Frequently Asked Questions.
Making the decision to purchase solar panels for your property is a big step. Here are some frequently asked questions which may help with getting you ready for your solar installation. Of course, if you do find your self with some questions, a member of our team will always be on hand to help with those needs.
This is one of the most common questions when it comes to getting solar panels. Before we start any installation, we will send a surveyor to site. If your roof is damaged and needs repair, or if it’s old and will need a replacement within the next few years, it is best to fix those before going through with a solar installation. As a result, you will not have to pay the extra costs to dismantle the system and then re-install it after these issues have been rectified.
As a professional roofer will be installing your solar panels, for an additional cost we can complete any roof work you require.
The majority of solar panels weigh approximately 20kg per panel and most UK roofs are usually structurally strong enough to support the weight of solar panels.
When we think of roofs, most of us envision a standard gable roof, which is shaped by two sloping sides that meet in a point at the top. This is the most common roof type we see on modern buildings. However, roofs come in all different shapes and sizes — flat, mono-pitched shed or lean-to, curved, pyramid or hip, Mansard, dormer, and more. Each roof surface must be evaluated for sufficient space to accommodate solar panels. These roof types also have different degrees of pitch, which can affect the panel’s exposure to the sun and therefore your energy output.
The surveyor we send to your property will measure your roof size and angle. Once your survey has been carried out, we will then come to the installation equipped with the correct mounting kit for your property.
Alternatively, have you thought of a ground mount system? Most people with larger areas of land will consider having their panels mounted in the garden.
Your solar panels are like sponges for the sun. The more day light they get, the more energy you produce in return. To get the most out of your installation, it is ideal to place the solar panels on the most south facing roof surface. No matter the angle, your panels will still generate electricity to power your home. The surveyor that visits your property will discuss the options of where to house your panels and will take accurate roof directions.
In addition to evaluating the condition of your roof, you should also consider the energy efficiency of your home. If you are a high electricity user it will definitely be more beneficial to add battery storage of 4.8kw. Being a lower energy user, we would recommend a higher starting point of battery storage as you will be more likely to charge your batteries during the day.
Batteries are used to maximise your solar system. They will store the excess electricity that your system has generated and then can be used to power your home. With our online monitoring system, you can have control of when your batteries charge and discharge.
Being a fully registered company, we will fill all of your documents for you. We will then send out a confirmation of this acceptance to your self once we have received this. Various monitoring devices we offer also have the ability to show you how much electricity you are exporting, so you can keep track of this.
Please be aware in the event of a power cut, your solar panels will also stop powering your home. To use the energy stored in your batteries, an additional extra of an emergency power switch is required.
There are many types of solar panels, and they are known for being durable and long-lasting. Still, it’s important to know that you are covered in case anything should happen during their lifetime. Warranties, which usually cover equipment and production performance, vary by manufacturer. However, all panels will be covered under a manufacturers warranty.
Moreover, there are a number of components connected to your system, such as the inverter. All these separate components are covered by their own manufacturer’s warranties. It is important to note that these warranties include parts only. There may still be an additional cost for labour or delivery. It is important to ask your sales advisor of the cost for a repair when reporting a fault.
There are quite a few factors that influence your total solar panel installation cost, including the size of your setup, battery storage, or choose additional extras. Finance is available on our systems.
Additional cost factors you’ll want to consider are related to your energy usage:
- How much energy you consume now. — The more electricity you use, the greater the savings and payback from a solar panel installation will be.
- Whether that usage will increase or decrease in the future. — If you are planning to put in a pool, purchase an electric vehicle, or add to your family, your electricity usage will go up.
Talk with your solar contractor to design a solar panel installation that can best accommodate your energy needs throughout the year, considering utility net metering policies, and maximize your overall savings.
If you are in the market for residential solar panels, you can choose from a standard roof installation, an in-roof system or a ground-mounted system. It just depends on what you prefer based on your energy needs, design aesthetic, and amount of available space.
Keep in mind that it is also important to know that all solar panel manufacturers create their panels differently from other companies. Before going ahead with an installation, we recommend that you do your research on what solar panels will be best for your needs, and be sure to ask your solar installer what type of equipment they will use on your home. Our advisors will always offer you the best panels based on your return on investment.
After the completion of your solar installation, a member of the team will give you a call, on the same day to talk you through the next steps. We will send you out all login details along with user guides for your monitoring portal. Alongside this, you will also receive your handover pack. This will include all of your warranties and MCS documentation. Everything you need to apply for an export tariff.
Solar Knowledge Base
Have any questions? Check out our solar panel knowledge base, providing you with all the answers.
