Solar & battery FAQ

Solar electricity is generated using solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert daylight into electricity. It is a clean, renewable source of power.

PV cells convert daylight into direct current (DC) electricity, even on cloudy days. An inverter converts that into the alternating current (AC) electricity your home runs on, prioritising your own use first. Anything you don't use is stored in a battery or sent to the grid.

No. Panels generate in all daylight, not just direct sun, and still produce on cloudy days — typically 10–25% of full capacity.

It depends on the size of the array, where you are, and the angle, direction and shading of your roof. Our instant estimate tool gives an indicative figure in 30 seconds, and a free survey confirms it for your roof.

It depends on your energy use and the property. As a rough guide, allow around 10m² of roof for every 1kW of panels.

Most domestic installations take one to two days. Scaffolding usually goes up a few days beforehand.

Usually not, but check with your local council if you are in a listed building or an area of outstanding natural beauty. We'll flag this at survey.

For systems up to 4kWp — that's the system's rated size — we notify your local electricity network operator after installation. Larger systems need pre-approval, and we handle that application for you.

Usually not. Most dormers aren't built to carry the weight of solar panels, though we'll confirm either way at survey.

We recommend bird protection mesh at the time of install. We can also fit an EV charger, or the cabling for one, while the team is already on site.

It depends on size and battery choice — our instant estimate tool gives a realistic price range and payback in 30 seconds, and a free survey confirms an exact fixed price. All fees are agreed upfront in writing.

Yes: income from exported power via the Smart Export Guarantee — the scheme that pays you for electricity you send back to the grid — plus effectively no running costs, low maintenance, and cheap daytime charging if you drive an electric car.

The Feed-in Tariff scheme is closed to new applicants, but you can still be paid for the electricity you export under the Smart Export Guarantee, which replaced it.

A standard system shuts down automatically for safety, so it won't power your home during an outage. Add a battery with house backup and your essentials can stay running.

Yes. We regularly add batteries to existing systems, whoever installed them, and any Feed-in Tariff payments you already receive are unaffected.

Most panels last well over 25 years. Guarantee terms vary between manufacturers and products, so the exact cover for the panels, inverter and battery on your system is set out in writing in your quote.

Very little. We recommend a check every two years, and offer a maintenance package if you'd like the reassurance.

Solar power is renewable and generates no greenhouse gases in use, so it lowers the carbon footprint of your home.