Frequently Asked Questions
Solar
Is solar right for my home?
Although every home is different, most can install and benefit from solar. It’s a great choice if you want to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. The main things to watch out for are not enough roof space, poor roof condition, obstacles and lots of shade. We’ll keep an eye out for all these and more as part of the process at energywin.
Are solar panels a worthwhile investment?
There has been a significant increase in the performance of solar panels and storage solutions over the past few years. Most recent studies have shown that through using a solar power system, you could cut your energy bills by as much as 90%. The higher your energy usage at home, the greater your potential savings.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels on my home?
Planning permission usually isn’t required for domestic solar panel installations as they fall under ‘permitted development’. However, if your home is in a conservation area you may need to get approval from the council.
How does the installation process work?
The install typically only takes one or two days, depending on the size of your system and access to the roof. The installation includes any scaffolding requirements, the fixing of the panels to your roof, installing all required cables and setting up your inverter and monitoring.
Our engineer will give you a full run-through of the system before they leave, and we’ll also be available for ongoing support and maintenance to help you get the most out of your new system.
What panels will you install?
We install a range of top rated panels that match performance with design. We work with SunPower, AIKO, Longi, Eurena, Perlight, Trina, Jinko, Panasonic, Sharp, JA and much, much more. There isn’t a Panel we cant do! Not all Solar panels are the same however and prices can vary significantly due to performance, build quality and warranties. We recommend a consultation with one of our Solar Energy Experts to get an understanding of what might be right for you and your budget.
Storage
What benefit do I get from installing a battery?
Having a battery means you can store energy generated by your solar panels as you won’t always need to use it straight away, as well as being able to buy and store energy from the grid when it’s available at a cheaper rate. Having this storage available helps you to get the most out of your solar panels and cut your bills even further!
How does solar and storage work?
The battery will store energy from your solar panels when they’re producing more power than you’re using in your home. This will then be available to use later on, such as in the evening when the sun has gone down.
How will I know how much energy is stored in my battery?
All solutions will come with a partner app which allows you to monitor the performance of your solar and battery system. Within the app you can see how much energy is stored in the battery and how much is being consumed by your home.
Could I get a battery if I don't have solar panels?
Yes, you can still get a home storage battery even if you don’t have solar panels. Home storage batteries are not exclusively for storing energy generated from solar panels; they can also be used to store electricity from the grid during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, and then use that stored energy during peak hours when rates are higher.
Having a home storage battery without solar panels can still provide benefits such as backup power during outages and energy cost savings by taking advantage of time-of-use pricing. Just keep in mind that without solar panels, you will be solely relying on grid electricity to charge the battery and although it can certainly be a worthwhile investment, the benefits are significantly enhanced when the battery is paired with Solar Panels.
Aftercare
Do I need to have the panels cleaned?
Natural rainfall will help to clean your panels, however we do recommend a clean every 2 to 3 years to ensure your panels run as efficiently as possible and to keep the panels in good condition. Most window cleaners will now offer the service to clean solar panels using a telescopic pole and ionised water. The average rate will range from £3 to £5 per solar panel.
What maintenance is required for solar panels?
Very little service and maintenance is required for solar panels. To ensure your solar panels continue to generate efficiently we recommend an annual service, which can make sure your system is kept in full working order, and any fault or drop in generation can be identified and resolved.
How long will my solar panels last?
Solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25-30 years but it’s not uncommon for them to last much longer than this due to recent advancements in technology. A solar panel doesn’t stop working after this time; it simply performs at its best during quoted lifespan and after that the output is no longer guaranteed.
