Solar and Batteries

Selec Group has been designing and installing solar panel and battery storage systems since 2022, across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and into Essex. We are MCS accredited, fully independent, and work with all major manufacturers, so the system we recommend is the one that suits your property, not whatever gives us the best margin.

How solar panels work

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert daylight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter converts that to alternating current (AC) for use in your home. Panels generate power whenever there is daylight, not just direct sunshine, though output is higher on clear days and in summer months.

Any electricity you generate but do not use immediately can either be stored in a battery, exported to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), or both. With battery storage, you can use your solar power after dark, which is where most of the savings come from.

Battery storage

Adding a battery significantly increases the value of a solar system. Rather than exporting surplus electricity to the grid at a low rate, you store it and use it in the evening when your panels are no longer generating. In many cases, a well-sized battery and solar combination can cover 70 to 90 percent of a household’s annual electricity consumption.

We supply and install batteries from Sigenergy and Tesla Powerwall. We will recommend the right option based on your usage patterns, budget and how you want to interact with your system.

Smart tariffs and time-of-use charging

Pairing a battery with a smart energy tariff, such as Octopus Intelligent Go or Agile, unlocks additional savings. The battery charges from the grid overnight at a cheap rate, then covers your daytime usage before the solar tops it back up. We set up systems to work with these tariffs from day one, and can show you how to get the most out of them.

System design

Every system is designed around your specific property and circumstances. The right size and configuration depends on your roof orientation, pitch and shading, your current energy usage, whether you have an EV or plan to get one, and your budget.

South-facing roofs generate the most energy, but east and west-facing roofs are perfectly viable, particularly when paired with battery storage. We assess all of this during a free site survey and will walk you through our proposed design before you commit to anything.

We install mostly all-black panels, which look cleaner on the roof and are increasingly the preference for domestic installations. We have access to all the main panel manufacturers and will specify based on quality and value.

What installation involves

1. Free site survey. We visit, assess your roof and roof space, check the condition of your consumer unit, and discuss your energy usage and expectations.
2. System design and quotation. We produce a clear design and written quote, including projected annual generation figures and estimated savings.
3. DNO notification. For most systems, we notify your Distribution Network Operator before installation begins. We handle this on your behalf.
4. Installation. Scaffolding, panel mounting, inverter and battery installation, and connection to your consumer unit. Domestic solar is a three week programme. A one day job is a red flag.
5. MCS certification and handover. On completion, we issue an MCS certificate, a requirement for Smart Export Guarantee registration. We walk you through the monitoring app and system controls before we leave.

MCS accreditation

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation is required for solar installers in the UK. Without it, you cannot register for the Smart Export Guarantee, and some home insurance policies may be affected. We are fully MCS accredited, so your installation is compliant and your options remain open.

EV charger integration

If you have an electric vehicle, or are planning to get one, we can integrate your solar and battery system with a smart EV charger. This allows your car to charge preferentially from solar, reducing your charging costs significantly. It is one of the most cost-effective combinations available at the moment.

What every install includes as standard

• Full scaffolding
• Bird proofing to the whole array
• Tile notching where the roof needs it
• MCS certificate
• Electrical certificate
• G98, G99 or G100 approval from your DNO, handled by us
• Panels, inverters, mounting and batteries from manufacturers you have heard of
• Top tier manufacturer guarantees

We only fit equipment we would be happy to put on our own roofs.

Areas we cover

We install solar and battery systems across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and into Essex, including Huntingdon, St Neots, St Ives, Ramsey, Brampton, Buckden, Bedford, Northampton and the surrounding villages. Recent local installs include a 16 panel south facing system in Grafham and a 22 panel system with batteries in Spaldwick. Not sure if we cover your area? Call us and we will confirm.

Call us for a free site survey: 01480 400 607