Interested In A Home Solar Energy System?
Simply click the button and complete the form. We will then be in touch to understand your needs, providing more information on how solar panels can be save you money on your energy bills.
What about trees, are they a problem? There are always a lot of questions about home solar energy systems including this one, so here are answers to common questions (including trees) in home solar energy FAQS.
If you cannot find the answer here or on the website, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.
Starting with trees are not necessarily a problem
From us standing on the ground trees seem like a hurdle to having solar power. Not necessarily. As long as there is a clear view of the sky, trees are not a problem as show below. If you are not sure we are hear to help.
Lots of trees seemingly in the way.
How the roof actually is. The neighbouring house creates a clear view of the sky. When the sun angle is lower in the winter the leaves have gone so less shadow.
Here are more frequently asked questions about solar power for the home -
Yes. Solar is a great investment in three ways.
First you lower your energy bills and save money.
Second, solar improves the value of your home with a suitable installation.
Third, you help reduce pollution and improve the overall environment.
If your home has sunlight and is not heavily shaded, it will be suitable for solar panels.
Ideally the roof or place you are going to install solar panels should be South, South East or South West facing. Solar panels can be installed on East or West facing roofs, although they may produce slightly less electricity.
Solar panels can be fitted to most domestic roof types in the UK although non standard tiled roofs may take longer and have additional cost.
Ideal roofs have a pitch between 20 and 50 degrees and tiled roofs are simplest. Due to way slates are attached to the battens solar panels can take slightly longer to install.
Flat roofs can be used for solar as well with a different type of mounting system.
The cost for solar panels depends on what size the system is, the panels and how they are mounted, equipment used - inverter and potentially a battery, and how complex the installation is.
Every solar system install needs individually surveying and specifying, all of which is included in the cost of the install along with labour and necessarily certification.
Depending on where you live, there can be financial assistance in the form of grants, rebates and tax incentives.
A solar installer can help see if you can apply for help.
Installed correctly with an optimum system for your needs, solar panels can reduce your electricity bills significantly.
The savings will depend on the type of system you have, any extra energy storage with a battery, how much the electricity companies are paying for your solar electricity and of course your electricity consumption.
This depends on several factors - system size of the system, location, weather conditions. A typical home solar system will generate in the UK between 5,000 and 10,000 kWh per year.
For comparison without an EV, the average 3 person home in the UK uses 2,900 kWh and a 4 to 5 person home 4,300 kWh (Ofgem).
If you have solar and an EV, you can get many motoring miles for free from the excess solar production.
Modern solar panels are designed to work light intensity not direct sunlight so they will continue generating even when cloudy or rainy.
Although the panels output will not be as high as very bright days, you will still be generating and benefitting from the electricity the solar panels produce.
Receiving the same level of solar as the UK, Germany is one of the largest solar energy producing countries in the world.
Yes solar panels will produce electricity all year. As the panels work on light intensity they will not produce as much electricity in the winter as in the summer. This is factored in to the design and quote to give you a realistic view and payback period.
Solar panels generally require minimal maintenance. In the UK the rain does a good job of washing dust of the panels, but it is a good idea to check debris build up like bird poop. Another easy check is to see if the panels have been put in the shade by trees growing etc which may then require a trim.
You can also check for issues by monitoring the system's performance.
If you would like extra reassurance that your solar system is working optimally, maintenance packages are available.
Modern solar panels are built to last out of toughened materials designed to cope with the worst of the weather. Many panels have a 20 to 25 year warranty.
However like the appliances and gadgets we use everyday, solar panels will continue generating after the warranty period is over, so they are a long term investment that will keep paying back for years.
Using solar power during a power cut depends on the solar system installed.
A grid tied direct export solar system cannot be used for safety reasons.
A solar energy system, ideally installed with a solar battery, can power your home during a power cut using an extra gateway to isolate the property from the grid while the power is off. A gateway is required to keep the power in your home and not power your neighbours as well, plus it protects anyone working on the supply during the time the power is off.
Off grid systems function regardless as power cuts will not affect them.
If you would like the system to provide backup power in the case of of power cut, please let us know before we design the solar system.
Although technically possible, it is recommended to use professional solar installers who have knowledge of the equipment, regulations, are electrically qualified, can certify your panels (some Feed In Tariff companies require this before connecting your panels up for payment) and will use all this experience to design the optimal solar system for you needs.
If you have the space it is always possible to add more panels but this is not a straightforward process as the rest of your equipment may need upgrading too.
By using a solar installation company who can understand your requirements now and going forward, they can design a system to meet your needs to save unnecessary costs later.
For a standard home installation takes between one and three days depending on the size of the system and complexity of installation.
If you have a larger or more complicated system then it may be longer.
The solar installer will advise you on the expected installation time when they survey the property as part of the quoting process.