Do solar panel installations in Dorking require planning permission?

In most cases, no. Solar panel installations on domestic properties in Dorking fall under permitted development rights, meaning no planning application is required. Exceptions apply to listed buildings and properties within designated conservation areas — Dorking has a conservation area in the town centre where restrictions may apply. If your property is listed or within a conservation area, you would need to apply to Mole Valley District Council. We confirm your permitted development status during the site survey.

What's the typical timeframe for a solar installation in Dorking?

The physical installation is typically completed in one to two days. Scaffolding is erected the day before and collected shortly after completion. From accepting your quote, the average lead time to installation is four to six weeks depending on availability and scaffolding scheduling.

How do I know if my Dorking property is suitable for solar?

Most properties in the Dorking area are well-suited to solar. Ideally your roof should face south, southeast, or southwest with minimal shading. Properties on the higher ground around Box Hill, Brockham and Betchworth typically benefit from excellent solar exposure. East/west split roofs and ground-mounted systems are also options we can design for. Our surveyor will assess your specific property before any commitment is made.

What solar packages do you offer in Dorking?

We offer three main packages: a 4kW solar-only Bronze Package (9 panels) from £4,999; a 5kW solar with 5.76kWh FoxESS battery Silver Package (11 panels) from £7,999; and a 6kW solar with 11.52kWh FoxESS battery Gold Package (13 panels) from £9,999. All include scaffolding, bird protection, a 25-year warranty, and free monitoring app. Finance is available on all packages.

Can I add battery storage to my Dorking solar system later?

Yes, battery storage can be retrofitted after solar installation. However, installing both at the same time is more cost-effective as it avoids a second scaffolding visit and reduces combined labour costs.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee and how does it work in Surrey?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme requiring licensed energy suppliers to pay you for surplus electricity you export to the National Grid. It applies to all eligible grid-connected solar installations across England including Dorking. Adding battery storage means you store and use more of your own generation rather than exporting it at the lower SEG rate — typically improving your overall return on investment.

Do you install solar panels in Crawley?

Yes. Electrotec Power Solutions is based in Crawley at Manor Royal and is one of the most experienced MCS-certified solar panel installers in Crawley and the surrounding areas of West Sussex and Surrey. We offer free site surveys and same-day quotes.

Are you MCS certified for solar panel installation?

Yes. Electrotec Power Solutions Ltd is MCS certified, which is the industry standard required for all solar panel, battery storage and heat pump installations in the UK. Our MCS certification also means customers can access government incentives including the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Do you install battery storage in Sussex and Surrey?

Yes. We install FoxESS and Tesla Powerwall battery storage systems across Sussex, Surrey and South London. Battery storage can be installed alongside new solar panels or added to an existing solar system.

Are you a Warm Homes Plan approved contractor?

Yes. Electrotec is PAS 2030 accredited which is the required certification for all works delivered under the Warm Homes Plan, including the Social Housing Fund and Warm Homes Local Grant. We work with housing associations, registered providers and local authorities across Sussex and Surrey.

What areas do you cover for solar panel installation?

Electrotec Power Solutions installs solar panels across West Sussex, East Sussex and Surrey including Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Reigate, Redhill, Dorking, Guildford, Worthing, Brighton, East Grinstead, Gatwick and surrounding areas.

Do you offer EV charger installation?

Yes. We install OZEV-approved EV chargers for both residential and commercial properties across Sussex and Surrey. EV charger installation can be combined with solar panel installation for a discounted package price.

Expert Solar Panel Installation in Dorking

Q: How close are Electrotec to Dorking?

Our main office is in Crawley, West Sussex — approximately 18 miles from Dorking town centre. We cover Dorking and the surrounding Surrey areas including Reigate, Redhill, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Epsom, Brockham, Betchworth, Holmwood, Westcott, Mickleham and Box Hill.

MCS-accredited solar panels for Dorking, Leatherhead & the Surrey Hills — free survey, no obligation

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SERVING DORKING & THE SURREY HILLS

Solar Panels Dorking — Residential Systems For Your Home

Dorking homeowners are increasingly investing in solar to reduce energy bills and protect themselves from rising electricity prices — and with Surrey receiving up to 1,100 kWh of solar radiation per square metre annually, it's one of the best counties in the UK to make the switch. Every Electrotec installation meets MCS certification standards, qualifying you for the Smart Export Guarantee.

Electrotec Power Solutions is based in Crawley, just 18 miles away, and covers Dorking and the surrounding Surrey areas, including Reigate, Redhill, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Epsom, Brockham, Betchworth, Holmwood, Westcott, Mickleham and Box Hill. Our in-house team manages everything from your free site survey through to installation, commissioning and long-term aftercare — no subcontractors, ever.

Every package includes scaffolding, bird protection, a 25-year manufacturer's warranty and free 24/7 remote monitoring via the iOS and Android app. We also offer a discount on EV charger installation when paired with solar, and a well-designed system can improve your home's EPC rating. From detached period homes in the town centre to new builds around Holmwood and Brockham, our surveyors have extensive experience with Surrey Hills planning requirements where solar visibility may need careful consideration.

1,100

kWh of solar radiation per m² a year in Surrey

Solar in Dorking: Local Knowledge Matters

Did you know? Dorking sits at the foot of Leith Hill — at 965 feet, the highest point in South East England, from which on a clear day you can see across 12 counties. The town has a surprisingly rich historical guest list: Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton reportedly said their final farewell at a local inn before Trafalgar in 1805, and Charles Dickens was a regular visitor.

Dorking sits within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its housing stock is a compelling mix: Georgian townhouses along the historic high street, Victorian villas in the surrounding streets, converted barn and farmhouse properties on the rural fringes, and modern estates in the wider Mole Valley area. For rural properties with larger roofs, Dorking is also a strong candidate for battery storage systems paired with solar.

Why Choose Electrotec

MCS, NICEIC, RECC & TrustMark accredited
Tesla Powerwall, FoxESS Elite & SolarEdge accredited
Octopus Energy Trusted Partner
2,000+ installations across Sussex, Surrey & Kent
In-house installation team — no subcontractors
Scaffolding included as standard
Bird protection included as standard
25-year manufacturer's warranty
Free 24/7 monitoring app
Flexible finance options available
Transparent, no-obligation pricing

How Does PV Solar Work?

Sunlight Hits the Panels

Your solar panels capture daylight, even on cloudy days, and convert it straight into DC electricity.

Powers Your Home & More

An inverter turns that DC power into usable AC electricity, running your home, charging a battery, and topping up an EV.

Surplus Sent to the Grid

Any energy you don't use is exported safely to the grid under G98 approval or stays stored on-site if you've gone battery-first.

How Much You Could Save

A residential solar system generating 1kWp produces around 850–950kWh a year in the South East.
Adding battery storage means you use more of that energy yourself, instead of exporting it back to the grid.

BRONZE

4kW system

£550–£700

saved per year

SILVER

5kW system

£850–£1,050

saved per year

GOLD

6kW system

£1,150–£1,400

saved per year

Solar Packages

Find the right solar and battery setup for your home, with finance options available to make it easy to get started.

Bronze Package

Solar Only

9 panels (4kW) solar system

25-year manufacturer warranty
24/7 app monitoring
Full supply & installation
Bird protection included
Finance options available

£4,999 starting at

Silver Package

Solar & Battery Storage

11 panels (5kW) + 5.76kWh FoxESS battery

25-year manufacturer warranty
24/7 app monitoring
Full supply & installation
Bird protection included
Finance options available

£7,999 starting at

Solar & Battery Storage

13 panels (6kW) + 11.52kWh FoxESS battery

25-year manufacturer warranty
24/7 app monitoring
Full supply & installation
Bird protection included
Finance options available

£9,999 starting at

No Two Homes Are The Same

A full roof and site assessment. A breakdown of your current energy usage. Let us build your bespoke solar package around your property

Book Your FREE Site Survey!

Maximise Your Solar Power With a Battery Storage System

Pair your solar panels with battery storage to cut grid reliance, lower your bills further, and get more from every kWh you generate.

Battery

Store surplus solar power during the day and use it after dark, cutting how much you rely on the grid.

Learn More

Solar Portfolio

Browse real installations we've completed across Sussex, Surrey, and Kent.

Learn More

Residential Solar FAQs

Everything you need to know before switching your home to solar.

What's the difference between the package tiers?

Bronze covers panels only. Silver and Gold add battery storage (FoxESS) so you can use stored energy in the evening. These are a starting point; a free site survey gives you an accurate, tailored proposal.

Will this actually cover my electricity usage, or just offset some of it?

A well-sized system can generate more than you use on a good day, with surplus exported via the Smart Export Guarantee for a payment back. On cloudier days you'll still generate, just less. Most homeowners see a significant reduction in their bills, and adding a battery closes more of that gap.

Is that price the full cost, or are there extras?

The price you receive following your site survey is the complete price. Scaffolding, bird protection, and installation are all included, with no hidden extras.

Will this affect my home insurance or mortgage?

Let your insurer know once installed; most add it to your policy at little or no extra cost. Some mortgage lenders like to be informed too, though it's rarely an issue. We provide the documentation you'll need for either.

Will it work on my roof type, angle, or shading?

Every roof is different. Our free site survey assesses suitability, orientation, and shading so we can size and position your system for the best performance.

Do I need planning permission?

In most cases, no. Solar installations fall under permitted development, with exceptions for listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flat roofs. We'll flag it during your survey if it applies.

What happens if something breaks, who do I call?

Us. Panels carry a 25-year manufacturer's warranty, inverters and battery storage a 10-year manufacturer's warranty, and our installation a 10-year workmanship guarantee.

Can I add a battery or EV charger later if I don't get one now?

Yes, it can be added later, though it's more cost-effective as part of a combined package from the start.

Still got questions, that need answering?

Expert Solar Panel Installation in Dorking

Solar Panels Dorking — Residential Systems For Your Home