Frequently asked questions.

Our Most Common Questions

Why should I combine Solar, Battery Storage and an EV Charger?

Combining all three creates a complete home energy ecosystem. You generate your own solar power, store the excess for later use in the battery and charge your electric vehicle with self-generated energy. This is helps to ensure maximum ‘self-consumption’ i.e. the proportion of energy used in the home that is generated on site vs being imported from the grid. This greatly improves savings and energy independence.

Can I get just solar panels or just a battery storage system?

Yes. You can start with solar panels to reduce your daytime energy bills, or install a battery alongside your existing solar (a 'retrofit') to store your excess solar power. Installing a battery without solar can also be a great way to avoid paying for electricity at peak times. Batteries can be charged on a cheap off-peak rate overnight, providing power to the home throughout the following day. We design bespoke systems and can easily advise on a phased approach that suits your current needs and future energy goals.

Does the battery provide backup power during a blackout?

Many modern battery systems can provide either whole home backup or partial backup power to specific circuits (eg lights, WiFi, fridges & freezer) during a power cut. We will work with your preferences and establish which approach is best for your property.

How long does it take for the system to pay for itself?

The payback period typically ranges from 4 to 10 years, depending on your system size, installation cost, current energy usage, and electricity tariff. The payback time is often shorter for households that make the most of their battery power, switch to a smart tariff or charge an Electric Vehicle at home. Shifting energy intensive activities like laundry, tumble drying and dishwasher cycles to a part of the day where solar generation is higher is also a great way to increase your self-consumption.

Will this setup eliminate my electricity bill?

It can significantly reduce your bill—often by 80-100% of your current usage. While you will likely still have a standing grid charge and may occasionally pull from the grid (especially in winter), you dramatically reduce the amount of electricity you buy across a typical year.

Solar Panels

Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?

Yes, absolutely. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sunlight. While production is lower on heavily overcast days, your system will still be generating a useful amount of power that is often more than enough to cover your base electricity load.

Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Most roofs are suitable. Ideally, your roof should be south, southwest, or southeast-facing and have minimal shading from trees or nearby buildings. Our free survey includes a full, detailed structural and shading assessment. We always give our honest opinion regarding a roof’s suitability and will look at all available options to settle on the best performing system design.

How long do solar panels last?

Most modern solar panels come with a performance warranty of 25+ years (guaranteeing a certain level of output), but the physical panels can comfortably last 30 years or more.

EV Charging

Can I charge my EV using only solar power?

Yes, with a smart EV charger, you can set the system to only charge your vehicle using the surplus power generated by your solar panels, ensuring you are driving on 100% clean, self-generated energy.

How fast is a home EV charger?

Most residential chargers are 7kW for single phase properties, which adds approximately 30 miles of range per hour. This is significantly faster and safer than using a standard 3-pin plug, which can overheat and cause safety hazards. If your property has a three phase supply, you will be able to have a charger that delivers up to 22kW of power.

What is a "Smart" EV charger?

A smart charger connects to Wi-Fi and allows you to schedule charging during the cheapest off-peak hours (if using a specific energy tariff) or integrate directly with your solar/battery system to use self-generated power. It gives you full control via a mobile app.

Installation & Maintenance

How long does the installation process actually take?

For a standard residential system (panels, inverter, and battery), the physical installation usually takes 1 to 2 days on-site. The entire process, from your initial free survey to system switch-on, typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, as it includes system design, equipment ordering, and paperwork submission (like DNO notification).

What happens during the free survey?

Our certified surveyor will assess your property's suitability. This includes checking your roof's orientation, pitch, and structure, looking for potential shading issues, assessing your current electrical setup (meter and fuse box), and advising on the best location for your inverter and battery. It's a key step to ensure your custom system delivers maximum performance.

Is planning permission required for installation?

In most cases, no. Rooftop solar systems generally fall under ‘permitted development rights’. However, if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, or if the system exceeds certain size limits, specific permissions may be required.

Do I need to clean the solar panels?

Solar panels are designed to be relatively maintenance-free. Rainfall usually keeps them clean if they’re at a pitch of 10 degrees or more. However, an annual check-up and occasional cleaning (every few years) may be recommended in areas prone to heavy dust or bird droppings to ensure maximum efficiency.