Solar Panel FAQs

  • Savings vary by home, but many York households save around £400 - £700 per year on electricity.

  • Yes. They still generate electricity in daylight, though output is reduced compared to sunny conditions.

  • Most homes use 8 - 14 panels (around 3 - 5 kW), depending on roof size and energy use.

  • Typically 25 - 30 years with very little required maintenance.

  • Almost never. Standard roof-mounted systems fall under permitted development.

  • No. The mounting system protects tiles and maintains roof integrity.

  • Yes. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs pay you for excess energy you send back to the grid.

  • Yes, solar panels typically increase a home’s value.

    Across the UK, the average uplift is roughly 2 - 4% for a modern, well-installed system, and can push 5%+ if paired with a decent battery and good EPC improvement.

  • North-facing roofs produce less energy, but east/west split roofs often perform very well.

  • Standard solar systems shut down for safety unless paired with a battery system that supports backup power.

Battery Storage FAQs

  • Batteries typically add £200–£400 per year in additional savings by shifting energy into evenings and reducing peak-time import.

  • Most homes use 5–10 kWh. High-use homes or EV owners may choose larger systems.

  • Only if the battery system has backup capability — not all models include this.

  • No. Batteries work well on their own by charging from off-peak tariffs, helping reduce bills even without solar.

  • Most modern lithium batteries last 10–15 years, with warranties typically 5–10 years.

  • Not yet for most homes. EVs still charge via AC chargers; true DC home charging is emerging but not yet mainstream.

  • No — the battery must be compatible with the inverter type or hybrid system installed.

  • It depends on size and setup. Generally yes, many systems cover lighting, appliances, and general usage, but very high-load items may need special configuration.

EV Charger FAQs

  • Most homes use 7 kW chargers, which fully charge most EVs overnight. Homes with three-phase supply can use 22 kW units.

  • Tethered chargers have a fixed cable for convenience. Untethered units let you use any Type-2 cable and look cleaner on the wall.

  • Yes, it’s one of the primary benefits! Certain chargers can even prioritise solar energy for charging.

  • Sometimes. Load balancing or minor consumer-unit upgrades may be required for safe charger installation.

    But we’ll be able to talk you through all that before you agree to any install.

  • Most installs take 2–4 hours, depending on cable routing and electrical setup.

  • No, home chargers fall under permitted development rules.

  • Only if the home already has three-phase power. Most UK houses are single-phase and limited to 7 kW.

  • Yes an average EV actually holds around 2-3 days work of home electricity.

    We offer bidirectional installs, but remember your car must also be capable. (Check with your manufacturer)

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