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Use this checklist when your installation is complete.", "image": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/assets/installer-D2bbZsjM.jpg", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Alliant Energy Team", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/about" }, "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Person", "name": "MCS Registered Engineer", "jobTitle": "MCS Registered Engineer" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Alliant Energy", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/logo.png" } }, "datePublished": "2026-01-15", "dateModified": "2026-05-19" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I inspect the installation before the scaffolding comes down?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — ask to inspect roof-level work before scaffolding is removed. It's the best opportunity to check panel alignment, cable routing and weatherproofing. A reputable installer will welcome it." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if the installation doesn't match what was quoted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Document discrepancies in writing before final payment. Compare against the written specification (panel brand, inverter, battery capacity) and query any substitutions you weren't told about." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long after installation should my system be generating?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Immediately — the system is commissioned and tested on installation day. You should see live generation on the app the same day." } } ] } ] --- [![Alliant Energy — Renewable Energy Solutions](/__l5e/assets-v1/3bd22195-cc6e-43e6-b5ff-5a808ce292d3/alliantenergyltd-2.svg)](/) [Home](/)[About](/about-us) [Services](/services) [Guides](/guides)[Case Studies](/case-study)[![Levelise](/__l5e/assets-v1/59fd362e-361a-47d7-ad1f-65e9beeb5289/levelise-logo.webp)](/guides/levelise-hub-explained) [01282 501589](tel:01282501589)[Get a Quote →](/quote) Spoke guide · Choosing an installer # What Does a Good Solar Installation Look Like? Most homeowners can't tell a good install from a poor one by looking — and installers know this. Use this checklist when your installation is complete. By **Alliant Energy Team**· reviewed by MCS Registered Engineer Last updated 19 May 2026 [Get a Quote](/quote) [See Case Studies](/case-study) On this page - [On the roof](#roof) - [Roof penetrations](#weather) - [Cable runs](#cables) - [Inverter & consumer unit](#inverter) - [Battery installation](#battery) - [Completion & handover](#handover) - [Snagging](#snagging) - [FAQ](#faq) Ready to act? Free quote in one working day. [Get a Quote →](/quote) A professional installation looks neat, intentional and structurally secure — both on the roof and inside. ## On the roof: the panel array - Rails parallel to each other, perpendicular to the ridge, with consistent spacing - Panels level and uniformly aligned — not visibly tilted or misaligned - Consistent panel gaps throughout the array - Panels not positioned over skylights or vents where avoidable - Cabling secured with clips or conduit — no loose runs visible from the ground - Inter-panel DC cables routed neatly and secured Sloppy alignment is a tell It doesn't always affect performance, but it suggests an installer who prioritises speed over care — which may carry through to less visible aspects. ## Roof penetrations and weatherproofing - EPDM rubber or lead flashing boots around cable entries — not silicone alone - Entry points positioned to minimise water ingress risk (avoid valleys, horizontal surfaces) - No cracked or displaced tiles from installation Silicone-only entries fail Silicone sealant without a proper flashing boot is a common shortcut. It may hold for a year or two then leak. Insist on flashing boots at every cable entry through the roof covering. ## Cable runs: inside and outside - External runs in UV-resistant conduit, clipped securely at regular intervals - No loose or sagging cables on external walls - Internal runs surface-mounted in conduit/trunking, or chased into walls - DC cables (panel to inverter) kept separate from AC (inverter to consumer unit) - Wall entries sealed against weather and pests ## The inverter and consumer unit connection - Inverter at a comfortable working height — not awkwardly placed - Clear labelling of isolators and switches - Dedicated AC isolator between inverter and consumer unit - Generation meter clearly positioned and labelled - Connection completed by an NICEIC-qualified electrician with appropriate protection devices ## Battery installation - Installed in a dry, ventilated location — not a damp outhouse - Mounted securely to the wall — not freestanding on the floor - Away from heat sources (boilers, tumble dryers) - Clearly labelled with battery type and emergency information - Connected to monitoring with the app verified working ### An installation that meets these standards Own teams, NICEIC sign-off, app handover before we leave site. [Get a Quote](/quote) [See Case Studies](/case-study) ## On completion: what you should receive - A working, commissioned system showing live generation on the app before they leave - Handover briefing — app, smart tariff integration, error handling - Written confirmation of MCS certificate application and expected date - All warranty documentation for panels, inverter and battery - Confirmation of DNO notification or approval - NICEIC completion certificate for the electrical work You should not need to chase any of these — a professional installer provides them as standard at the end of every job. ## Snagging: what's acceptable and what isn't Minor snagging (an unsecured cable clip, slight panel edge alignment) is normal and corrected quickly. What isn't acceptable: - Cracked or displaced roof tiles - Cable entries without proper weatherproofing - System not commissioned or not generating - App not set up or not working - Promised components missing or substituted without discussion Contact the installer immediately in writing if any of these apply. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I inspect the installation before the scaffolding comes down? Yes — ask to inspect roof-level work before scaffolding is removed. It's the best opportunity to check panel alignment, cable routing and weatherproofing. A reputable installer will welcome it. ### What if the installation doesn't match what was quoted? Document discrepancies in writing before final payment. Compare against the written specification (panel brand, inverter, battery capacity) and query any substitutions you weren't told about. ### How long after installation should my system be generating? Immediately — the system is commissioned and tested on installation day. You should see live generation on the app the same day. Three ways to get started ## Ready to find out what solar saves you? Get a tailored quote in one working day. No obligation. No hard sell. Speak to a renewable energy engineer — not a salesperson — at a time that suits you. [Get a Quote → ](/quote) [Request a Callback →](/request-callback) [Download Brochure →](/brochure) Accreditations ## Certified, registered, and insured. Every time. MCS certification isn't a box-ticking exercise — it qualifies your system for Smart Export Guarantee payments and government grants. Our installers are also NICEIC-approved and TrustMark-registered, and every install is fully insured. ![Citation ISO Certification: ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety](/__l5e/assets-v1/180183cd-e6fd-4b0a-984c-83e6a41390d7/accreditations-iso.jpg) ![Alliant Energy — Renewable Energy Solutions](/assets/logo-IFrgP5Dc.png) Renewable energy & energy-saving specialists. MCS-registered solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and EV charging across the UK. #### Quick Links - [Home](/) - [About Us](/about-us) - [Services](/services) - [Case Studies](/case-study) - [Areas We Cover](/solar-panel-quotes-north-west) - [Contact](/contact) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms & Conditions](/terms) #### Services - [Solar for Homes](/services/solar) - [Commercial Solar](/services/commercial-solar) - [Battery Storage](/services/battery-storage) - [Air Source Heat Pumps](/services/heat-pumps) - [EV Charging](/services/ev-charging) - [Energy Saving Advice](/services/energy-saving-advice) #### Contact - [01282 501589](tel:01282501589) - [info@alliantenergy.co.uk](mailto:info@alliantenergy.co.uk) - Unit 214 Northlight Industries, Pendle Road, Brierfield, Nelson BB9 5FL [Get a Quote](/quote)[Brochure](/brochure) Alliant Energy Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 1020779) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks. © 2026 Alliant Energy Ltd. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy)[Terms & Conditions](/terms) MCS Registered · TrustMark · NICEIC [Chat with AI](/chat) [Call back](/request-callback) [Get a Quote](/quote) [Get a Brochure](/brochure) [Get a Quote](/quote) [Chat with AI](/chat)