Do solar panels work all year round in the UK?
The solar energy systems that we install are specifically designed for the UK climate and work well all year round, including the winter months. Obviously the optimum efficiency time is during the summer months when the daylight hours are longer, but they can still supply you with some of your energy needs during the winter.
Is solar energy worth the investment?
Sunlight is free – so once you’ve paid for the solar panel installation, you save money on your energy bills – and can even sell your surplus energy and battery capacity to the energy grid.
How much could solar energy save me?
By generating and using your own solar energy – instead of power from the National Grid – you can make significant savings on your electricity bills. The Energy Saving Trust calculator estimates that a typical 4kWp solar panel system can knock between £600-£900 off your annual bill with the Smart Export Guarantee SEG depending on where you live.
Using battery storage alongside your solar panels can further increase your savings – because a battery will store the surplus energy that you produce, so you can use it when the sun goes down instead of drawing it from the Grid.
*Example of annual savings based in Manchester with SEG (Sept 2020): energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/electricity/solar-panels
Does a solar energy system provide electricity?
Photovoltaic (PV) systems do generate electricity, which can be used in your home as well as being fed back into the national grid for others to use. Solar heated hot water systems do not provide electricity, but do supply up to 70% of your year round hot water needs.
Does it provide central heating?
With an air source heat pump (ASHP) or ground source heat pump (GSHP), you will use the ambient temperature of either the surrounding air or underground to heat either your radiators or underfloor heating.
Is it guaranteed?
Yes. We offer a full parts and labour warranty for 2 years, which can be extended once it expires, plus any applicable manufacturers’ warranties, which may be longer. In the unlikely event that anything goes wrong with your system contact us immediately and we will work as quickly as possible to resolve any issues. Click here to contact us for more information.
What is the life expectancy of a solar energy system?
You could expect a system to be working in 20-25 years time as they are designed to withstand our climate with very little deterioration.
Is planning permission required?
This installation of a renewable energy system is usually considered a permitted development under Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, and permission is not normally needed.
Exceptions to this are if you live in a conservation area or an area of outstanding natural beauty where permission may be required, depending on where you intend to site the solar panels.
Can you install solar panels on listed buildings?
Yes. Systems have been successfully installed on Grade 1 and Grade 2 listed buildings. It is important to look for an inconspicuous site when considering solar energy options.
What if we move house?
If you move home your system can be moved to the new property, subject to compatibility. Click here to contact us if you have any further questions, or wish to find out more.
How will switching to solar reduce my carbon footprint?
You could cut 100 tonnes of carbon.
Imagine you’re on a return flight from London to New York. You’ve just generated 986kg CO2 – per passenger, not the whole plane. Think about how much carbon the aircraft you’re in is emitting into the atmosphere. Now times that by 100. That’s how much carbon you can cut by simply using solar energy over a 30-year period.
100 tonnes of carbon wiped clean off your carbon footprint and out of our planet’s atmosphere. Surprised? That’s the power of solar.
- The average UK household produces 8.1 tonnes of CO2 a year
- 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from households
- Half of your home’s carbon footprint is made of the energy you use
How much can I save with solar panels?
Your savings depend on the size of your system, your roof orientation and how much energy you use during daylight hours. During a free, no-obligation survey we assess your property and give you clear figures for your home. Adding battery storage lets you use more of the energy you generate.
Are you fully certified?
Yes. We are MCS certified (registration NAP-67355/22/1), TrustMark registered and members of HIES, so every installation meets the highest industry standards and is fully protected.
Do you cover my area?
We install across Staffordshire and the wider Midlands from our base at Summit Business Park in Burslem. If you’re just outside our usual area, get in touch and we’ll let you know.
What about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
If you’re replacing a fossil-fuel boiler with an air source heat pump, you could receive up to £7,500 towards the cost. We’ll handle the application as part of your installation.
How long does an installation take?
A typical domestic solar and battery installation takes one to two days. We’ll give you a clear timeline before any work begins.
Do solar panels need maintenance?
Very little. We recommend an annual check to keep performance high and warranties valid, our servicing plans cover panels, inverter and battery.
Can a business get a grant for solar panels?
Many can. We’ve recently completed installations where the business or building owner secured up to 35% of the installation cost via a local-authority grant. Speak to your local authority about energy-efficiency funding.
Still have a question?
Our Staffordshire team are happy to help, call us or request a free, no-obligation quote.