Walsall and the surrounding towns, from Bloxwich and Willenhall to Aldridge and Streetly, have a real mix of homes: Victorian terraces, 1930s semis and newer estates. Almost all of them can take solar panels. Here's what local homeowners need to know before getting quotes.
Will solar work on my roof?
South-facing roofs generate the most, but east- and west-facing roofs work well too, spreading generation across the morning and afternoon. Terraced homes often have a good rear roof slope, and semis usually have space on one side of the roof.
Tiled, slate and flat roofs can all take panels. If you have a chimney, a neighbour's extension or trees causing shade, your installer can design around it or use panel optimisers so one shaded panel doesn't drag down the rest.
Planning permission in Walsall
In England, most roof-mounted solar on houses counts as permitted development, so you don't need to apply for planning permission. The main exceptions are listed buildings and some installations in conservation areas. Walsall has several conservation areas, including parts of the town centre and some older village centres, so if you're in one, it's worth checking with Walsall Council first.
Your installer should check this for you as part of the survey. See our guide on planning permission for solar panels for the details.
Connecting to the grid
The electricity network in Walsall and the West Midlands is run by National Grid Electricity Distribution. For most home systems, your installer connects the system and notifies them afterwards. Larger systems need approval before installation. Either way, your installer handles the paperwork.
What does solar cost in Walsall?
Prices in the Midlands are broadly in line with the rest of the UK. The cost depends mainly on the system size, the panels and inverter, and whether you add a battery. Scaffolding access, roof type and the distance to your fuse board can also affect the price. Try our savings calculator for a rough idea, then get a free quote for exact figures.
Choosing an installer
- Make sure the installer is MCS certified, so you can get paid for exported power through the Smart Export Guarantee
- Check they're a member of a consumer code such as RECC or HIES, which protects your deposit and gives you a complaints route
- Ask for a written quote listing the exact panels, inverter, battery and warranties
- Read their reviews, and ask to see local installs
Solar Haven Energy installations are carried out by MCS certified installers, and we cover Walsall and installations nationwide.