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Thinking about switching to solar? You’re not alone. With energy bills swinging like a pendulum and more homeowners wanting control over their electricity, rooftop solar has gone from a niche hobby to a mainstream upgrade. Solar panels slice your reliance on the grid, boost your home’s value, and give you a feeling of doing the planet a small favour every day. And the choice of where to buy them—big DIY stores, online marketplaces, or specialist installers—matters more than you might think.
There are three main places most people buy panels: national DIY chains, online marketplaces, and specialist solar suppliers or installers. Each has pros and cons depending on whether you want a DIY kit, professional installation, or a full managed service including warranties and aftercare.
Stores like B&Q, Wickes, Homebase, and Screwfix are popular because they’re easy to visit and ideal if you’re a confident DIYer. They typically stock modular panels, mounting kits, and basic inverters. If you’ve fixed a few things around the house before, buying from these chains can feel straightforward—think of it as shopping for a big power tool, but one that lives on your roof.
Amazon UK and eBay give you access to many brands—from budget panels to premium models—often with fast shipping and user reviews to help you decide. The trade-off is that installation and aftercare fall on you unless the seller provides a package with an accredited installer. It’s like ordering a custom sofa online: you can get a great deal, but you’ll need to arrange delivery and installation.
Specialist companies—think Joju Solar, SunGift Energy, and local MCS-accredited installers—focus solely on solar. They offer tailored system designs, professional installation, warranty handling, and performance guarantees. If you’d rather not climb on the roof with a drill, these are the folks to call. Their expertise can also help you squeeze more out of your system, like pairing panels with a battery or smart export meters.
Let’s break down who sells what and why you might pick one over another.
B&Q is a go-to for many homeowners. They stock panels, mounting rails, and inverters aimed at the DIY market. Prices are transparent, and you can often click to collect from your local store. If you value the ability to pop into a branch and compare products in person, B&Q is a solid first stop.
Wickes competes with similar offerings but is often more trade-focused. Their products are practical, and they sometimes partner with installers for full-fit options. If you’re renovating and already buying other building materials, bundling solar shopping at Wickes can save a trip and streamline your project.
Screwfix caters to tradespeople and serious DIYers. They offer quick availability and lots of small components—useful when you’re purchasing panels plus specialized brackets or grounding kits. Screwfix is good for the nuts-and-bolts side of a solar project.
Homebase tends to target homeowners looking for straightforward products. Their panel range may be smaller, but the shopping experience is simple. If you prefer less choice and fewer technical decisions, Homebase can be an approachable option.
Online marketplaces are unmatched for variety and price comparisons. You’ll find brands like Jinko, Q CELLS, and REC listed alongside lesser-known options. Dive into reviews, check seller ratings, and confirm whether the panel comes with an installer option. Buying here can be like shopping at a farmers’ market—great finds, but you need a keen eye.
Specialists handle everything from roof surveys to grid paperwork. They’ll evaluate shading, roof orientation, and structural suitability before recommending panel brands and system size. These companies are ideal if you want a hands-off experience and solid warranty support. Think of them as the full-service restaurants of the solar world—no cooking required from you, and the result tends to be cleaner and more consistent.
Shopping for solar is like picking a smartphone: you can focus on brand, performance, price, or a mix. Here’s what matters most.
Efficiency tells you how well a panel converts sunlight into electricity. Higher efficiency panels produce more power from the same roof space, which is handy if your roof is small or oddly shaped. Don’t just chase the highest efficiency number—also check long-term performance and actual field results reported by installers.
Solar panels are an investment, so durability is key. Look for long product warranties and performance guarantees. Many reputable brands offer 10- to 25-year product warranties and 25-year performance warranties, which cover gradual power loss over time. Think of the warranty as an insurance policy that keeps the system humming for years.
An inverter converts the panel’s DC to AC your home uses. String inverters are common and cost-effective; microinverters and power optimizers can boost performance on shaded roofs. Monitoring systems let you track generation—handy for spotting issues early and for bragging rights when you smash your weekly savings target.
Prices vary widely based on system size, panel brand, and whether installation is included. Buying panels only will be cheaper upfront, but professional installation adds labour, scaffolding, and electrical work. A clear way to think about cost is per-panel and per-roof. For example, a typical mid-range panel might cost less than a premium model, but a full installed system often ranges from a manageable household investment to a larger project for bigger homes.
Get at least three quotes—especially from specialist installers—and compare like-for-like specs: panel brand, inverter, warranties, and scaffolding included. Be wary of very cheap quotes; they may cut corners on installation quality or use panels with weaker warranties. It’s like buying a suit: a bargain might fit decently now, but a tailored piece lasts and looks better.
You can install panels yourself if you’re competent with electrical work and comfortable on a ladder, but the majority of UK homeowners choose professional installation. Certified installers follow safety regs, handle electrical connections, and register the system with the grid if needed.
If you have electrical certification, the right tools, and a simple roof layout, DIY can save money. But be realistic: working at height is risky and the wiring must meet standards. For most people, paying for a pro is the safer, simpler option.
Pros provide guarantees on workmanship, handle tricky roof issues, and maintain proper insurance. They also often include performance checks and long-term service plans. Hiring a pro is like hiring a builder for an extension—sure, it costs more, but it saves headaches and potential hazards.
Adding a battery stores excess energy to use overnight or during cloudy spells. It increases your self-consumption and can reduce bills further. Smart systems can dynamically prioritise battery use or export, helping you get the most value from your panels.
Batteries add cost but pay back over time in reduced grid imports and better use of your generated energy. If you’re at home during the day or want backup power, a battery is a strong contender. It’s like adding a pantry to your kitchen—more storage means less waste and more flexibility.
System size depends on your roof space, energy usage, and goals. Instead of diving straight into watts and kilowatts, start with lifestyle questions: How many people live in your home? Are you at work all day or home during daylight hours? Do you want to charge an electric vehicle? These answers help determine whether you need a compact system to shave your bill or a larger array to aim for near self-sufficiency.
As a simple guide, if you’ve got a medium roof and a typical family lifestyle, a 10-panel array often covers a substantial chunk of daytime electricity needs. If your roof is smaller, higher efficiency panels or a slightly smaller array can still make a big difference. Think more in “number of panels” and “portion of your use covered” rather than getting bogged down in technical units.
The landscape for direct subsidies changes over time, but there are still ways to make solar pay off: reduced bills, potential export income via certain schemes, and higher property value. Some lenders even offer green loans with favourable rates for renewable upgrades. Treat solar as a long-term investment—like planting an orchard: it takes time, but you enjoy the fruit for years.
Avoid buying the cheapest panel on price alone, skipping structural checks, or choosing installers without accreditation. Make sure the installer will handle all paperwork and permits. Finally, don’t forget to plan for roof maintenance—panels must be accessible for cleaning and checks. Skipping these steps can turn a promising project into a patchwork problem.
Before you click “buy” or sign a contract, run through a quick checklist: confirm roof suitability, compare at least three quotes, check warranty lengths, verify installer accreditation, and ask for a generation estimate. This short list can save you unexpected costs and give you confidence that your solar journey will be smooth.
Ready to take the next step? Whether you prefer the convenience of nationwide DIY chains like B&Q and Wickes, the wide selection of Amazon UK, or the full-service approach of specialist installers, there’s a path that fits your skills, budget, and appetite for involvement. Solar isn’t one-size-fits-all, but with a little research you can find the right panels and retailer to power your home and shrink your bills.
Remember: compare products, ask the right questions, and prioritise quality installation. Your roof may be compact in square feet, but with the right setup it can punch well above its weight in energy savings.
Good luck—and enjoy watching your meter run backwards on sunny days.
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