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Most of that time is the DNO (grid connection) application, not the installation itself.", "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": "Will I need to be home during installation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — someone needs to be home on installation day to give access and to receive the handover briefing at the end. You don't need to supervise the installation; our team will work independently." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is scaffolding included?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — scaffolding to one elevation is included in all our packages. If your property requires scaffolding to multiple elevations, we'll discuss any additional cost when we quote." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will the installation cause any damage to my roof?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No structural damage. Our mounting system uses rail brackets fixed through the roof covering to the rafters below. The penetrations are sealed with EPDM flashing to prevent water ingress." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if something goes wrong after installation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Contact us — we're accountable. As HIES members, there's a formal dispute resolution process if needed. The system is covered by manufacturer warranties (10 years on the inverter, 25–30 years on panels) and our own workmanship guarantee." } } ] } ] --- [![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 · Installation # What to Expect from a Solar Installation: Step by Step The process from first enquiry to a live solar system typically takes 4–8 weeks. Most of that time is the DNO (grid connection) application, not the installation itself. By **Alliant Energy Team**· reviewed by MCS Registered Engineer Last updated 19 May 2026 [Get a Quote](/quote) [Request a Callback](/request-callback) On this page - [Step 1 — Quote](#quote) - [Step 2 — Survey](#survey) - [Step 3 — DNO](#dno) - [Step 4 — Installation](#install) - [Step 5 — MCS certificate](#mcs) - [Step 6 — SEG registration](#seg) - [After installation](#after) - [FAQ](#faq) Ready to act? Free quote in one working day. [Get a Quote →](/quote) Here's exactly what to expect at each stage. ## Step 1 — Getting a quote (1 working day) You submit an enquiry — online form, phone, or email — telling us about your property, current electricity use, and what you're interested in (panels only, panels + battery, etc.). We come back within one working day with a detailed, fixed-price proposal including: - System specification (panels, inverter, battery, monitoring) - Estimated annual generation - Estimated annual bill saving and SEG earnings - Payback period - All warranties This is a proposal, not a binding contract. You're under no obligation to proceed. ## Step 2 — Survey (free) For most installations, we'll arrange a free site survey before confirming the final quote. One of our engineers visits to: - Confirm roof orientation, pitch and useable area - Check for shading from chimneys, trees or neighbouring buildings - Identify cable routing from roof to consumer unit - Confirm structural suitability (most UK roofs are fine) - Discuss battery placement (garage, utility room, etc.) The survey typically takes 45–60 minutes. For straightforward installs, some customers prefer to proceed from photos rather than a visit — we can usually accommodate this. ## Step 3 — DNO application (10–25 working days) Before installing, we submit a G98 or G99 application to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) — the company that manages the electricity network in your area. This is a regulatory requirement for any solar installation. Most domestic systems below 3.68 kWp only require a G98 notification (no approval needed — just notification). Larger systems need a G99 application with DNO approval, which takes 10–25 working days. We handle this entirely on your behalf and keep you updated. Timeline The DNO application is the main variable in your installation timeline. We submit it as soon as you confirm you want to proceed, to minimise waiting time. ## Step 4 — Installation (1–2 days) Installation day is straightforward. Our team arrives, erects scaffolding, mounts the rail system on your roof, fits the panels, runs cable down to the inverter and battery location, and commissions the system. What happens on the day: - Morning: scaffolding erected, rails and panels fitted to roof - Afternoon: cable routing, inverter and battery installation, system commissioning - End of day: system tested, app set up, brief walkthrough with you on how to use it For a standard 8-panel + battery system, installation takes one full day. Larger or more complex systems may take two days. We work around your schedule and leave the site clean. ## Step 5 — MCS certificate (within days) Within a few days of commissioning, you receive your MCS installation certificate. This is one of the most important documents you'll receive — keep it safely. The MCS certificate is required for: - Registering for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments - Accessing government grant schemes (Warm Homes Plan etc.) - Validating manufacturer warranties - Providing proof of compliant installation if you sell the property ## Step 6 — Smart Export Guarantee registration Once you have your MCS certificate, you can apply to your energy supplier for SEG payments. You don't have to use your existing supplier — it's worth comparing rates. We guide you through the registration process. Most suppliers process SEG applications within 10–20 working days. Once registered, you'll receive quarterly payments for every unit you export — typically 4–15p/kWh depending on your supplier. ### Start the process — get a quote Quote in one working day. Installation in 4–8 weeks. [Get a Quote](/quote) [Request a Callback](/request-callback) ## After the installation — what to expect from your system In the first few months, you'll likely be checking the monitoring app frequently. That's normal. You'll see daily generation figures, self-consumption rates, and export volumes. Most systems perform very close to projected figures. The Levelise Hub app (included with every Alliant system) shows real-time data and allows you to adjust your charging and export preferences. We're available if anything looks unusual — and our warranty means any component issues are covered. ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I need to be home during installation? Yes — someone needs to be home on installation day to give access and to receive the handover briefing at the end. You don't need to supervise the installation; our team will work independently. ### Is scaffolding included? Yes — scaffolding to one elevation is included in all our packages. If your property requires scaffolding to multiple elevations, we'll discuss any additional cost when we quote. ### Will the installation cause any damage to my roof? No structural damage. Our mounting system uses rail brackets fixed through the roof covering to the rafters below. The penetrations are sealed with EPDM flashing to prevent water ingress. ### What if something goes wrong after installation? Contact us — we're accountable. As HIES members, there's a formal dispute resolution process if needed. The system is covered by manufacturer warranties (10 years on the inverter, 25–30 years on panels) and our own workmanship guarantee. 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)