Solar panel systems operate by harnessing the sun’s energy through photovoltaic panels, generating direct current (DC) electricity when sunlight hits them. This electricity is then converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter, making it usable for household or workplace applications.

The cost of a typical domestic solar panel system with a capacity of 4KWp (equivalent to 10-12 panels) ranges from £5,000 to £8,000, including VAT. Commercial solar PV systems usually start at around £12,000 plus VAT.

Installation of a domestic solar panel system, typically containing up to 15 panels, usually takes no more than a day, with smaller systems potentially taking half a day. If you have both solar panels and battery storage installed, the project might extend into a second to third day. Larger commercial rooftop solar PV installations may vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the number of panels and the type of roof covering.

Solar panels are highly durable and can last for at least 25 years, with the potential for a longer lifespan. Over time, they gradually degrade, producing slightly less electricity each year, ultimately reaching around 80% of their original capacity within 25 years. Specific manufacturer testing and datasheets for the materials used can provide precise information.

Solar panels typically come with two types of warranties. First, a product warranty, usually lasting 10-12 years but potentially extending to 25-40 years for high-end panels. If the panel malfunctions within the warranty period, it will be replaced, or repaired, or you will receive financial compensation. Second, a performance warranty is provided by most manufacturers, guaranteeing that the panels will maintain at least 80% of their original capacity after 25 years, with some specifying over 90%.

Most households use approximately 30% of the electricity generated by their solar panels, while the remaining 70% is exported to the national grid. If you incorporate battery storage, you can capture approximately 80% of the solar electricity, with only 20% being sent to the grid. Commercial customers, with higher energy needs, size their solar panel systems to consume between 50% and 100% of the generated solar electricity on-site.

Yes, it is possible to charge your electric car with solar panels. When your electric car is plugged into its charging point while the sun is shining on your panels, a portion of the solar electricity will flow into your car’s battery. Additionally, you can install EV charging points that charge your car only when there is sufficient solar electricity available, offering environmentally friendly and cost-effective motoring.

Yes, it is feasible to install solar panels even if your roof has shading from trees or chimneys. Technologies such as SolarEdge power optimizers can help mitigate the impact of shading. Power optimizers are attached to the back of each panel, making the output of each panel independent of the others, which significantly enhances overall solar generation.

When you generate surplus solar electricity that you don’t immediately use, battery storage systems can store this surplus energy for later use. The battery charges when there is excess solar electricity and automatically discharges when needed, reducing your reliance on the grid, and increasing your utilization of solar electricity.

Yes, it is possible for solar PV panels to heat your water. Excess solar electricity can be redirected to power an immersion element in your hot water cylinder, heating the water. The Solar iBoost is a popular device for achieving this, and it typically pays for itself quickly.

The majority of solar panels are now produced by large-scale, specialised companies in Asia. Common manufacturing countries include China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. Panels from so-called ‘Tier 1’ manufacturers are produced in high quantities and adhere to strict quality standards.

Solar PV panels generate electricity, while solar thermal panels produce hot water, not electricity. Solar thermal panels have become less popular in recent years, as heat pumps have gained traction for both heating homes and providing hot water.

Residential installations require a second-generation (SMETS2) smart meter connected to the internet. Smart meters track solar electricity exported to the grid at half-hourly intervals, a requirement for eligibility for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff. Solar installers do not install smart meters, so you must request one from your energy provider, typically provided at no cost.

Typically, after initial contact and receiving your first quote, you can expect your solar system to be operational in approximately 3-4 months. This timeframe allows for equipment reservation, site survey completion, DNO application submission, and property scaffolding.

A structural survey is recommended in several situations, including older or historic buildings, remodelled buildings, properties with prior damage, or those with flat roofs. These surveys are necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the building when installing solar panels.

Scaffolding is typically erected a few days before and removed around 4 to 5 days after solar panel installation.

Yes, solar projects can be coordinated with re-tiling a roof, resulting in cost savings. Scaffolding work can serve both projects, reducing the overall expense of the solar system. Coordination is essential to ensure the panel installation does not interfere with the re-tiling process and vice versa, with the key milestone being the installation phase after roof felting and battening.

A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) manages and maintains the electricity distribution network in specific geographic areas, comprising power lines, substations, and related infrastructure. DNO permission is required when installing inverters or battery inverters greater than 3.68kW per phase. DNOs assess the grid’s capacity to handle increased power, with possible outcomes including unrestricted installation, installation with export limitations, or grid limitations preventing installation.

As a homeowner, you are responsible for notifying your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) about solar installations, while Solngreen handles DNO permissions and post-installation notifications on your behalf. You must also contact your energy supplier, like Octopus, to arrange the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) once the installation is complete.

Emergency power supply (EPS) allows your solar system to isolate your household during power cuts and provide backup power. Different EPS levels exist, from powering small appliances to enabling full-house backup, depending on your requirements and system capabilities. FoxEss Battery is an example of a product that offers full-house backup functionality.

Solar panels in a string are interconnected, and the entire string’s performance is limited by the weakest panel within it. If one panel is shaded or has different characteristics, it affects the entire string. Power optimisers, on the other hand, attach to individual panels, allowing each panel to operate independently and reach its maximum capacity, mitigating the impact of shading or panel differences.

VAT on energy-saving materials (ESMs) in residential premises is currently at a 0% rate in the UK until 2027. This means that you will not pay tax for your complete solar system. Retrofitting lithium-ion batteries does not benefit from this relief unless they are part of a new solar panel system.

Some energy providers offer off-peak tariffs, charging lower rates during periods of low electricity demand. This can be advantageous for electric vehicle owners, who can charge their EVs at night when rates are lower. Additionally, you can charge your solar battery at night to take advantage of off-peak tariffs, reducing reliance on the grid, particularly during winter months when solar generation is lower.

The initial proposal aims to encompass all necessary costs for a solar panel project. However, certain project aspects can only be finalized after a site survey, including trenching, EPS, and cable routing. The site survey verifies project details and identifies any challenges, that potentially impact the project’s cost.

Battery and inverter manufacturers provide monitoring platforms for their products, accessible through mobile apps or web browsers. These platforms offer real-time monitoring, historical data analysis, and sometimes per-panel level monitoring, providing insights into system performance.

Winter months typically experience lower solar energy yield due to limited sunlight and shorter days, making it unlikely that your battery will be fully charged by solar alone during this season. Off-peak tariffs can help you top up your battery economically at night. In contrast, during summer months, you can fill your battery and even export excess energy to the grid, significantly reducing energy costs and grid reliance.

Typically, you will receive your MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certificate within two or a week after the installation.