Solar & Battery Storage – Your Frequently Asked Questions

Solar panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells. These are made from semiconductor materials that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.

An inverter then converts this to alternating current (AC) for use in your home.

Panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, just at a reduced output.

Most homes are suitable.

South-facing roofs at a 30–40° pitch give the best output. But east- or west-facing roofs work well, too.

We carry out a free site survey to assess your roof’s suitability and design the right system for your home.

In most cases, no.

Solar panels are classed as permitted development on most residential properties in the UK. Exceptions include:

• Listed buildings
• Properties in conservation areas
• Some flats.

We’ll advise on whether you need planning permission for your solar during your free site survey.

A typical 3–4kW solar system generates around 2,500–3,500 kWh per year in the UK.

However, the final figure varies depending on your location, roof orientation, and any shading.

Any unused electricity can either:

• Be stored in a battery to use later
• Be exported to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Your supplier pays you for what you send back

Not necessarily, but it makes a significant difference.

A battery lets you store surplus electricity generated during the day to use in the evening, during a power cut, or when the sun isn’t shining.

It maximises your energy independence and reduces what you draw from the grid.

No.

You can install a battery without solar panels — it can be charged from the grid during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper.

That said, pairing a battery with solar panels significantly increases your savings and energy independence.

And. adding a heat panel can further maximise your savings (Read: ‘The Power of the Golden Trio: Heat Pups, Solar Panels, and Battery Storage’.)

Yes.

Even if you’re not home, you can earn money by exporting unused electricity to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Adding a battery means you can store daytime generation and use it in the evenings, further maximising the value of your system.

A typical solar PV system costs between £5,000 and £8,000, depending on size and specification.

Adding battery storage typically costs an additional £3,000–£6,000.

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your home.

Yes. There are no direct grants for most homeowners. But there are sources for funding solar that you can benefit from:

• Zero VAT on solar panel and battery installation (until March 2027)
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments from your supplier for exporting electricity
• Interest-free loans are also available in Scotland through Home Energy Scotland.

Yes.

There are a range of green finance products available to help spread the cost of solar installation. These include green mortgages and specialist renewable energy loans.

We can point you in the right direction.

Yes. Solar panels pair excellently with heat pumps and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

By combining these technologies, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.

Adding a battery lets you store any surplus solar energy to use when you need it most.

Not without a battery. For safety reasons, standard grid-connected solar systems automatically shut down during a power cut to protect engineers working on the lines.

With a battery and the right inverter configuration, you can keep essential appliances running during an outage.

Solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more. Most coming with a 25-year performance warranty.

Inverters typically need replacing after 10–15 years, and battery storage systems after 10+ years.

Very little. Solar panels are largely self-cleaning, though an occasional rinse can help if they become dirty.

We recommend a periodic system check to ensure everything is running efficiently. We offer service packages to take care of this for you.

Potentially, yes. Solar panels are an increasingly attractive feature for homebuyers.

Properties with solar panels are viewed as more energy-efficient and future-proofed. This can increase both saleability and value — particularly as energy costs remain high.