Frequently asked
questions
Are solar panels right for my home?
At minimum, you’ll need an open space on a pitched or flat roof that can fit at least 6 solar panels which is approximately 12 m2.
Batteries are ideally positioned outside in the shade, ideally against the property wall so that they can be connected to the panels and inverter efficiently and safely.
It’s important that the panels are in the sun for most of the day, so a north facing roof will not be a feasible location. We’ll also need to use scaffolding to install the panels.
Do solar panels make financial sense?
The higher your energy usage is the more beneficial solar panels will be and the quicker you’ll make a return on your panel cost. If you have a lower usage, your payback period will be longer. We can help you understand the payback period in our consultation.
What’s the process to get solar panels installed?
The first step is to complete our online form. We’ll follow up with a phone call and send over a personalised quote. For an overview of our typical project process please visit our Process page
What products do you use?
We only recommend and work with MCS-certified products, which we have tried and tested. These include our solar panels, inverters, meters and batteries. Brands that we use include Giv energy, Tesla, JA Solar, Viridian, Jinko and many others.
What is the average cost?
The cost of installation will depend on the number of panels you need and if you choose battery storage. The number of panels and size of battery will depend on your household’s energy requirements.
Our average cost for solar panel and battery storage installation is £8-£15K. This takes into account all aspects of the project – products, labour, scaffolding, registration – which will be set out in the initial quotation that we provide. See our pricing for more information.
Do I need a battery?
To get the most from solar panels, it is beneficial to have a battery. This means you can store the energy you generate until it is needed and allows you to store energy from the grid when prices are low.
How do I get paid to export energy?
Exporting energy from your solar panel system, refers to selling the energy you generate back to the grid. Every UK-energy supplier is required to offer a tariff for purchasing energy in this way.
Our quotation will provide an estimate of how much energy you could export. Now that government incentives for exporting energy have ended, payments to households for exporting energy are lower than they have been historically. This increases the importance of the role a battery can play in a complete solar solution.
How easy it is to control and manage my solar usage?
Our preferred inverter products provide a clear app that is easy to understand. Through the app, you’’’re able to have transparency of all aspects of your energy generation, and control its usage For example, you can decide how and when to charge your EV by setting up rules within the app.
What type of panels do you use?
We install PV solar panels, and recommend products that use sleek, black panels that are either in-roof or on-roof. The exact specification will depend on your roof make up and aesthetic requirements.
How much space do I need?
It depends on your average energy usage as to how many panels are required. Use our pricing calculator for more information.
Where will the hardware be installed in my house?
Panels will be installed on your roof. Inverters will be installed in a logical location be it a garage, plant room or externally. If you decide to have a battery it will typically be located outside, in the shade against the wall of your house.
Does the equipment make any noise?
No, the panels don’t make any noise. The inverters can make a low-level hum when operation but this is not typically intrusive.
Do I need planning permission?
The only time you will need planning permission to install solar panels is when the property is listed or in a conservation area or sometimes if you have a flat roof.
Do they work when it’s cloudy?
The panel system operates at its best in full sunshine, but will continue to generate low levels of energy through cloud.
How do you maintain solar panels?
Your solar panels will benefit from being serviced and should be cleaned regularly by an expert. We can advise you on how best to approach this in your area.
Have more questions?
Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.