Independent by design · Devon & Somerset · Available 24/7 hello@thesolarbroker.co.uk0800 870 8003 HomeServicesSolar Panels Find out whether solar is worthwhile for your home, how many panels will fit and what the system could realistically generate. Battery Storage We calculate whether a battery is likely to improve your savings, resilience or use of cheaper overnight electricity, rather than adding one automatically. EV Chargers Choose a charger that works with your vehicle, electricity supply, solar system and future plans. Backup Power & Energy Independence Explore systems designed to keep selected circuits running during a power cut and reduce your reliance on peak-rate electricity. Drone Surveys Your roof is inspected and measured before we recommend a system, helping avoid unsuitable layouts, overlooked shading and unrealistic generation estimates. Free Solar Suitability Consultation A 10–20 minute conversation about your home, electricity use and what you want solar to achieve. You will not be asked to make a decision during the call. Grants & Funding Guidance We explain the funding, VAT, export and finance options that may apply to your circumstances, without suggesting that everyone will qualify. Compare Suitable Installer Proposals Where suitable, we obtain comparable proposals from a small number of installers selected for your property, location and system requirements. Support After Installation We don't disappear after install. You keep our direct number and we step in to resolve any aftercare issue with the installer, whenever it comes up. AreasEX · Exeter Postcode ExeterExmouthBarnstapleSurrounding Areas TQ · Torquay Postcode TorquayNewton AbbotPaigntonSurrounding Areas TA · Taunton Postcode TauntonBridgwaterYeovilSurrounding Areas PL · Plymouth Postcode PlymouthSaltashTavistockSurrounding Areas Our WorkOur WorkCase Study 01Case Study 02 AboutAboutReviews Contact0800 870 8003Book your free consultation - Home - Our Work - Case Study 02Case Study Library · 02 # When an unexpected problem threatened the installation, we kept it on track. An unforeseen roofing issue required specialist intervention, careful coordination and clear communication to deliver the installation the homeowner wanted. Specialist required asbestos-containing roof tiles identified Kept on track specialist drilling coordinated and project completed ★★★★★ a delighted homeowner The homeowner's journey ## The installation became complicated. The homeowner needed someone to take responsibility. What began as a straightforward solar installation became significantly more challenging when asbestos-containing roof tiles were identified. The mounting system could not simply be installed using normal drilling procedures, and specialist expertise was required before the work could safely proceed. Evidence before advice. Advice before installation. Stage 1 · Initial aerial survey ## A roof with several opportunities for solar. The aerial survey provided a clear record of the property's roof configuration and the areas available for the proposed installation. Several usable roof planes made it possible to distribute the array intelligently across the building. The property as first surveyed, with the older tiled faces, the flat roof and the newer roof all visible in one view. Stage 2 · Why specialist work was required ## The asbestos was limited to two older roof faces. Asbestos-containing tiles were identified on the two older roof faces beside the flat roof. That changed how the mounting brackets on those faces could be installed. Rather than allowing conventional drilling to continue, an appropriate specialist contractor created the pilot holes required for the mounting system. Important distinction. Only the two older tiled faces beside the flat roof contained asbestos material. The separate newer roof, which later carried the four-panel array, did not. Stage 3 · Coordination ## When a project becomes difficult, communication matters. Dan personally took responsibility for coordinating the project, maintaining communication with the homeowner and bringing together the specialist work and the solar installation. The homeowner was kept informed as the solution was developed and each stage was arranged. ### One point of contact The homeowner spoke to one person throughout, rather than chasing separate trades. ### Specialist work arranged An appropriate contractor created the pilot holes so the mounting system could be fitted safely. ### Scaffolding deadline met Every stage was sequenced around the date the scaffolding had to come down. The project coordinated across several roof areas, with the array distributed over the planes that suited it best.The homeowner had made clear that the scaffolding needed to be removed within a particular timeframe. The installation was completed and the scaffolding removed within the timeframe requested. Stage 4 · The completed roof ## A complicated installation. A beautiful final result. The finished installation uses several roof elevations to create a substantial array while working with the character and geometry of the existing property. ### Several planes, one system Panels sit neatly on each elevation, with consistent alignment and clean margins across the whole property. ### Balanced from above The overhead view confirms the final positions, spacing and clearances of each group of panels. The visible result ## The same roof. Before and after. Viewed from almost the same angle, the finished system can be compared directly with the roof as it was first surveyed. Several separate roof planes now work together as one coherent installation. BeforeAfter The technical complication did not define the finished project. The completed arrays are clean, balanced and visually striking in full sunshine. Closer view ## The transformation, seen at a second scale. This tighter pairing shows the newer four-panel roof before and after installation. BeforeAfter This newer four-panel roof did not contain asbestos. Stage 5 · Inverter and battery installation ## The completed system goes beyond the roof. The generation equipment on the roof is supported by the inverter and battery storage system, completing the homeowner's energy installation. ### Inverter and battery storage The inverter, battery and isolation equipment were grouped together in an accessible location with a tidy, clearly labelled finish. ### Live monitoring in the home An in-home display shows generation, storage and household use, so the system can be understood day to day. The outcome ## The problem didn't define the project. The way it was handled did. Discovering asbestos-containing roof tiles could have derailed the installation. Instead, specialist assistance was arranged, the homeowner was kept informed, the project continued and the requested timetable was maintained. Most importantly, the homeowner did not feel she had been left alone to deal with an unexpected technical problem. The installation was completed, the scaffolding came down when required and the homeowner was delighted with the final outcome. Five-star Google review "We are absolutely delighted with the service we received from Dan and genuinely don't think our solar installation would have gone ahead without him."Our installation turned out to be far more complicated than originally expected when asbestos was discovered in some of the roof tiles. This meant the normal installation couldn't simply continue and a specialist contractor had to be brought in to safely drill the pilot holes required for the solar mounting brackets. At that point things could very easily have fallen apart and, in all honesty, I was seriously considering cancelling the whole installation. Dan stepped in and personally took ownership of the situation. He kept us informed throughout, coordinated what needed to happen between the different people involved and made sure the project kept moving. We had also made it clear that we needed the work completed and the scaffolding removed within a particular timeframe, and Dan made sure that happened. What impressed us most was that we never felt as though we were being left to sort the problems out ourselves. The installation was completed successfully, the scaffolding came down when promised, and Dan even returned afterwards to carry out a drone inspection and photograph the finished installation. Henrietta · Homeowner, Google review Case Study Library · 01 ## Evidence in Action How a drone roof survey, a full property assessment and proper installer comparison saved one Devon homeowner over £4,000. Read case study 01 Thinking about solar? ## Every roof has its surprises. It helps to have someone in your corner. We assess your home, explain the evidence and stay involved through the installation, including the parts nobody planned for. Book your free consultation 0800 870 8003 Independent solar advice for homeowners across Devon, Somerset and south-east Cornwall. You pay us nothing; every installer pays the same fixed fee if you choose to proceed. Based in Topsham, Exeter, and covering homes across the stated EX, TQ, TA and PL postcode areas. Not sure whether your postcode is included? Call us and we will confirm before you book. 0800 870 8003 hello@thesolarbroker.co.ukAnn's Platt, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0DB Services Solar PanelsBattery StorageEV ChargersBackup Power & Energy IndependenceDrone SurveysFree Solar Suitability ConsultationGrants & Funding GuidanceCompare Suitable Installer ProposalsSupport After Installation Service Areas EX, ExeterEX, ExmouthEX, BarnstapleEX, Surrounding AreasTQ, TorquayTQ, Newton AbbotTQ, PaigntonTQ, Surrounding AreasTA, TauntonTA, BridgwaterTA, YeovilTA, Surrounding AreasPL, PlymouthPL, SaltashPL, TavistockPL, Surrounding Areas Company About usAccreditationsHow we compareSolar costs & payback guideOur WorkReviewsContact Legal Privacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsComplaints ProcedureCookie Policy © 2026 The Solar Broker. All rights reserved. £1 million Public Liability· DBS Certified· Installers registered with EPVS CallBook your free consultation We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional ones to understand how it is used. See our cookie policy. AcceptReject