Property details
Postcode, property type, roof information and any access considerations.
How it works
From first click to first kilowatt-hour generated.
A clear five-stage route from property assessment and system design through installation, commissioning and long-term support.
The exact sequence and timescale depend on the property, selected equipment, survey findings and any network or access requirements.
Property-led designBuilt around the roof and electricity demand
Clear documentationProposal, design and handover information
Tested before handoverCommissioning and system checks
Support after completionMonitoring, warranty and maintenance routes
Before the technical visit
A useful first conversation makes the survey more productive.
REST starts by understanding the property, the reason for considering solar and any future plans that could affect the design. This allows the technical assessment to focus on the options that are most relevant.
Electricity usage
Recent bills, tariff information and when electricity is normally used.
Future energy plans
Battery interest, expected usage changes and any planned electrical upgrades.
The REST installation process
Five stages with a clear purpose at each point.
Each stage should answer a different question: what fits, what should be designed, how it will be installed, whether it is working correctly and how it will be supported afterwards.
01
Home roof assessment
Start with the property, not a standard package.
The first technical stage is understanding the roof, the electrical installation and the way electricity is used at the property.
- Roof dimensions, orientation, pitch and usable installation area
- Visible roof condition, access requirements and potential shading
- Existing consumer unit, meter position and electrical layout
- Current electricity usage, tariff details and future energy plans
At the end of this stage
You receive a clearer view of what can realistically be installed and which options should move forward to design.
02
System design
Turn the survey findings into a property-specific design.
REST models the system around available roof space, electricity demand and the equipment route being considered.
- Panel layout and indicative array capacity
- Inverter and battery compatibility where storage is included
- Generation modelling and estimated household self-consumption
- Cable routes, equipment locations and installation considerations
At the end of this stage
The proposal should explain the recommended equipment, expected performance and why the design suits the property.
03
Installation
Schedule the work and install the agreed system.
Once the proposal, survey findings and contract are agreed, REST coordinates the installation around the property and selected system.
- Scaffolding and safe access arranged where required
- Solar panels, mounting system and electrical equipment installed
- Cabling routed and connected to the agreed design
- Work area checked and installation progress communicated
At the end of this stage
The physical system is installed to the approved design, ready for testing and commissioning.
04
Commissioning
Test the system before it is handed over.
Commissioning verifies that the installed equipment is operating correctly and that the customer understands the main controls and monitoring tools.
- Electrical testing and system safety checks
- Inverter, battery and monitoring setup where included
- Generation and communication checks
- Customer handover and explanation of the monitoring platform
At the end of this stage
The system is switched on, tested and documented, with the relevant certification process started or completed.
05
Aftercare
Support continues after installation day.
REST provides a route for technical support, warranty coordination and ongoing system care after the installation has been completed.
- Monitoring and fault support for compatible systems
- Manufacturer warranty coordination where required
- Guidance on export setup and certification documents
- Optional maintenance, health checks and panel cleaning
At the end of this stage
You have a clear support route for system questions, documentation and qualifying warranty or maintenance needs.
What the assessment covers
The design depends on more than the number of panels that fit.
A proper review considers the building, electrical infrastructure, usage profile and practical installation route together.
Roof and mounting area
Dimensions, orientation, pitch, condition, access and the usable area for the proposed array.
Shading and surroundings
Trees, nearby buildings, roof features and other factors that may reduce usable generation.
Electrical setup
Meter, consumer unit, earthing, cable routes and suitable locations for the inverter or battery.
Demand and tariff
Annual consumption, daytime usage, tariff structure and how stored or exported electricity may be used.
What you should receive
A clear record of the system that has been proposed and installed.
The final documents depend on the project and equipment, but the handover should leave you with enough information to understand the system, operate the monitoring and follow the relevant support route.
System proposal and design
Equipment specification, layout, assumptions and estimated performance.
Installation and commissioning records
Testing, setup information and qualifying certification documents.
Product and workmanship warranties
Manufacturer terms, installer cover and the route for making a qualifying claim.
Monitoring and aftercare information
App access, system guidance and contact details for future support.
Document names, certification timing and warranty coverage vary by system. Your quotation, contract and handover pack should confirm exactly what applies.
Planning the programme
What can affect the installation timeline?
Not every property follows the same programme. Identifying the practical constraints early helps reduce avoidable delays later.
Survey and design changes
Detailed measurements or electrical findings can require the original concept to be adjusted.
Roof or access work
Repairs, scaffolding restrictions or unusual access requirements may need to be resolved first.
Network requirements
Some systems require additional electricity-network review or approval before commissioning.
Equipment and connectivity
Selected products, stock availability and suitable internet access can influence setup and handover.
Installation questions
What to expect before, during and after the work.
These answers cover the common parts of the REST process. The specific proposal and survey findings determine what applies to an individual property.
The timescale depends on the property, survey findings, equipment availability, scaffolding, network requirements and the system being installed. REST will confirm the expected programme after the technical review and design stage.
Access may be needed to the meter, consumer unit, loft or proposed equipment locations. REST will explain what access is required when the assessment is arranged.
The final technical design can change after the property assessment, electrical checks or detailed roof measurements. Any material design change should be explained before installation proceeds.
REST will explain any visible concerns identified during the assessment. Roofing work may need to be completed before the solar installation, depending on the condition of the roof and the proposed mounting area.
Certification is completed after the qualifying installation has been commissioned and the required documents have been processed. REST can explain the expected documentation timeline for the specific project.
Yes, where the property, electrical setup and selected equipment support it. Battery capacity and operating strategy should be designed around household demand, tariffs and future energy plans.
REST provides support for system questions, compatible monitoring, warranty coordination and optional maintenance services. The exact warranty and support route depends on the installed products and contract.
Start your REST journey
Begin with the property and the outcome you want.
Share the postcode and a few project details. The REST team can explain the most appropriate next step before arranging a technical assessment.