Start with the light
Where would you put the panels, and what shades that spot? Look at the area in the morning, around midday and later in the afternoon. Note shadows from fences, trees and nearby buildings.
Solar panels can generate in cloudy conditions, but shade reduces their output. An unshaded, south-facing position generally offers the strongest performance; east- or west-facing positions can also work. Energy Saving Trust explains how light, direction and shade affect solar panels.
A photo taken on one sunny afternoon is useful, but it is only one observation. Keep a note of when the proposed position is shaded and bring that information to your suitability check.
Sources: Energy Saving Trust: solar panels
Measure the usable space
Measure the area you can spare without blocking paths, doors or everyday use of the garden. Leave room for people, gardening, children and pets as well as the equipment.
Compare your measurements with the installed size of the exact kit, not just the size of a loose panel. The frame, required ballast and access clearances also need room. Follow the kit’s mounting instructions for its permitted surface and secure fixing. UKSOL’s space and mounting guidance is a useful starting point.
Sources: UKSOL: Before you Buy
Check the electrical connection
The supplied connection cable must reach a suitable socket directly. Do not plan around a household extension lead, adaptor or multiway socket. UKSOL advises checking the socket and wiring with a qualified electrician if you are unsure. Read UKSOL’s connection guidance.
A nearby socket alone does not establish that the circuit is suitable. If a socket needs installing or moving, or you have doubts about the wiring or protective equipment, get a qualified electrician’s advice before buying. Energy Saving Trust’s checklist covers these electrical checks.
Sources: UKSOL: Before you Buy · Energy Saving Trust: checks before buying plug-in solar
Check permissions and the exact product
Before ordering, establish whether you need agreement from a landlord, freeholder or building manager, or consent from your local planning authority. Requirements depend on the property and proposed installation. The government’s plug-in solar announcement explains the permission checks.
Check the exact model against the ENA device register and read its instructions. The Compact 460W and Duo 890W Ground Mount kits discussed in our comparison are not balcony kits. Compact product information · Duo product information.
Your device must also be registered before use. Energy Saving Trust directs households to the UK Plug-in Solar Registration service. Read its registration guidance.
Sources: Energy Saving Trust: checks before buying plug-in solar · DESNZ: plug-in solar launch and property permissions · Energy Saving Trust: plug-in solar panels · UKSOL: Compact 460W Ground Mount kit · UKSOL: Duo 890W Ground Mount kit
Bring your questions to the suitability checker
Have your measurements, a few photos and notes about shade ready. Include any questions about the socket, mounting position or permissions.
Use the Bright Socket suitability checker to begin exploring your options. It does not replace the manufacturer’s instructions, any necessary permissions or a professional assessment of your electrics. If a product detail is unclear, ask us before ordering.
How could a kit fit your garden?
Start with your space and the questions you have gathered.
Check suitability
