There are two distinct versions of solar panels: solar photovoltaic panels for generating clean electricity and solar thermal panels that are used for heating water.

Solarcentury specialises in solar photovoltaics (PV). We offer a wide range of products from the world’s most trusted manufacturers. As we are a completely independent energy company we are able to offer a choice of photovoltaic panels at competitive prices and with short lead times.

At Solarcentury we supply solar panels to MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) registered installers throughout the UK and keep our warehouses well stocked in Surrey. Using our online calculator homeowners can apply for a quote to have solar panels installed which will provide an instant estimate. Homeowners will then be put in touch with a local solar panel installer, who will be able to provide a final quotation.

As well as providing our own Solarcentury branded solar panel, we provide a selection of solar panels from JA Solar, Panasonic and BYD. We have also developed solar slates and solar tiles for new build and reroofing projects; the C21e solar electric roof tile and slate range.

For installation on existing homes, solar panels are often placed on a metal framing system above the existing roof. It is also possible for solar panels to become part of the roof and replace the existing tiles. A basic survey by an installer will determine the best method of installation for your particular circumstances. The location that allows solar panels to produce the most amount of energy is an unshaded roof that is angled to the south at thirty to forty degrees.

We are also able to install solar panels on free standing structures and on flat roofs. They should also be positioned where they will not be in shade at any time of the day, while tilted to face the sun so they generate the most amount of electricity. The panels will be able to produce the most amount of energy the more southerly they are located.

Solar panels are rated in ‘kilowatt peak’ (kWp) or ‘watt peak’ (Wp). For example, the Solarcentury SC-M185 solar panel produces 185 watts in peak power conditions. Solar panels are made up of a series of solar cells which are wired together to form the panels; these produce DC (Direct Current) electricity. To be able to use the power in homes it needs to be converted to AC (Alternating Current) by an inverter. The inverter is an integral part of most grid based solar panel systems.

Our Solar Panel Installers

Solarcentury was established in 1998 and is one of the leading suppliers to MCS accredited PV installers. We have grown from a solar installation company to a business that project manages PV installations. Not only that but we also manufacturer our own products and offer a distribution service to the increasing number of MCS accredited installers that are part of our Installer Network.

High quality photovoltaics at competitive prices:

Having started out as an installation business we understand the need for quality products that are both cost effective and easy to procure and install, as well as the importance of a reliable supply chain. The price of PV is changing each week. To ensure we offer the best possible prices to our installers we hold regular price meetings. We are able to keep costs as low as possible due to our longstanding relationships with most of the leading solar panel manufacturers and due to our ongoing orders for large quantities of solar PV. If you would like to discuss the latest pricing options please call us on 0207 803 0223 or email installers@solarcentury.co.uk

The Solarcentury Installer Network:

 To service the growing number of MCS accredited PV installers Solarcentury established an installer network to which we only supply MCS accredited products. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme provides consumers a guarantee that installers have conformed to a rigorous set of standards. To qualify for the Feed-in Tariff, both the installer and the microgeneration product must carry the MCS mark. Find out more about the Installer Network here.

Photovoltaic roof tiles:

Solarcentury is the largest distributor of JA Solar, Panasonic, and Yingli Modules but we also manufacture our own Solarcentury PV module and solar tile range. The C21e range of solar slates and tiles fit directly onto the roof, replacing conventional roof tiles or slates so that the appearance of the roof line is not altered; the installation is as simple as re-roofing with conventional slates or tiles. The C21e solar tile and slate range are recognised as the industry‘s leading solar products and have won a host of industry awards.

We offer complete pre-designed solar PV systems that include all on roof and electrical components required for an installation. These can be delivered direct to your project site within 72 hours of receipt of an order.

If you are MCS accredited you can call our Installer team:

South West Regional Account Manager, Erica Westmore 07771717465

Southern East Regional Account Manager, Tom Waller 0207 8030100

Or email installers@solarcentury.com, or follow the links on the left to find out more about our products.

Solarcentury is the UK’s most experienced solar energy company. We are a trusted supplier to the government, construction industry, schools, and thousands of homeowners; between ourselves and our network of installers we have helped over 10,000 homes so far.

Solarcentury was founded by energy industry expert Jeremy Leggett in 1998. The company has since been associated with many of the UK’s highest profile solar power projects such as The Eden Project, the National Trust Headquarters, the Environment Agency, Blackfriars Bridge and many of the UK’s large solar parks.

Solarcentury has recently worked on solar parks in Portsmouth, Cornwall and Hampshire along with many others.

Our work spans the entire solar process and we employ over 120 people with diverse expertise. We manufacture and design right through to advising, specifying and installing.

The team includes engineers, designers, project managers, logistics, consultants and support staff. We come from a broad range of backgrounds including the oil and power industries, construction, environmental groups, government, the armed forces, development and aid/environmental charities, investment banking and the IT industry. If you’d like to find out more information about our directors, please visit our company profile page here.

Despite our diverse backgrounds, we are united in our belief that solar energy is a key solution to alleviate the growing energy crisis. It is vital for sustainability and combating global warming.

We are continually striving to reduce the environmental impact of our operations. We have annual targets to reduce our environmental impact as part of our EMAS and ISO14001 accreditations and have solar electric and solar thermal panels installed on our offices in Waterloo. We are in business for one purpose; to make a significant difference in the fight against climate change. We envisage solar systems on the roof of every building, backed up by other micro renewables, supplying clean power and achieving deep cuts in carbon emissions.

At Solarcentury we operate according to the ten working principles on which the company was founded. We have won a range of awards for both our products and our company. In 2011 we won the Sunday Times TechTrack award. In the summer of 2012 we were also recognised for our international sales success by The Sunday Times International Tech track 200.

We produce an annual Environmental Statement covering all of our activities in the UK. If you would like more information on solar energy from the UK’s leading solar energy company please see our FAQ section and get in touch if you can not find the answer you are looking for.

Solarcentury offers a range of different MCS accredited solar photovoltaic products and technologies. These are suitable for residential, commercial and public buildings as well as solar park projects, with solar products from the world’s leading brands. As an entirely independent solar energy company we can offer a choice of photovoltaic solar modules and inverters for your project; our lead times are short and our prices competitive.

C21e Solar Tiles and Slates

Solarcentury has developed the C21e range of solar electric tiles and solar electric slates which are fully integrated photovoltaic roofing products, designed for new buildings and re-roofing projects. They are simple to install, attached straight to the batten like conventional roof tiles, with an unobtrusive finish suitable for conservation areas. C21e has won a host of industry awards.

Sunstation

The Sunstation system is a complete system of solar photovoltaic panels mounted onto your roof. It can be installed as a retrofit solution and onto new buildings. Sunstation is compatible with all common tile types, with a choice of solar modules so you can achieve your desired power output at a range of prices. With roof integrated and on roof options you can always get your ideal solution.

EnergyRoof

Solarcentury’s EnergyRoof system is a 'wall to wall, ridge to eave' full solar roof solution for agricultural buildings, light industrial buildings and car park canopies. It is one of the most versatile photovoltaic roofing systems available.

The EnergyRoof system has been independently tested to the most demanding European standards to guarantee its suitability as a weather-tight roof with your choice of solar module.

Solar Generators

There are a range of methods for mounting solar modules on to the roofs of buildings so they can generate energy. These systems have been designed by Solarcentury and allow you to fix solar photovoltaic modules onto a variety of different roof types and scales. The Solar Generators are specifically for commercial scale buildings and are one of the most economic and adaptable PV mounting systems available.

Solar Architecture

Solarcentury works with Architects on bespoke projects, is a RIBA accredited PV CPD provider. Integrating solar into buildings creates visually unique creations. Facades and louvres are examples of the type of products that we work with.

Solar Modules

Solarcentury provides a wide variety of photovoltaic solar modules from a selection of the world's most trusted solar panel manufacturers, including Sanyo, Yingli and Solarcentury’s own.

The Solarcentury solar module has high efficiency, quality monocrystalline cells delivering a module efficiency of 14.7%. It is an attractive all black module with an anodized frame, black monocrystalline cells and black backing. It has been designed and certified to support loads up to 5400Pa, double the minimum IEC standard. The panels are tested to IEC 61215 and 61730, CE, Class C rated and manufactured under IS0 9001. The panels have a 5 year product guarantee, 10 year performance guarantee at 90% power output, and 25 year performance guarantee at 80% power output. These modules combine high efficiency and power output with an attractive design.

Models offered:

185 Watt: SC-M185-H18

The Sanyo Hybrid HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer) solar module cells are made of a thin monocrystalline silicon wafer surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. The modules have been manufactured to UL 1703 safety standards and resist wind, fire, and hail. Anti-reflective coatings maximize sunlight absorption. With a minimum module efficiency of up to 18%, these products provide the industry's leading performance and value using state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. The panels are UL 1703, cUL, and CEC listed. They have a 25 year power output warranty of 80% and a 10 year product warranty.

Models offered:

250 Watt: Sanyo HIT-250-H250E01

235 Watt: Sanyo HIT-235-N235SE10

Yingli's modules are mechanically robust and good value per watt. They have high efficiency of up to 15%, maximising the kWh output. With a 25 year power warranty of 80%, these modules have good durability, crystalline cells and tempered glass. They have been tested to ensure conformance to regulatory standards, and manufacturing facilities are certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Modules offered:

250 Watt polycrystalline: Yingli 250 YL250 C-30B

235 Watt Polycrystalline: Yingli 235 YL235 P-29b

Inverters

Solarcentury provides the highest quality solar inverters from the best solar inverter manufacturers in the world. As an independent solar energy company, Solarcentury selects the best inverters, suitable for a wide range of applications, including SolarMax, SMA, Fronius and Mastervolt.