step 5: Compare quotes properly

Don't just compare the headline price. Compare the system design and the assumptions behind the savings.

• System size (kW) and expected generation (kWh/year)
• Panel and inverter brand/spec
• Battery capacity (kWh) and usable capacity
• Monitoring app and handover support
• Export assumptions and tariff assumptions

Step 6: Installation & handover

Most installs take 1–3 days depending on complexity. A good installer will leave you with a clear handover, documentation, and a monitoring app set up properly.