Services we offer
Solar, batteries, EV chargers and the electrical work that goes with them, all from the same team.

Solar Panel and Battery Installations in Manchester
Save money on your bills and cut CO2 with a solar and battery combo.
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Commercial Solar Installations
Slash business electricity costs with commercial solar
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EV Charger Installation, Repair and Relocation
Electric vehicle chargers for homes and businesses
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EICR & Electrical Safety Inspections
Just £150 plus VAT with same-day certificates and no hard sells.
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Home Battery Installations
Store cheap electricity and slash your energy bills year-round.
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Electrical Testing in Manchester
Testing, inspecting, and commissioning from an electrician with 20+ years experience.
Read more →Professional EV charger installations throughout Hale Barns. As a NAPIT-registered installer based in North Manchester, we provide expert charging solutions suited to the area's substantial properties and the vehicles their owners drive.
Why Hale Barns residents choose home EV charging
Public charging is expensive - chargers at supermarkets and service stations typically cost 60-80p per kWh during peak times ((zapmap.com)[https://www.zapmap.com/ev-stats/charging-price-index]). Compare that to home charging on a smart tariff like Octopus Go at a fraction of the price overnight, and the savings add up quickly.
Perfect for commuting patterns - Most Hale Barns residents travel for work, whether driving to Manchester or further afield. Having a fully charged car every morning means you can skip expensive public chargers entirely for daily driving. And with Manchester Airport just 15 minutes away, you'll arrive with a full battery rather than paying airport charging fees.
Slow charging works perfectly - Your home charger charges overnight when electricity is cheapest. You plug in when you get home, and it's ready in the morning. No need for rapid charging when you're asleep anyway.
Charger brands we install
We usually install Omicro chargers, but we've also fitted Wallbox and Tesla chargers. We're qualified to install any EV charger - whatever brand you prefer is fine with us.
If you're already running Solax or AlphaESS solar panels or home batteries, their EV chargers integrate well with their existing kit. We fit those regularly for customers who want everything working together.
We're also an Octopus Energy Trusted Partner, which means we install any of the Octopus chargers. These smart chargers wait for the cheapest electricity rates before charging your car - you just plug in when you get home and the charger handles the timing.
Vehicles we've worked with
We've installed chargers for all sorts of vehicles - BMW, Audi, Polestar, Range Rover, Tesla, and more. The charger requirements are similar across most EVs, and we're experienced with the specific needs of different vehicles.
Hale Barns properties and charging solutions
Hale Barns properties are typically larger detached homes with ample parking space - ideal for EV charger installation. Many have driveways that can accommodate multiple vehicles, and some homeowners opt to install more than one charging point.
Many Hale Barns properties have the electrical capacity for faster 22kW three-phase charging, which is ideal for larger EVs or households with multiple electric vehicles. We're comfortable with three-phase supplies - Ashley started out on larger commercial setups, so this doesn't phase us.
Why the installer matters
The main difference between one EV charger and another is the aesthetics - functionally they all do the same job. What matters is the quality of the installation.
When you contact us, a qualified electrician assesses your property - not a salesperson. We understand the technical requirements and won't recommend something unsuitable. All electrical work is done in-house by qualified electricians, and we follow NAPIT guidelines properly.
Real savings for Hale Barns drivers
Daily Manchester commute (20 mile round trip): Home charging costs under £2 vs £8-12 public charging.
Manchester Airport trips (30 mile round trip): £3 home charging vs £15+ public rapids.
Weekend trips (100+ miles): £8 home charging vs £40+ public charging en route.
Over a year, typical savings are £1,500-2,500 versus relying on public charging.
Installation process
The chargers are weatherproof, so mounting outside is no issue. Garage wall, house wall, wherever suits your parking. If we need to run cable from your consumer unit across the property, we use heavy duty armoured cable designed for outdoor installation.
Most installations complete in a day with minimal disruption. We're tidy, respectful of your property, and leave everything properly finished.
Complete installation service
- Property survey and consultation
- Full NAPIT electrical certification
- Smart tariff optimisation
- Solar/battery integration
- Ongoing technical support
Nearby areas
We also cover Hale, Altrincham, Bowdon, and surrounding areas.
Contact us for your EV charger consultation.
You'll be dealing with Ashley
Renegade Solar is run by Ashley Merritt, an electrician with over 20 years on the tools and more than 10 of those on commercial projects. He does the survey himself, designs the system, oversees the install and picks up the phone afterwards.
That matters more than it sounds. When a salesperson specs a job you get whatever fits the sales sheet. We have been called out to batteries fitted in lofts, which goes against NAPIT guidance, and to quotes worked out from Google Earth that missed the flat roof that made the most sense for the house.
A small Manchester outfit, not a sales operation
Renegade Solar is run by Ashley Merritt, a qualified electrician. Here is what that changes.
You deal with Ashley
Ashley Merritt runs Renegade Solar, does the survey himself and designs the system. There is no call centre and nobody works on commission.
An electrician designs it
Over 20 years on the tools, including more than 10 years on commercial work. The roof, the wiring, the consumer unit and the battery sizing are all one job, not four.
Our own team fits it
The installation is carried out by the in-house Renegade Solar team. Specialist scaffolding is the only part we subcontract.
Awkward roofs welcome
Flat roofs, rooflights, dormers, chimneys, parapets, mixed roof sections and ground-mounted arrays. We design around what is actually up there.
How an EV charger installation runs
The charger is the easy bit. The supply and the earthing are what need checking.
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Survey
Supply capacity, consumer unit, earthing arrangement, cable route and where the charger should actually go so the lead reaches without crossing a footpath.
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Choosing the charger
Tethered or untethered, single or three phase, load management if the supply needs it, and whether it should talk to existing solar or a battery.
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Installation
Charger, protective device, cable route and any consumer unit work carried out by a NAPIT-registered electrician.
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Testing and certification
Tested and certified to the applicable BS 7671 requirements, including the earthing and protection arrangements specific to EV charging.
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Handover
App set up, charging schedules explained, and a walk through of how to use an off-peak tariff if you are on one.
“I just had solar and batteries installed, they were very helpful with the system design to maximise the panels on my roof and they were able to start quite soon. They worked quickly and it was completed to a high standard. Much cheaper than Octopus while providing more options.”
Jobs we have actually done
Real roofs in Greater Manchester, photographed on the day. Scroll sideways for more.
Customer Reviews
We're proud of our 164 reviews with an average rating of 9.96/10
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Aug 2026
I just had solar and batteries installed, they were very helpful with the system design to maximise the panels on my ...
I just had solar and batteries installed, they were very helpful with the system design to maximise the panels on my roof and they were able to start quite soon. They worked quickly and it was completed to a high standard. Much cheaper than Octopus while providing more options.
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Jul 2026
How thoughts on renegade solar
How thoughts on renegade solar. We have been very pleased with Ashley and the team. Efficient and well fitted quality product. Great communication and support. We also have had a flat roof and the results are fabulous. Highly recommended.
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Jun 2026
If you want a small company you can trust to give good advice and do a quality job look no further
If you want a small company you can trust to give good advice and do a quality job look no further. We were recommended by a friend and were not disappointed with this small but efficient company. They gave good advice carried out superb work and charged a reasonable price.Our daughter was so impressed they are having the same system installed.
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Jun 2026
Brilliant bespoke service at very fair price
Brilliant bespoke service at very fair price. I contacted several solar fitters, wanting panels put on a flat garage roof rather than the pitched main roof. None were interested. Ashley was happy to look at the best solution and design at a price way less than a pitched roof fitting (no scaffolding needed). And he is an absolute pleasure to deal with. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.
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May 2026
An excellent solar installation
An excellent solar installation. Ashley and his team were professional, on time and provided an excellent service. I couldn’t fault them.
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Apr 2026
My go-to guy for everything solar and electric
My go-to guy for everything solar and electric. Over the last few years Ashley has massive upgraded the electrical setup in our house, with solar panels, two batteries, a car charger, new fuse board, new outdoor sockets, security lights, extractor fan.. I’m sure there’s more. Every job is tackled professionally and with a full and honest explanation of the work involved. On top of all of that, he’s a lovely dude who is a joy to be around. I can’t fault Ashley or any of the wonderful team at Renegade!
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Mar 2026
Fitted 3 batteries and Invertor very professional and friendly
From the start he was extremely friendly, knew what he was talking about and we agreed a price, he came did the job it took longer than he expected but he didn't complain he took his time to finish the job and came back next day to help set it up, I was thoroughly impressed
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Mar 2026
Ashley and his team installed solar panels, battery and inverter in our house
Ashley and his team installed solar panels, battery and inverter in our house. Everything went well. They were polite, knowledgeable and good at communicating with me. The project was completed in the agreed time and everything is working well. I would happily recommend them.
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Mar 2026
New solar & battery unit
Ashley and his team fitted a solar & battery unit to my house. They were all great. Polite, knowledgeable and efficient. All the work was completed in the agreed timescale. I would definitely recommend them.
The questions we get asked most
Do solar panels actually work in Manchester?
Yes. Panels generate from daylight rather than direct sunshine, so they keep producing on the grey days we get plenty of, and they often run more efficiently in cooler temperatures than in a heatwave. The annual generation projection we give you already accounts for local weather, your roof orientation and any shading.
How long does an installation take?
A standard residential solar panel installation is commonly completed in one to two days. That can stretch if scaffolding is complicated, the roof needs repair first, the consumer unit needs upgrading, the DNO has requirements, or the weather turns.
Do I need planning permission?
Many domestic solar installations are permitted development. Listed buildings, conservation areas, some flat roofs, ground-mounted arrays and unusual positions can need extra checks or consent. We will tell you where your property sits before you commit to anything.
Can I have a battery without solar panels?
Yes. Standalone home battery installations make sense where the roof is shaded, unsuitable, not yours to alter, or you would rather not have panels on it. On a time-of-use tariff the battery charges at the cheaper off-peak rate and runs the house through the expensive periods.
Will a battery keep my house running in a power cut?
Only if the system is specifically designed for it. Backup needs the right equipment and an essential-circuits design agreed up front, so it is something to raise at survey stage rather than assume. Not every battery installation gives you backup.
Who actually turns up to do the work?
Ashley and the in-house Renegade Solar team. Specialist scaffolding is the only part of the installation we subcontract. The person who surveyed your property is the person overseeing the install and the person you ring afterwards.
My roof is a strange shape. Is that a problem?
Usually not. We have fitted arrays around rooflights, chimneys, dormers and roof lanterns, split installations across several flat roof sections, and put arrays on the ground where the roof was not the right answer. It is worth a survey before you write your property off.
Areas we cover
Based in Prestwich, working across North Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester area.
- Altrincham
- Blackley
- Bolton
- Bramhall
- Bury
- Chadderton
- Cheetham Hill
- Crumpsall
- Hale Barns
- Hale
- Lees
- Marple
- Middleton
- Oldham
- Prestwich
- Radcliffe
- Rochdale
- Royton
- Saddleworth
- Shaw
- Stockport
- Trafford
- Whitefield
- and the rest of the North West
Tell us about the property
Send a message and we'll come back to you within 24 hours, one way or the other. If it's easier, ring Ashley directly.
- A qualified electrician does the survey, not a salesperson
- Free survey and a written proposal with the numbers behind it
- We reply within 24 hours, one way or the other
- No commission, no pressure, no call centre
9.96/10 from 164 verified reviews · MCS NAP-66870 · all our accreditations









