FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to common questions about solar, batteries and heat pumps
Explore helpful guidance on renewable energy systems, installation, savings and suitability. If you still need advice, our team is here to help.
SOLAR PANEL FAQS
Solar panel questions homeowners ask most
1. Do solar panels work when it’s cloudy?
Yes. Solar panels work from daylight, so they’ll still generate when it’s cloudy, just not as much as on a bright sunny day.
2. Will solar panels work in winter?
Yes. They’ll generate all year round, although you’ll naturally produce more electricity during the spring and summer.
3. Do I need a south-facing roof?
No. South is ideal, but east and west-facing roofs can also work really well for solar.
4. How many solar panels do I need?
It depends on your roof space and how much electricity you use. We’ll design the system around your home and usage.
5. What happens to the solar I don’t use?
It can either be stored in a battery for later or exported back to the grid.
6. How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more, with most manufacturers offering long performance warranties.
7. Do solar panels need maintenance?
Very little. They have no moving parts and generally just need an occasional check and clean.
8. Do I need planning permission?
Usually not. Most home solar installations are covered by permitted development, although there are some exceptions.
9. How long does installation take?
Most home solar installations take around 1–2 days, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
10. Will solar panels reduce my electricity bill?
Yes. The more of your own solar electricity you use, the less electricity you need to buy from the grid.
BATTERY STORAGE FAQS
Battery storage questions homeowners ask most
1. Can I have a battery without solar panels?
Yes. You can charge a battery from the grid when electricity is cheaper and use it later when prices are higher.
2. What does a home battery do?
It stores electricity so you can use it when you need it, rather than buying more from the grid.
3. What size battery do I need?
It depends on how much electricity you use. We’ll look at your usage and recommend a battery that suits your home.
4. Can I charge my battery overnight?
Yes. Most modern batteries can be set to charge during cheaper overnight tariff periods.
5. Will my battery work during a power cut?
Some batteries can provide backup power, but the system needs to be designed and installed for this.
6. Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels?
Yes. In most cases, a battery can be added to an existing solar system.
7. How long does a home battery last?
Most modern batteries are designed to last many years and come with long manufacturer warranties.
8. Can I control my battery from my phone?
Yes. Most systems have an app where you can see your battery, solar generation and household electricity use.
9. Can I add more batteries later?
With many systems, yes. We can design your system with future expansion in mind.
10. Is a battery worth having?
For many homes, yes. They’re particularly useful if you have solar or can take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity.
HEAT PUMP FAQS
Heat pump questions homeowners ask most
1. How does a heat pump work?
It takes heat from the outside air and uses it to heat your home and hot water.
2. Will a heat pump keep my house warm in winter?
Yes. A correctly designed heat pump will comfortably heat your home even when it’s cold outside.
3. Can I get the £7,500 heat pump grant?
If your property is eligible, you could receive £7,500 towards an air source heat pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
4. Do I need new radiators?
Not always. We’ll check your existing radiators and only recommend changing the ones that need it.
5. Do heat pumps work with underfloor heating?
Yes. Heat pumps and underfloor heating work particularly well together.
6. Are heat pumps expensive to run?
A properly designed system can be very efficient. Running costs will depend on your home, electricity tariff and how you use your heating.
7. Are heat pumps noisy?
Modern heat pumps are surprisingly quiet. We’ll also consider the best position for the outdoor unit when we survey your home.
8. Can I have solar, a battery and a heat pump together?
Yes. They work really well together and can help reduce how much energy you need to buy from the grid.
9. Do I need a hot water cylinder?
Usually, yes. We’ll check the space available and recommend the right size cylinder for your home.
10. Will a heat pump work in an older house?
Yes, it can. The important thing is getting the design right, which is why we carry out a heat-loss calculation before recommending a system.