Small solar panel mounting in Exeter
Professional small solar panel mounting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£135
Typical Duration
1.5-2.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Small solar panels mounted for off-grid power to gates, lights, cameras and more. I fix them securely, angle them right, and wire them up so you've got reliable power where the mains won't reach.
When Mains Power Isn't Worth the Hassle
Got an electric gate at the end of your drive? Security camera on an outbuilding? Solar panels are often cheaper and easier than trenching cables hundreds of metres from your house.
💡 Pro tip: A properly angled 20-50W panel will keep most gate systems and cameras running year-round in Devon - even through winter.
What Makes a Good Solar Install
Here's where DIY jobs often go wrong:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Panel angled and south-facing | Flat against a north wall |
| Secure mount to cope with Devon wind | Cable-tied to a wobbly post |
| Weatherproof connections | Bare wires wrapped in tape |
| Cable protected from damage | Lying on the ground |
What You're Getting
🔧 The Full Install
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position | Find the sunniest spot with best angle |
| Mount | Secure bracket to wall/post/roof |
| Wire | Run cable to battery/device, protect it properly |
| Test | Check it's charging and connections are weatherproof |
📦 You're Left With
- Panel mounted securely
- All cables tidy and protected
- Charging system working
- Off-grid power sorted
Pricing Guide
| Job | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple post mount (panel supplied) | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Wall mount with cable run | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Roof mount with longer cable | 2.5 hrs | £135 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Assumes you've supplied the panel - I can source it for you if needed.
Perfect For Your Rural Property If...
✅ Electric gates - solar keeps them running without mains power
✅ Security cameras - power cameras in outbuildings or at drive ends
✅ Outdoor lighting - lights where cables won't reach
✅ Livestock feeders - automatic feeders need power too
Why Choose Us for Small solar panel mounting in Exeter?
Securely mounted to walls, posts or roofs
Correctly angled for maximum charge
Weatherproof cable connections
Works with gates, lights, cameras
What to Expect
Step 1: Survey
I check where you want power and find the best sunny spot for the panel. Sometimes that's right above the device, sometimes it needs to be offset to avoid shade.
Step 2: Mount the Panel
Bracket goes up securely - I'm not having Devon gales ripping it off. Panel gets angled right for maximum sun.
Step 3: Cable Run
Wire from panel to your device or battery, protected in conduit where needed. All connections properly weatherproofed.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to mount it yourself? Fair enough - here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill and appropriate fixings for your surface
- Spanner set for bracket bolts
- Cable clips or conduit
- Crimping tool for cable connections
- Multimeter to test voltage
📐 Getting the angle right
- South-facing is best (southwest or southeast okay)
- Angle: 30-40° from horizontal for year-round performance
- Make sure nothing shades it 10am-3pm
- Higher panels collect less leaf debris
🔌 Wiring it up
- Use proper solar cable (UV-resistant)
- Keep connections tight and waterproof
- If running to a battery, you need a charge controller
- Red to positive, black to negative (sounds obvious but...)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Mounting flat against a wall (terrible for performance)
- Undersized cable causing voltage drop
- No protection from weather on connections
- Panel mounted where buildings/trees shade it
💡 Pro trick: Before drilling holes, watch the spot for a full sunny day to check for shade patterns. Trees cast shadows differently throughout the day.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Battery choice matters: Most gate/camera systems use 12V batteries. Make sure your panel is compatible - usually you want 18-20V output for charging a 12V battery.
Cleaning: Dirty panels work poorly. Give them a wash every few months - you'll notice the difference.
Winter performance: Panels work fine in winter but produce less. If your device is critical, size the panel and battery generously.
Lifespan: Quality panels last 20+ years. The mounting brackets and cables usually fail first, so that's where quality matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size panels can you mount?
I handle the smaller panels - usually up to about 100W. These are the ones people use for electric gates, security cameras, outdoor lighting, that sort of thing. If you're looking at proper roof arrays for the house, you need a specialist solar company with all the certifications.
Can you mount panels to power my electric gate?
Yes - that's probably the most common job. Mount the panel somewhere sunny (usually on a post or wall nearby), run the cable to your gate battery, and you've got off-grid power. No more worrying about the gate dying when the power's out.
Where's the best place to mount them?
South-facing if possible, tilted at about 30-40 degrees. Needs clear sunlight most of the day - no point mounting it where trees or buildings shade it. I'll have a look at your spot and advise on the best position.
What about security cameras?
Panels work great for cameras in outbuildings or at the end of drives. I mount the panel nearby, wire it to the camera's battery, and you've got power without trenching cables. Just make sure the camera system is compatible with solar charging.
How long does it take?
Usually 1.5-2 hours for a straightforward mount. Longer if I'm running cables any distance or mounting to a roof rather than a post. I'll quote based on what you need.
Small solar panel mounting Also Available In:
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