Solar Panel Installation for Homes and Businesses in Surrey
Total AV Control are MCS certified solar panel installers, based in Guildford and working across Surrey and the South East. We install SolaX solar PV systems for domestic and commercial properties, designed around your roof layout, energy consumption and long-term requirements.
As MCS certified installers, every system we fit meets the recognised industry standard required for warranty protection, finance products and eligibility for government-backed energy schemes. All electrical work is carried out by our NICEIC approved electrical team.
How a Solar PV System Works
Solar photovoltaic panels convert daylight into electricity that your property can use directly. During daylight hours, your solar panels generate power that offsets what you would otherwise draw from the grid. Any surplus energy can be stored in a battery system for use later in the day, or exported back to the National Grid.
A well-designed system reduces your reliance on grid electricity, lowers your energy bills and gives you greater visibility and control over how your property generates and consumes power.
We install SolaX Power systems throughout. SolaX is a leading solar inverter and battery storage brand, used by installers across the UK and Europe. The SolaX monitoring platform gives you a clear, real-time view of your system performance — generation, consumption, battery status and grid import or export — accessible from your phone or tablet.
Domestic Solar Panel Installation in Surrey and Guildford
We install solar PV systems for homeowners across Surrey, Guildford and the wider South East. Every domestic installation is designed around your property, energy usage and roof layout.
We work with a wide range of residential properties including:
- Detached and semi-detached homes
- Large country properties with high energy consumption
- New builds where solar is planned from the outset
- Period properties where panel placement and aesthetics require careful planning
- Properties with high daytime energy use from home offices, smart home systems or EV charging
Following installation, we commission the system, walk you through the SolaX monitoring app and make sure you understand how to get the most from your installation from day one.
Commercial Solar Panel Installation
Commercial properties with high daytime energy consumption stand to benefit most from solar PV. Offices, schools, retail premises and light industrial buildings that use significant electricity during working hours can offset a meaningful proportion of that usage with a correctly sized solar installation.
We design commercial solar systems around:
- Roof size, orientation and structural suitability
- Daytime energy consumption patterns
- Battery storage requirements
- Any existing electrical infrastructure
- Budget and expected return on investment
Our electrical team handles all associated commercial electrical work, and our experience working in schools and commercial environments means we plan installations to minimise disruption to the working day.
SolaX Solar Battery Storage Systems
A solar battery storage system stores the surplus energy your panels generate during the day so you can use it in the evening or overnight, when your panels are no longer generating. Without battery storage, unused energy is exported to the grid. With it, more of what you generate stays in your property.
We install SolaX battery storage systems as part of a new solar installation or as an upgrade to a compatible existing system. SolaX batteries are managed through the same platform as the inverter, giving you a single clear view of your entire system.
Battery storage is particularly worth considering if your property:
- Has high evening or overnight energy demand
- Uses an EV charge point
- Runs a smart home system with continuous overnight energy use
- Is in an area with variable grid supply
Solar and Smart Home Energy Management
Total AV Control has 20 years of experience designing and installing smart home and automation systems. This means we approach solar installation as part of a wider picture of how your home generates, stores and uses energy.
The SolaX monitoring platform integrates with your home network, giving you live data on generation, consumption and battery status from your phone or the Control4 interface if your property has a smart home system.
Combined with smart lighting, heating and cooling control and automated energy management, a solar installation becomes part of a genuinely connected and energy-aware home rather than a standalone addition to the roof.
Solar Panel and EV Charge Point Installation
If you own or are planning to purchase an electric vehicle, combining solar panels with a home EV charge point allows you to charge your vehicle directly from the energy your roof generates. Over time this significantly reduces the cost of running an electric vehicle.
We install EV charge points as a standalone service and as part of solar installations. You do not need solar panels to have an EV charge point fitted — find out more on our Electrical Services page. If you are considering both, installing them together is straightforward and we can design the system to work as one.
The Smart Export Guarantee
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government-backed scheme that requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay homes and small businesses for the renewable electricity they generate and export back to the National Grid.
For eligible properties and systems, the SEG means that surplus energy your solar panels generate and export can earn you a payment from your energy supplier. Eligibility depends on your property type, system specification and the energy supplier you are with. We can advise whether your installation is likely to qualify at the consultation stage.
How the Installation Process Works
- Free consultation — we assess your property, roof layout, energy usage and goals.
- System design — we design a SolaX solar PV system tailored to your property and requirements.
- Installation — our MCS certified team installs your solar panels and SolaX inverter with care and minimal disruption.
- Commissioning and handover — we test, commission and walk you through the SolaX monitoring platform.
- Ongoing support — we provide support to keep your system performing correctly after installation.
Why Choose Total AV Control for Solar Panel Installation?
- MCS certified installers — our solar installations meet the recognised industry standard required for warranty protection and government scheme eligibility.
- NICEIC approved electricians — all associated electrical work is carried out by our qualified in-house electrical team.
- SolaX Power specialists — we install SolaX inverters and battery storage systems, with full monitoring and support from a leading European brand.
- Domestic and commercial experience — we work with homeowners and businesses across Surrey and the South East.
- Smart home knowledge — solar, battery storage, EV charging and home automation can be considered and installed together by one team.
- Local to Guildford — based on the edge of Guildford, working throughout Surrey, Hampshire and the South East.
- 20 years of experience — a long-standing team with a track record across electrical, AV and smart home projects in Surrey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Installation
Are solar panels worth it in the UK?
Yes, for most properties. A correctly sized solar PV system reduces how much electricity you draw from the grid, lowering your energy bills. Properties with higher daytime energy consumption and south or south-west facing roof space tend to see the strongest returns. We assess your specific situation at the consultation stage.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
In most cases, no. Solar panels on a domestic roof fall under permitted development rights in England, meaning planning permission is not required. Listed buildings and properties in certain conservation areas are exceptions. We advise on planning requirements as part of the consultation.
What is MCS certification and why does it matter?
MCS stands for Microgeneration Certification Scheme. It is the recognised industry standard for small-scale renewable energy installations in the UK. Using an MCS certified installer is required to access the Smart Export Guarantee, most solar finance products and manufacturer warranties.
Do I need battery storage with solar panels?
Battery storage is not essential, but it allows you to use more of the energy your panels generate rather than exporting it to the grid. It is particularly useful if your property has higher evening or overnight energy demand, or if you have an EV charge point.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee is a UK government-backed scheme that requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay homes and small businesses for renewable electricity they generate and export back to the National Grid. Eligibility depends on your property, system and energy supplier. We can advise whether your installation is likely to qualify.
Can solar panels power an EV charge point?
Yes. Combining solar panels with a home EV charge point allows you to charge your vehicle from the energy your roof generates during the day. With battery storage, you can also charge overnight using stored solar energy. We install both systems and can design them to work together.
How long do solar panels last?
Most quality solar panels are rated to operate for 25 years or more, with gradual performance reduction over time. SolaX inverters carry their own warranty, and we provide ongoing support after installation.
Can you install solar panels on a commercial property?
Yes. We install solar PV systems for commercial properties including offices, schools and retail premises across Surrey. Commercial installations are designed around your daytime energy consumption, roof space and budget.
Do you cover areas outside Guildford?
We are based in Guildford and work throughout Surrey, Hampshire and the wider South East. Contact us to confirm coverage for your area.
