Having decided on your renewable energy technology, it's important to ensure that it's installed correctly. Our quick and easy guide will make sure you know what to look out for.

Getting started
Once you have paid the deposit or agreed a contract with your chosen installer, you can set a date for the installation. In some cases you may need to carry out the below preparations before your installation can take place. Your installer will advise you about what needs to be done and will be able to offer some advice on how to prepare your site.

Preparing the site
In the case of solar systems, scaffolding will normally need to be erected. You can use you own local firm or one arranged by the installers. In the case of wind turbines, trenches will normally need to be dug out for the laying of cables and the turbine foundation. Again, you can use your own local firm to do this work, or the installer can arrange this for you. A good installer should provide you with all the information you need to be able to complete these tasks easily and successfully.

Connecting to the grid
If your generator is approximately 4 kilowatts (kW) in size or under you don't need permission to connect to the grid but you must notify the distribution company that you're connecting a microgenerator to the grid.

There is a form called a G83 that you must complete and submit to formally notify the distribution company.

For most generators above 4kW in size you will need to get permission from the distribution company to connect to the grid.

To apply for permission you will need to complete and submit a G59 form. Depending on how far the generator is from appropriate connections, there may be costs associated with this.

Your Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installer will be able to give you further guidance and information about connecting to the grid.

General requirements
Depending on the type and the size of generator that you're installing there will be certain general requirements that you'll need to meet to comply with Ofgem Accreditation and enable you to get paid for your energy. We recommend that you look at the Good Energy FIT Factfile which will explain all you need to know in more detail.

How long will the installation take?
With solar thermal and solar PV, once the scaffolding has been erected, a domestic installation can normally be completed within 1-2 days.

Wind turbines under 10kw
Feasibility: 1 day
Planning: 8 weeks upwards, depending on the local authority
Liaison with authorities: 1 to 5 days
Ordering equipment: 3-12 weeks
Foundation: 2 weeks
Installation: 2 days

Wind turbines over 10kw
Due to the size of investment and power generated there are more considerations and steps in the process. If you have a standard grid connection this will need to be updated to a 3 Phase connection. This will require liaison with the Grid operator which can incur costs of site visits.

You should also be aware that monitoring the wind resource may be necessary which can take between six months and one year.