How Solar Panel Installation Works in West Lothian
The process takes you from an initial enquiry to a fully installed, commissioned solar system in a few straightforward steps: a no-obligation survey of your home, a written quote, a scheduled installation by our MCS-certified partner (typically one to two days), and final commissioning with monitoring set up. We handle the entire process and keep you informed at every stage.
Installing solar panels and battery storage on a West Lothian home is a well-organised process. We have refined it over hundreds of installations across Livingston, Bathgate, Linlithgow, Broxburn, Uphall and the surrounding villages. Below is what happens at every stage, from your first enquiry to the day you start generating your own electricity.
Step 1 — Your enquiry
It starts when you fill in our quote form or call us on 0141 230 0198. We take your name, contact details, postcode, and what you are interested in — solar panels, a battery, or both. From your postcode we can do an initial desktop assessment using satellite imagery to get a first look at your roof's orientation, size, and any obvious shading.
We will then contact you to arrange a convenient time for a no-obligation survey at your home. This is usually within a few working days of your enquiry.
Step 2 — The no-obligation survey
A surveyor visits your home to assess your roof in detail. This includes measuring the roof area, checking the pitch and orientation, identifying any shading from chimneys, trees or neighbouring properties, and inspecting the loft space for the inverter location and cable runs. We also look at your existing electrical setup — your consumer unit, meter location, and whether any upgrade is needed.
For older stone properties with slate roofs, common around Linlithgow and Bathgate, we take extra care to assess the roof structure and slate condition. For new-build estates in Livingston and Broxburn, the assessment is usually more straightforward. We also discuss your energy use — how many people live in the home, when you use most electricity, and whether you have an electric vehicle or heat pump, or plan to get one.
The survey takes around 45 minutes to an hour. There is no obligation, and you will not be pressured to decide on the spot.
Step 3 — Your written quote and system design
After the survey, we design a system tailored to your home and send you a written quote. This includes the number and type of panels, the inverter design, battery capacity if requested, a roof layout showing where panels will go, and the total cost with 0% VAT applied (until 31 March 2027). We also include expected generation information and monitoring details.
You can take as long as you like to decide. If you have questions, we are happy to talk through the design and make adjustments. If you choose not to proceed, there is no charge.
Step 4 — Scheduling your installation
Once you accept the quote, we schedule your installation. We agree a date that works for you, and confirm whether it will take one or two days depending on the system size and complexity. We also arrange scaffolding to be erected in advance, usually the day before installation begins.
You will receive clear instructions on what to expect — whether anyone needs to be home, where the team will need access (typically the loft and the area around your consumer unit), and how long each stage will take.
Step 5 — Installation day
On the day, the installation team arrives and begins with the roof work. Panels are mounted on a rail system fixed to your roof structure — for tiled roofs, tiles are carefully lifted and replaced; for slate roofs, a flashing system is used to maintain weatherproofing. The inverter is installed in your loft, garage, or utility area, and all DC and AC cabling is run neatly to your consumer unit.
If you are having a battery installed, this is typically wall-mounted in a garage, utility room or cupboard, and connected to the inverter. The team works cleanly, protects your property, and cleans up at the end of each day.
Step 6 — Commissioning and monitoring
Once the physical installation is complete, the system is commissioned. This means testing all connections, verifying generation, configuring the inverter and battery, and setting up your monitoring app or online portal. We show you how to use the app to see real-time generation, battery charge and home consumption from your phone.
We also explain how the system works day to day, what to expect in different seasons, and how to get the most from your panels — for example, running washing machines and dishwashers during peak generation hours.
Step 7 — Aftercare
Solar PV systems require very little maintenance — no moving parts, no fuel. Panels benefit from occasional cleaning, and rain does most of the work in the Scottish climate. We are available after installation if you have questions, and your MCS-certified installation means the system is properly registered and accredited.
To start the process, fill in the form on this page or call 0141 230 0198. We arrange surveys across all of West Lothian within days of your enquiry.