FAQs

The average property is allowed to install solar panels under permitted development. However, there are certain regulations requiring planning permission. For example, if it’s a listed building, in an area of outstanding natural beauty where panels can be seen from the road, or if you want to mount more than 9 panels on the ground.

There are various factors to consider…

Space – An average solar system takes up about 20 square metres of roof space. Consider whether your roof is big enough for solar panels.

Shading – Solar panels work best when unobstructed by other houses, trees, or chimneys. While shading is often unavoidable, we install optimisers to maximise the performance of shaded panels.

Orientation – In the UK, south facing panels generate more energy than other orientations. When the sun shines directly onto solar panels, they operate at their best. But, when the sun shines down at an angle, generation becomes slightly less effective. South east and south west facing panels still generate a whopping 94% of the energy of a south facing panel. East and west facing roofs still manage to generate an impressive 80%. The real issue pops up on a north facing roof, and while it’s not impossible to generate power, it’s not ideal.

Renting – While landlords may be happy to allow tenants to install solar panels, the investment is only worthwhile if you own your own home.

Finances – Since 2010, the price of solar panels have dropped 88%, while energy prices continue to soar. Although solar is an incredible long-term investment, considering whether the upfront costs are viable is imperative. The average price of a 4kW solar panel installation now stands at around £8,000.

Energy consumption – If you use very little energy, there’s little point investing in solar panels for financial purposes. However, if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, installing a solar panels system will be of enormous benefit.

We recommend looking at a recent copy of your energy bill. If your energy consumption is anywhere over 2,500 kWh hours per annum, going solar is a fantastic financial decision.

Our customers have saved up to 80% on their energy bills. For an exact quote, we send a local surveyor to review your property, taking into consideration: system size and type, average energy consumption, roof direction, shading, and roof slope.

Whether you need battery storage depends on three factors: the size of your solar PV system, your energy usage, and your lifestyle.

Homes without battery storage utilise an average of 35 – 60% of what they generate, depending on how much time you spend at home.

Adding battery storage raises this figure to 80% or more, dependent on your annual consumption and how you use your energy.

If you’re likely to use all the energy generated from your panels, battery storage probably isn’t the best fit for you unless you have access to off-peak tariffs.

If you’re unlikely to use the energy generated from your panels, leaving excess generation, then adding battery storage is a fantastic idea, further increasing the return on your investment.

If you already have panels installed, try taking a look at your inverter to find out how much energy is being generated vs consumed can help you decide whether battery storage is right for you.

Cloudy days – Solar panels still work in dreary weather conditions because they operate under UV light, rather than sunlight. But, not always to their full capability. Their efficiency will ultimately depend on the density of the cloud coverage.

Unfortunately, to our knowledge, solar panels don’t work under streetlamp light.

Rainy days – Solar panels continue to generate in the rain, just as they do on cloudy days, drawing from UV light. But their performance depends on cloud coverage and heavy rain clouds blocking the sun.

Rain acts as a handy cleaning agent, rinsing layers of dirt and debris from your panels in between your biannual solar panel clean.

Frosty days – Solar panels actually work better on frosty days. Their efficiency is improved by the cooling effect of the frost. While longer days of the year are best for power generation.

Snowy days – Snow can decrease generation more than clouds and rain, gathering on the surface and blocking out light. But don’t worry, the snow will melt off the panels soon enough, leaving them free to operate to their full ability.

Batteries – If you’ve opted for battery storage, you’re likely to see a drop in the charge of discharge rates in both extreme cold and extreme hot weather. in cold weather. Battery storage systems work best in warmer weather. Most are rated at 77 degrees and lose about 10 percent of their efficiency for every 15- to 20-degree temperature drop from there. We recommend trying to maintain and protect your batteries from extreme hot and cold temperatures to prolong the battery life.  All of our battery systems have a BSM (battery management system) that will protect battery installation in extreme weather conditions.

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