Your Solar Questions Answered
If you are considering solar panels or using our energy estimator, it is natural to have questions about electricity usage, suitability, savings, and what to expect from a solar installation.
This page answers the most common questions we are asked by homeowners. The answers are designed to give you clear, practical information based on typical UK households, without jargon or guesswork. Whether you are just starting to explore solar or looking to understand your results in more detail, these FAQs should help you make sense of the options and decide what is right for your home.
How do solar panels work on a typical UK day?
Great question! Solar panels don’t need blazing hot sunshine; they work on daylight. They are most efficient in cool, bright conditions. They will still generate a useful amount of electricity on cloudy days, just less than on a clear, sunny one.
What is a battery storage system, and why do I need one?
A battery stores the excess electricity your solar panels generate during the day instead of sending it all to the grid. This means you can use your own clean, free solar energy in the evening and through the night, dramatically reducing how much electricity you need to buy from your supplier
Will the system work during a power cut?
This is a key feature! Most standard systems are designed to shut down for safety during a power cut. However, we do offer battery systems with a backup power function. This means that in the event of a blackout, your battery can automatically keep your essential appliances (like lights, fridge, and wifi) running. Please ask us about this option
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Solar panels on homes are generally considered “Permitted Development” in the UK. There are exceptions for listed buildings, homes in conservation areas, or if panels would protrude more than 200mm from the roof. We will handle all the necessary checks for you.
How much does a typical solar and battery system cost?
Costs vary depending on your energy needs, roof size, and the system size you choose. A typical UK family home might invest anywhere between £8,000 and £15,000 for a fully integrated solar and battery system. We provide a detailed, fixed-price quote after your free survey, so there are no hidden surprises.
How much money will I save on my bills?
Savings depend on your electricity usage, the system size, and how you use it. A well-designed system with a battery can typically reduce your electricity bills by 60-85%. Many of our customers also combine their battery with special off-peak tariffs (like Agile or EV tariffs) to charge their battery with cheap electricity and use it during peak times, maximising savings further.
Is there any government funding or VAT relief?
Yes! The UK government has permanently set VAT to 0% on the installation of energy-saving materials, including solar panels and battery storage. This represents a significant saving on your installation. While the old Feed-in Tariff has closed, the new Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) means energy companies pay you for any excess electricity you export to the grid.
How long does the installation take?
For a standard combined solar and battery installation, we typically schedule 1 to 3 days. We work efficiently to cause minimal disruption to your household.
What happens during the installation?
Our professional team will:
- Set up safe access to your roof.
- Install the mounting frames.
- Fit the solar panels and connect them.
- Install the battery and inverter (often in a garage or utility room).
- Test the entire system and commission it.
- Walk you through how it all works.
Do you use your own employees or subcontractors?
We pride ourselves on employing our own fully trained, MCS-certified installation teams. You get a consistent, high-quality service from people we know and trust.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar panel system?
Absolutely! This is a very popular and smart upgrade. In most cases, we can easily integrate a battery with your existing solar panels, allowing you to start saving more of the energy you generate.
What size battery do I need?
This depends entirely on your household’s electricity consumption. We calculate this during our survey. A typical size for a family home is between 5 kWh and 13.5 kWh. A 5kWh battery could run a fridge, lights, and TV for many hours, while a larger battery could cover more appliances.
How long do the batteries last?
Solar batteries are designed for long-term use. They typically come with a 10-year warranty and are expected to last significantly longer. Their performance will gradually decrease over time, but they will still hold a useful amount of charge for many years.
What happens at the end of the battery’s life and can it be recycled?
Yes, reputable battery manufacturers have take-back and recycling programmes. The valuable materials inside, like lithium, are recovered and reused. We only work with suppliers who have a clear and responsible end-of-life policy.
Still have a question? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Us Today for a friendly, no-pressure chat.
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