MCS Certified · UK Wide

Solar Panels That Actually Pay For Themselves

Cut your electricity bills by up to £1,200 a year. We install Trina Solar Vertex S+ 450W all-black panels with SolaX inverters and optional SolaX Triple Power T-BAT battery storage. MCS certified. 0% VAT on solar. Free survey.

MCS Certified
0% VAT Applied
SEG Eligible
Finance Available
0808 502 2308

No-obligation survey. Response within one working day.

Trina Solar all-black panels installed on a South Wales home
£1,200
Average annual saving
Based on 10-panel system
MCS Certified
British Assessment Bureau
5.0
Google Rating
Verified reviews
500+
Installations Completed
Across South Wales and beyond
10
Industry Accreditations
More than any local competitor
0%
VAT on Solar PV
Government zero-rate applied
01
The Problem

Your Energy Bills Are Not Going Back Down

The average UK household now spends over £2,000 a year on electricity and gas. That figure was under £1,000 four years ago. Energy suppliers are not going to reverse that. The only real answer is to generate more of your own.

Energy prices have risen over 100% since 2021 and remain structurally high. Analysts expect continued volatility for at least the next decade.
Every unit of electricity you generate at home is one unit you do not buy from your supplier, at whatever price they choose to charge.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for surplus energy you export to the grid. You generate and you earn. You need an MCS-certified installer to qualify.
Average UK Household Electricity Spend
Annual cost, typical 3-bedroom home
2021
£950
2022
£1,400
2023
£1,850
2024
£2,100
Solar PV customers typically see their annual electricity spend fall by 60-80%. With battery storage, many households approach self-sufficiency for 8-9 months of the year.
Trina Solar all-black panels installed on a South Wales home
25yr
Panel performance warranty on Trina Solar Vertex S+ modules
02
The Solution

Electricity From Your Roof, Not Your Supplier

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert daylight into electricity you use directly in your home. Any surplus is either stored in a battery for later use, or exported to the grid and paid for via the Smart Export Guarantee.

We install Trina Solar Vertex S+ all-black panels with SolaX inverters. These are not entry-level products. They are the same components installed on premium projects across the UK, chosen for reliability, efficiency and how they look on a roof.

1
Panels generate DC electricity from daylight
Trina Solar Vertex S+ 450W all-black modules. South-facing is optimal, but east and west-facing roofs work well too.
2
The inverter converts DC to usable AC electricity
SolaX X1-Boost G4 for solar-only systems, or SolaX X1-Hybrid G4 where battery storage is added. Both handle DNO approval and Smart Export Guarantee metering.
3
You use it, store it, or export and get paid
Optional SolaX Triple Power T-BAT D53 battery (5.3kWh per module, stackable up to 15.9kWh) lets you use your solar generation well into the evening. Surplus is paid via the Smart Export Guarantee.
03
Why Solar

What You Actually Get From a Solar Installation

Dramatically Lower Bills
Most households cut their electricity spend by 60-80%. A well-sized system with battery storage can approach near self-sufficiency for much of the year, insulating you from supplier price rises.
Get Paid for What You Export
The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for surplus energy sent to the grid. You must use an MCS-certified installer to qualify. We handle the paperwork and DNO notification for you.
Increased Property Value
Homes with solar installations sell faster and for more. Studies consistently show EPC-rated properties attract higher offers, and solar directly improves your home's energy rating.
25-Year Peace of Mind
Trina Solar panels carry a 25-year performance guarantee. Our installations are MCS-certified, which means they are inspected and verified to meet strict technical standards. Not just installed and forgotten.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
A typical domestic solar system prevents around 1 tonne of CO2 per year. Over 25 years that is a meaningful contribution, and one that costs you nothing after the upfront investment is recovered.
Charge Your EV for Almost Nothing
If you drive electric, solar changes the economics completely. Charging your car from your own roof during the day rather than from the grid can save an additional £500-£800 per year on top of your household savings.
04
Is It Right For You

Solar PV Is a Great Fit, But Not For Everyone

We would rather tell you honestly than have you invest in something that is not right for your property. Here is a straightforward breakdown.

Likely a great fit
You own your home or have landlord consent
South, south-east or south-west facing roof
Your electricity bill is over £100 a month
You are home during the day or have an EV
Roof in reasonable condition with 10+ years of life
Planning to stay in the property for 5+ years
Worth discussing first
Significant shading from trees or tall buildings
North-facing roof with no east or west sections
Roof needing significant structural work soon
Listed building where planning consent is needed
Very low electricity usage (under £60/month)

Not sure? Book a free survey and we will give you an honest assessment before you commit to anything.

5.0
Google Reviews · First Choice Energy Ltd
View All Google Reviews

"Absolutely first class from start to finish. The team were professional, tidy and explained everything clearly. The panels look incredible on the roof and the savings are exactly what they said they would be. Highly recommend."

LJ
Luke Jenkins
Swansea, South Wales

"Professional, knowledgeable and honest. They did not try to oversell me on a system I did not need. The survey was thorough and the installation was completed in a day. The app showing live generation is brilliant."

DE
Dan Evz
Cardiff

"From the initial survey to completion, the whole experience was seamless. They handled the grid connection paperwork, the DNO notification, everything. It was all done without me having to chase a single thing."

SB
Sarah B.
Bristol, South West
05
The Process

What Happens After You Get in Touch

No surprises. Here is exactly what to expect from your first enquiry through to a generating system on your roof.

01
Free Survey
We visit your property, assess your roof, measure shading, check your fuseboard and discuss your energy usage. No cost, no obligation, no pressure.
Within 5 working days
02
Detailed Proposal
We send a written quote with the exact system specification, projected generation, estimated savings, finance options and payback period. Everything in plain numbers.
Within 48 hours of survey
03
DNO Notification
We handle all the paperwork. Distribution Network Operator (DNO) notification, grid connection, MCS certification documentation. You do not need to do any of this.
We handle everything
04
Installation Day
Our MCS-certified installation team arrives on time, protects your home, installs panels, inverter and cabling, and leaves the site clean. Most domestic systems take one day.
1-2 days typically
05
Commissioning and Handover
The system is tested, commissioned and you are walked through monitoring, the inverter app and how to get the most from your generation. Your MCS certificate is issued.
Same day as installation
06
SEG Registration Support
We provide everything you need to register with an energy supplier for Smart Export Guarantee payments. You will start getting paid for your surplus generation as soon as you set this up.
Post-install support included
06
Why Us

Why Homeowners Choose First Choice Energy

There are a lot of solar companies. Here is what makes FCE different in a way that actually matters.

01
MCS Certified, The Only Kind That Counts
MCS certification is the legal requirement for Smart Export Guarantee eligibility. Without it, you cannot get paid for surplus energy. We are certified through the British Assessment Bureau, independently verified. Not self-declared.
02
10 Accreditations Across the Business
MCS, TrustMark, RECC, KIWA, Trading Standards, PAS2030, Gas Safe, ABBE, Competent Persons Scheme, BAB. Most local installers hold 2 or 3. This breadth is not accidental, it reflects a business that takes standards seriously.
03
NEBOSH Qualified Director
Aaron Davies holds a NEBOSH qualification in Health and Safety Management for Construction. No other solar installer in South Wales leads with this. It means safety standards on every job are set from the top.
04
Based in Llanelli. Actually Local.
We operate from Llanelli Gate Business Park in Carmarthenshire. We install across Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Bristol and beyond. Not a call centre. Not a national brand that subcontracts locally. The same team, every time.
Completed solar panel installation on a Welsh home, all-black Trina panels on a pitched roof
Installation Case Study

From £180/Month Bills to £38/Month, Carmarthenshire

A Carmarthenshire homeowner · 3-bed semi, Carmarthen · Gas heating
The Problem
Electricity bills hitting £180-£200 per month. Working from home meant high daytime usage. Wanted to reduce costs without switching to a heat pump yet.
The System
10 x Trina Solar Vertex S+ 450W panels. SolaX X1-Hybrid G4 inverter. 1 x SolaX Triple Power T-BAT D53 battery (5.3kWh). South-facing roof, minimal shading.
The Result
Average monthly electricity bill dropped from £180 to £38. System generating approximately 3,200kWh per year. Battery covers evening usage on most days March through October.
£1,704
Annual saving on electricity
5.4yr
Estimated payback period
4.5kW
System capacity installed
07
Certified

Certified by the Bodies That Matter for Solar

These are not optional extras. Several are legal requirements. All are independently verified.

MCS Certified
Legal requirement for Smart Export Guarantee eligibility. Verified by British Assessment Bureau.
TrustMark
Government-endorsed quality scheme for home improvement. Consumer protection and redress.
RECC
Renewable Energy Consumer Code. Protects consumers dealing with renewable energy installers.
British Assessment Bureau
Independent verification of our MCS certification and quality management systems.
KIWA Approved
Independent testing and certification body. Additional verification of technical standards.
Trading Standards Approved
TSI Approved Code of Practice. Consumer protection for sales and marketing conduct.
Competent Persons Scheme
Self-certification for building regulations compliance. No need for a separate building notice.
NEBOSH Director
Aaron Davies holds NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction (June 2025).
08
Pricing

Transparent Pricing. No Hidden Extras.

All prices below include installation, inverter, cabling, scaffolding, DNO notification and commissioning. Solar PV is zero-rated for VAT, so what you see is what you pay. No surprises on invoice day.

2.7kW · 6 Panels
Starter System
0% VAT Applied
Starter System
6 panels · 2.7kW · Trina Solar Vertex S+
Panels only £4,350
+ 5.3kWh battery £7,400
+ 10.6kWh battery £9,550
Ideal for smaller properties or lower energy usage. Saves up to £600/yr. Finance from £38/mo at 0% APR or from £28/mo over 120 months.
Most Popular
4.5kW · 10 Panels
Family System
0% VAT Applied
Family System
10 panels · 4.5kW · Trina Solar Vertex S+
Panels only £5,400
+ 5.3kWh battery £8,350
+ 10.6kWh battery £10,500
The right system for most 3-4 bedroom homes. Saves up to £1,200/yr. Finance from £48/mo at 0% APR or from £35/mo over 120 months.
6.3kW · 14 Panels
Large Home
0% VAT Applied
Large Home System
14 panels · 6.3kW · Trina Solar Vertex S+
Panels only £6,450
+ 5.3kWh battery £9,300
+ 10.6kWh battery £11,500
Perfect for larger homes or EV charging. Saves up to £1,600/yr. Finance from £57/mo at 0% APR or from £42/mo over 120 months.
8.1kW · 18 Panels
Maximum Output
0% VAT Applied
Maximum Output
18 panels · 8.1kW · Trina Solar Vertex S+
Panels only £7,600
+ 5.3kWh battery £10,150
+ 10.6kWh battery £12,450
For large roofs, high energy users and EV households wanting near-zero bills. Finance from £68/mo at 0% APR or from £49/mo over 120 months.
Finance options available, no upfront cost required
We offer 0% APR finance on shorter terms, repayment plans up to 120 months at 9.9% APR, and a no-upfront-cost option. Finance is subject to status. All figures above are illustrative, your exact quote will reflect your property, system size and roof specifics. Ask us about finance on your free survey.
What Affects the Final Price
Roof accessSteep pitches or complex access may require additional scaffolding. We assess this on the survey.
Fuseboard upgradeOlder consumer units sometimes need upgrading to accommodate solar. We flag this before you commit.
Battery sizeMore battery storage = more evening self-consumption. The right size depends on your usage pattern.
09
FAQ

Questions We Get Asked Every Week

Honest answers to the questions homeowners ask before going ahead. If yours is not here, call us or request a callback.

How much can solar panels save me?
Most households in South Wales save between £800 and £1,500 per year, depending on system size, usage patterns and whether battery storage is included. With a battery, you use more of what you generate rather than exporting it to the grid at a lower rate.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
In most cases, no. Solar panels on domestic properties are considered permitted development. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flat roofs. We confirm this for your property before any work begins, you do not need to research this yourself.
What solar panels, inverter and battery do you install?
Panels: Trina Solar Vertex S+ 450W all-black modules, 25-year performance warranty. Inverter: SolaX X1-Boost G4 for solar-only systems, or SolaX X1-Hybrid G4 where battery storage is added. Both are DNO-approved and Smart Export Guarantee compatible. Optional battery: SolaX Triple Power T-BAT D53, 5.3kWh per module, stackable up to three modules for 15.9kWh total. All MCS-certified components, the same specification used on premium installations nationwide.
What is MCS certification and why does it matter?
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification means your installer and products meet strict industry standards. It is a legal requirement to use an MCS-certified installer to qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays you for surplus energy exported to the grid. Without MCS, you cannot get paid.
How long does a solar panel installation take?
Most domestic installations are completed within one to two days. Larger systems or installations with battery storage may take slightly longer. We handle all the paperwork including grid connection notification and DNO approval, you do not need to do anything.
What happens on cloudy days?
Solar panels still generate electricity on overcast days, they respond to daylight, not direct sunshine. South Wales receives enough annual solar irradiance for solar PV to be a sound financial investment. Output is reduced in low light but rarely zero, and annual generation figures account for the full range of weather conditions.
Can I add battery storage later?
Yes. We can retrofit battery storage to existing solar systems in many cases. It is usually more cost-effective to include battery storage at the time of installation, you avoid a second set of labour costs, but it is not always necessary from day one.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The Smart Export Guarantee is a government-backed scheme that requires energy suppliers to pay you for surplus solar electricity you export to the grid. Rates vary by supplier and typically range from 4p to 15p per unit. You must use an MCS-certified installer to qualify. We provide all the documentation needed to register.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Most south, south-east or south-west facing roofs are suitable. East and west-facing roofs can also work well with slightly reduced output. Significant shading from trees or chimneys can affect performance. We assess every roof individually before recommending a system, we will not advise solar if your roof is genuinely unsuitable.
Free. No Obligation.

Get Your Free Solar Survey Today

We will visit your property, assess your roof, calculate your potential savings and give you a written quote. No pressure, no obligation. If solar is not right for your home, we will tell you that too.

MCS Certified installer
Smart Export Guarantee eligible
0% VAT on all solar PV
Government zero-rate applied automatically
Finance available
0% APR and up to 120 months
10 industry accreditations
More than any local competitor
Get Your Free Solar Quote
No obligation. Response within one working day.
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