Frequently Asked Questions

While solar panels work most effectively in direct sunlight, they can still produce electricity on cloudy days. Solar panels are capable of absorbing energy from the ‘visible light spectrum’, so they work even when it is overcast. A bit of rain can actually be beneficial too, as it washes off dirt, dust, or debris that might block sunlight.

Generally, it is a good idea to use power-hungry devices such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers at times when the solar panels are capturing the most sunlight, to make use of the power they are generating. You will even find that some homes combine solar panels with battery storage systems, so energy can be stored up to use later, or even sold back to the grid.

Another common misconception is that solar panels have to be attached to a south-facing roof. While south-facing installations typically have the highest potential to generate electricity, they can also work well on east and west-facing roofs. The key is aligning your energy use with how the light is hitting your panels:

• East-facing panels generate more power in the morning.

• West-facing panels perform better in the afternoon and early evening.

Avoiding shade is often more important than getting the pointing in a south-facing direction; installers might even recommend positioning panels away from due south if it means they’ll avoid shade from near by buildings.

Unless the job is particularly complex, installing solar panels typically takes a couple of days, similar to the time required for installing a new gas boiler.

The most significant disruption is likely to come from the need to erect scaffolding. Additionally, an inverter and a generation meter, which displays the power output of your solar panels, will need to be installed. When deciding where to place your inverter, it is generally recommended to choose a well-ventilated, cool, and easily accessible location in your home, which might not necessarily be the loft. This is something you can discuss with your installer, who can determine the best option for your home.

Everyone has their own preferences, and some might not like the appearance of solar panels on a property. However, with over 1.5 million solar panels now installed on homes across the UK, they are becoming much more common and less likely to surprise potential buyers.

In fact, solar panels can make a home more attractive, especially to those interested in reducing their carbon footprint or lowering long-term running costs.

Instead of deterring potential buyers, research from our annual Greener Homes Report shows that eco-friendly improvements can actually increase a properties value.

The average home uses around 2,700 kWh of electricity a year. With 12 solar panels, you could generate up to 3,180 kWh of electricity a year- more than enough to run your home.

Installation costs are continuing to come down. And there are more and more ways to make the upfront costs more manageable. So rooftop solar panels are a better option than ever before as a renewable energy solution in the UK.

This is a government scheme that allows homeowners and businesses to receive payments for the excess energy that they generate and export back to the grid. It was introduced to encourage the uptake of renewable energy generation systems, replacing the previous Feed In Tariff (FIT) scheme.

Under the SEG, energy suppliers are required to pay for the electricity sent to the grid, promoting the use of low-carbon energy.

Well, there is the reductions you are going to make on your fuel bills, because generating your own electricity will help reduce all of those costs considerably.

• Reduced electricity bills: A 2.8 kWp system should be able to generate around 35% of an average household’s annual electricity needs.

• Lower Carbon emissions: Solar panels don’t produce any carbon emissions, which help to greatly reduce the impact your home has on the environment.

• No running costs: Once installed, you won’t have to worry about operating costs as they create free renewable energy for your home.

• Low maintenance: Other than making sure the panels get enough light (make sure that they are not obstructed) there is not a lot else to worry about.