Solar Panel Installation: FAQ's

Solar thermal panels heat water which is stored in your existing hot water tank, obviating the need to use energy to create hot water. PV (or photo voltaic, electricity generating) solar panels generate electricity which is either used immediately or exported back into the National Grid.

Generally no, unless your house is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or in a National Park, where some restrictions apply. It is best to check with your Local Planning Authority.

It depends on how much sunlight your panels capture. South facing panels will capture more than panels facing east or west, and of course, there'll be less energy generated during winter months.

Most homes are suitable. You'll need a roof that faces (at best) south, east or west.

A PV solar electricity system can cost between £3,000 and £8,000 depending on the type and size of the system you're installing – but the savings are greater too.

You need sign up for export tariff with your electricity supplier. Most suppliers will pay you around 5p per kWh for any electricity you Export.

Installation can be completed in one day.

Not unless you install batteries to store the power and this is very rare. Surplus electricity is sold back to your electricity supplier.

Very little. A solar thermal system needs checking over every three years. A PV (photo voltaic or electricity generating) system needs little or no maintenance once installed.

The panels we use are made to perform well, whatever the weather. Even diffuse sunlight on a cloudy day is enough to power our panels. Our systems are designed specifically with our climatic conditions in mind so you will benefit financially even when the great British weather does its worst!

Most areas of the UK can benefit from solar installations. The far north of Scotland is not an optimum area – everywhere else is ideal considering the technological advances made in solar power in recent years.

A solar thermal system will integrate with your existing hot water tank. If you have a combi boiler and no tank, we'll install one. A PV (photo voltaic or electricity generating) system will supply electricity to your property seamlessly.

An average domestic installation requires around 15m2, but we will happily install smaller or larger systems.