Solar DIY Guides

Free, practical guides for UK homeowners. No fluff, no sales pitches. Just information that works from people who actually build these systems.

News & Updates

The latest UK solar policy changes, market developments, and what they mean for your install.

Energy Price Cap 2026: Why Solar Pays Back Faster

Electricity at 26.11p/kWh, 13% cap rise to £1,862. Run the numbers: a 4kW system saves £730/year and pays back in 6-8 years. The best solar economics in years.

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Smart Export Guarantee 2026: The Tied vs Untied Trap

SEG rates ranked: Ecotricity 16p (tied), Fuse 13p (untied), Octopus Flux up to 29p. The tied-vs-untied trap most comparison sites skip - with worked examples and August 2026 rates.

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UK Solar Panel Costs 2026

4kW system for a 3-bed home: £6,000-£8,000. Regional pricing table, DIY vs pro costs, battery prices, payback, and grants. All the numbers in one place.

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Plug-in Solar UK: Complete Guide 2026

Legalised from 27 August 2026. No electrician needed. Kits from £400 at Currys, B&Q, Screwfix. Savings, G98, and verified product picks.

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Plug-In Solar Goes Legal 27 August 2026

SI 2026/848 comes into force. 800W cap, no electrician, G98 notification, no SEG. The exact rules and what to do before launch day.

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Are Solar Panels Worth It in 2026?

Payback by system size: 2kW to 6kW. At 26.11p/kWh and SEG rates up to 16p, a 4kW system saves £750/year and pays back in 6-9 years. Real numbers.

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VAT Removed from Electricity Bills

New PM Andy Burnham scraps 5% VAT on domestic electricity. What this means for solar payback, the October price cap, and your home solar system.

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Victron Ecosystem

Deep dives into every component of the Victron Energy system -- the gold standard for DIY solar.

Victron MPPT Calculator

Interactive tool: enter your panel specs and string config, get the exact SmartSolar model you need. Temperature-adjusted voltage calculations.

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Victron MPPT Comparison

Every SmartSolar model from 75/15 to 250/100 compared. Product images, spec tables, real-world use cases for sheds, vans, canal boats, and 48V home systems.

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Best Plug‑In Solar Kits UK 2026

Compare the top plug‑in solar kits for UK homes in 2026.

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Victron MultiPlus Comparison

Inverter-chargers from 800VA to the new 6500VA. Fan noise fixes, parallel and three-phase configuration, and which unit for critical loads vs whole house.

Compare MultiPlus

Victron Accessories Guide

BMV-712, SmartShunt, Cerbo GX, Venus OS on Raspberry Pi, VE.Direct vs VE.Can vs VE.Bus, VictronConnect, VRM portal, and battery compatibility.

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BMV-712 vs SmartShunt

Head-to-head battery monitor comparison. Side-by-side cards with images, feature table, and clear "buy this if" guidance.

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Getting Started

The essential reads for anyone planning their first DIY solar install in the UK.

Complete Solar Panel Installation Guide

Step-by-step: roof mounting, wiring, inverter setup, DNO notification, and costs. Save £5,000+ doing it yourself.

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Best DIY Solar Kits UK 2026

Full roof kits, hybrid + battery, balcony and off-grid, compared and rated in a sortable table.

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Solar Inverter Buyer's Guide

String vs micro vs hybrid, how to size one, and the best UK models from Solis, Growatt, Sunsynk and more.

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UK Solar Grants & Incentives 2026

0% VAT, Smart Export Guarantee, ECO4 and the Warm Homes Plan. Who qualifies and how to claim.

Check eligibility

ECO4 Grant Deadline 2026: What You Need to Know

ECO4 closes 31 Dec 2026. 0% VAT ends March 2027. Warm Homes Grant to 2029. Who qualifies for each and what to do before the deadlines hit.

Check deadlines

Can I Install Solar Panels Myself? 2026 Guide

Yes, it is legal. Here are the exact rules, costs, and what needs an electrician. G98/G99, Part P, scaffolding, and honest DIY vs pro numbers.

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DIY Solar & Planning Permission

Most UK installs don't need permission. Pitched roofs, flat roofs, ground-mounted, listed buildings, and conservation areas - the exact rules and when to apply.

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