Solar Panel Installation in Eastbourne

Generate your own renewable electricity with a professional solar PV system. D J Fox Electrical designs and installs solar panels that reduce your energy bills whilst contributing to a more sustainable future.

What We Provide

• Solar system design - Custom sizing for your property and usage
• Professional installation - Expert mounting and electrical integration
• Inverter installation - Converting DC to usable AC electricity
• Consumer unit upgrades - Electrical infrastructure modifications
• Export metering - Smart Export Guarantee integration
• Battery storage option - Store surplus energy for later use
• Grid connection - G99 application support for system registration
• Full certification - MCS certified installation with warranties
• Performance monitoring - Track generation and savings

Why Choose D J Fox Electrical?

• NICEIC Approved with specialist solar installation expertise
• MCS-certified installers (Microgeneration Certification Scheme)
• 15+ years renewable energy installation experience
• Expertise in battery storage integration
• Knowledge of Smart Export Guarantee schemes
• G99 grid connection application support
• 24/7 emergency service for solar system issues
• Serving Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, Lewes, Hailsham and all East Sussex

Why Install Solar Panels?

Financial Benefits

• Reduced electricity bills (30-50% typical savings)
• Export income from excess generation (Smart Export Guarantee)
• Increased property value (renewable energy advantage)
• Low maintenance costs (minimal ongoing expense)
• Payback period typically 8-12 years

Environmental Benefits

• Reduce household carbon footprint significantly
• Generate clean renewable electricity
• Decrease reliance on fossil fuels
• Support UK renewable energy targets
• Sustainable investment for future generations

Energy Independence

• Generate power on-site (less grid reliance)
• Protection against rising electricity prices
• Battery storage provides backup power
• Performance predictable (sun hours data available)
• System longevity (panels last 25-30 years)

Solar Panel System Components

Photovoltaic Panels

• Convert sunlight to DC electricity
• Modern panels highly efficient (20-22%)
• Various mounting options (roof, ground, hybrid)
• Typically 6-16 panels for residential systems
• Quality panels warranty 25-30 years

Inverter

• Converts DC power to usable AC electricity
• String inverter (single unit) or microinverters (per panel)
• Hybrid inverters enable battery storage
• Monitoring via app or web interface
• Warranty typically 10 years

Generation Meter

• Measures electricity generated
• Tracks renewable energy production
• Data feeds Smart Export Guarantee scheme
• Monitoring alerts for system issues

Smart Export Guarantee Meter

• Measures excess electricity exported to grid
• Integrates with energy supplier
• Tracks payment for exported electricity
• Monthly income from surplus generation
• Typical rates: 5-15p per kilowatt-hour

Battery Storage (Optional)

• Store excess daytime generation
• Provide evening/night-time power
• Increase self-consumption (60-80% typical)
• Backup power during grid outages
• Tesla Powerwall, LG, or similar systems
• Cost: £5,000-£15,000 depending on capacity

Solar Installation Process

1. Site assessment - Evaluate roof direction, pitch, shading, structural strength
2. Energy usage analysis - Review bills to determine optimal system size
3. Feasibility study - Confirm suitable location and access
4. System design - Create installation plan with component specification
5. Quote and approval - Provide transparent pricing and timeline
6. MCS registration - Enrol system for government certification
7. Installation - Professional mounting, electrical integration, testing
8. G99 application - Grid connection registration if over 3.68kW
9. Inspection and certification - Building Control sign-off
10. Smart Export setup - Configure supplier export payment scheme
11. Handover and training - System explanation and monitoring setup
12. Performance warranty - Ongoing support and warranty provision

System Sizing Considerations

Factors Affecting System Size

• Annual electricity consumption (kWh from bills)
• Roof space and orientation (south-facing ideal)
• Shading from trees, buildings, chimneys
• Budget constraints
• Future energy demand (EV charger, heat pump planned?)
• Grid connection capacity

Typical Residential Sizes

• Small system (3-4kW) - £5,000-£7,000
• Medium system (5-6kW) - £7,000-£10,000
• Large system (7-8kW) - £10,000-£14,000
• Very large system (10+kW) - £15,000+

East Sussex Solar Potential

• Good solar resource (4-5 peak sun hours daily)
• South-facing roofs ideal (east/west acceptable)
• Coastal location good (clear skies, lower pollution)
• Salt air consideration (corrosion protection needed)
• Seasonal variation (lower winter generation)

Electrical Integration Requirements

Consumer Unit Upgrade

• Main switch rated for solar input
• Separate solar circuit breaker
• Proper earthing and surge protection
• RCD protection for safety
• Likely upgrade needed for compatibility

Wiring and Protection

• DC wiring from panels to inverter
• Proper cable sizing for system capacity
• Isolators for maintenance access
• Surge protection devices
• Circuit protection to standards

Metering and Monitoring

• Generation meter installation
• Smart Export Guarantee integration
• WiFi/Ethernet for monitoring
• Optional: battery monitoring system
• Mobile app for real-time tracking

Smart Export Guarantee Schemes

Export excess electricity and earn income:

How It Works

• Solar generates electricity during daytime
• Use power in home (self-consumption)
• Excess power exports to grid
• Energy supplier pays for exported electricity
• Payment credited to your account

Supplier Options

• Over 20 suppliers offer competitive rates
• Rates vary (currently 5-15p per kWh typical)
• Fixed rates available (good for planning)
• Variable rates track market
• Compare rates to maximize income

Annual Income Example

• 5kW system generating 4,500kWh annually
• 50% self-consumption (2,250kWh used, 2,250kWh exported)
• At 10p/kWh: £225 annual export income
• Battery storage increases self-consumption (higher savings)

Battery Storage Integration

Maximize solar benefits with storage:

Battery System Options

• Tesla Powerwall (13.5kWh) - £9,000-£12,000
• LG Chem RESU (9.8-16.4kWh) - £8,000-£14,000
• Generac PWRcell (modular) - £10,000-£20,000
• Fox ESS (flexible systems) - varies by configuration

Benefits of Battery Storage

• Increase self-consumption from 30% to 60-80%
• Evening power from daytime generation
• Backup during grid outages
• Maximize ROI on solar investment
• Reduce peak-rate electricity costs

Hybrid System Approach

• Solar panels generate daytime power
• Battery stores surplus generation
• Evening consumption from battery
• Grid import reduces with storage
• Significant bill reduction potential

East Sussex Coastal Considerations

Solar installations in coastal areas require special attention:

Salt Air Corrosion

• Stainless steel hardware essential
• Coated frames prevent salt corrosion
• Higher-grade materials specification
• Longer-term durability protection
• Slightly higher installation cost

Wind Exposure

• Structural assessment critical
• Stronger mounting systems needed
• Professional installation essential
• Design engineering for exposure
• Building Control approval required

Weather Resilience

• Systems designed for coastal storms
• Secure fastening and grounding
• Professional installation standards
• Insurance coverage adequate
• Regular maintenance (cleaning salt deposits)

Government Support and Grants

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

• Mandatory scheme for export payment
• Suppliers pay for excess electricity
• No government subsidy (market-based)
• Rates vary by supplier
• Available to all solar installations

Building Regulations

• Inspections and sign-off required
• Testing and certification needed
• Professional installation critical
• Document retention (25-30 years)
• Planning permission rarely required (residential)

Future Schemes

• Check gov.uk for emerging programs
• Local authority incentives possible
• Business solar schemes exist
• Solar for rental properties developing
• Enhanced export rates for storage systems

Service Coverage

Available throughout Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, Lewes, Hailsham, and all East Sussex locations. We design and install systems for homes of all types and sizes.

Pricing

Solar installation costs:

• 3-4kW system - £5,000-£7,000 installed
• 5-6kW system - £7,000-£10,000 installed
• 7-8kW system - £10,000-£14,000 installed
• Battery storage addition - £8,000-£15,000 depending on capacity
• Consumer unit upgrade - £400-£800 if needed
• G99 application fee - £0 (included in service)

Final pricing depends on:

• System size (kW capacity)
• Roof type and complexity
• Mounting location
• Electrical infrastructure upgrades
• Battery storage inclusion
• Installation complexity

Return on Investment

Typical ROI Calculation

• 5kW system: £8,000 investment
• Annual savings: £800-£1,000 (self-consumption + exports)
• Payback period: 8-10 years
• Remaining 15-20 years of profit
• Additional property value increase

Long-Term Benefits

• 25-30 year panel warranty
• Minimal maintenance costs
• Inflation protection (electricity costs rise)
• Sustainable energy generation
• Environmental contribution

Get Your Free Solar Assessment

Contact D J Fox Electrical for a free solar assessment. We'll evaluate your property, calculate potential savings, and provide a detailed quote.

Phone: Available 24/7 for solar consultations Email: Describe your energy goals Site Visit: Book your free assessment today