Frequently Asked Questions
We share the answers to some of the biggest solar PV questions
Most Popular Questions
Installing a solar PV or battery storage system is a significant investment, so it’s worth understanding what you are buying. Here are the questions we hear most often If your question isn’t answered below, get in touch with the team, and we’ll be happy to help.
About Solar PV
Solar PV (or photovoltaic) refers to technology that converts sunlight into electricity using solar cells.
Panels generate clean, renewable energy, reducing your reliance on grid electricity and cutting your carbon footprint.
Yes! Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sunshine, so they work well in the UK climate, including through winter. On overcast days output is lower, but the system still produces power.
Yes! A south-facing roof performs best, but east and west-facing roofs still generate meaningful amounts of energy. You may need a slightly larger system to product the same output. We will assess your roof at the survey, and talk you through the options.
For most homes, solar PV is considered permitted development and does not need planning permission. If your property is listed, in a conservation area or you are considering a ground-mounted system, planning consent may be required. We will flag this at the survey and recommend checking with your local authority where relevant.
No. Your property will remain connected to the grid. Your system uses solar power first, then any energy stored in your battery, and draws from the grid only when needed.
Solar panels generate throughout daylight hours. A battery storage system lets you use that energy in the evening and overnight, meaning you can run your home on your own power, well after the sun goes down.
Cost and Savings
Every property is different, and savings depend on your electricity use, the size of your system, and whether you have battery storage. Customers can typically save up to 80% on their electricity costs. We will give you a clear estimate at the survey based on your specific setup.
The cost depends on the size of the system, the products you choose, and whether you include battery storage or EV charging. We provide a no-obligation quote based on your property and requirements, and we are happy for customers to check materials costs themselves.
No. Solar PV and battery storage installations for homes are currently VAT-free. Batteries installed at the same time as the panels are also zero-rated.
The SEG is a government-backed scheme that pays you for the surplus energy your system exports back to the grid. Energy suppliers set their own rates, and you can compare tariffs to find the best fit.
Funding schemes change regularly and vary by region and property type. We recommend checking current options on the Ofgem website and speaking to your mortgage provider about green mortgage products. We will flag anything specifically relevant to your project at the survey.
Battery storage and EV charging
A battery is not essential, but for most of our customers it is the single biggest step up in what a solar system actually delivers. Without one, energy you don't use during the day is exported. With one, you can use that energy in the evening, overnight and during peak-price hours.
Yes. Battery storage can be retrofitted to an existing solar system, including systems we did not originally install. See our Battery Storage page for more.
Yes. A smart EV charger integrated with your solar system lets you charge from your own energy. Pair with a battery and a smart tariff and the savings compound. See our EV Charging page for more.
Installation and process
Most domestic installations can be completed within three to six weeks from quote acceptance, subject to DNO approval and any relevant permissions. Larger commercial projects take longer.
We follow a clear, five-stage process: enquiry, on-site survey, no-obligation quote, installation, and handover with ongoing aftercare.
Choosing an installer
The renewable energy industry has its share of cowboys, and the accreditations a company holds are how you tell a quality installer from a risky one. As a minimum, look for MCS certification (required for the Smart Export Guarantee), RECC registration (consumer protection), and a NAPIT-registered electrical team. See our Accreditations and Partners page for the full picture.
Yes. We are MCS certified, RECC registered (00072708), NAPIT registered, TrustMark approved and CHAS accredited.
We work with a range of leading manufacturers rather than tying ourselves to one brand. See our Products page for the full list.
After installation
Solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more. Most come with a product warranty of 10 to 25 years and a performance warranty of 25 to 30 years, guaranteeing the panels will maintain around 80 to 85% of their original output.
Solar PV is largely maintenance-free, but regular servicing keeps output where it should be, catches issues early and helps keep manufacturer warranties valid. We recommend an annual or bi-annual health check. See our Maintenance page for more.
Yes. We service systems fitted by other installers, including ones no longer trading. We will give you an honest assessment of what's there and what it needs.