How it works
From estimate to switch-on
No mystery, no hard sell — this is exactly what happens when you go solar with Rainford Renewables, and how the system behaves once it's on your roof.
Full-scope registered
Application in progressFree, no-obligation quotesSurvey-led designLocal North West expertsThe journey, step by step
- 01
Free online estimate
Minutes
Answer a few questions about your property and get a realistic guide price range on screen straight away — no callback required.
- 02
Survey & system design
About an hour on site
We measure the roof, check your consumption and electrics, and design the system properly. You get a fixed written quote — the price is confirmed before any work starts.
- 03
Installation
Usually 1–2 days
Scaffolding goes up first, then panels, inverter and battery are installed and commissioned — tidy work by our own NAPIT-registered team, no subcontractors.
- 04
Handover & aftercare
Ongoing
You get your certification and app monitoring set up, plus servicing and maintenance from the same team — and if you move, we can even relocate your system.
Living with solar
How your system behaves
On cloudy days
Panels generate from daylight, not just direct sun — output drops on overcast days but never to zero. Systems here are sized around realistic North West weather, not laboratory conditions.
With a battery
Surplus daytime generation charges the battery instead of being exported, then powers your evening. Batteries can also charge cheaply overnight on smart tariffs during winter.
Exporting to the grid
Once generation is registered, electricity you don’t use or store can be sold to your energy supplier through the Smart Export Guarantee or an export tariff.
Grid approval (G98/G99)
Connecting a generator to the grid needs district network operator approval — G98 for smaller systems, G99 for larger ones. We handle the paperwork as part of the installation.
Roof-mounted vs in-roof
Most installs mount panels above the tiles; in-roof systems sit flush within the roofline — a neater finish, typically chosen for new builds and re-roofs. The survey confirms which suits your roof.
Monitoring your system
Every system comes with app monitoring so you can watch generation, storage and usage live — and we can see faults early through the same tools.
Installation questions
Do I need planning permission?
Usually not — most domestic solar is permitted development. Listed buildings, conservation areas and flat-roof installs can need consent; we flag this at the survey stage and advise on next steps.
Will my roof need checking first?
Yes — assessing the roof structure and condition is part of the free survey. If your roof needs attention it is far better to know before panels go on, not after.
How long does the whole process take?
From survey to switch-on is typically a few weeks, driven mostly by scaffolding, kit availability and grid-approval timescales. The installation itself usually takes one to two days.
What maintenance do solar panels need?
Very little — rain keeps panels largely clean and there are no moving parts. We recommend periodic servicing to check the electrics and keep everything performing, which we offer as part of aftercare.
Next steps
Ready for the Next Step?
Price your system in minutes, browse the services, or see installs we've already completed.
Ready to cut your energy bills?
Free quotes, free consultations, finance available. Tell us what you need and we’ll take it from there.
NAPIT registered · Finance available · Workmanship guarantee
