Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers to the most common questions about our products, services, and solar solutions.
Whether you’re a homeowner exploring solar for the first time or a business looking to reduce energy costs, we’ve grouped our FAQs into categories for easy browsing.
Solar Panel
Absolutely. Adding a battery allows you to store excess solar energy for use at night or during peak times, maximising savings.
Yes, studies show that homes with solar panels often see an increase in value as buyers are attracted to lower energy costs and sustainable living.
Solar panels need very little maintenance. An occasional clean and regular system checks ensure maximum performance.
Savings depend on system size and energy usage, but most UK households can cut electricity bills by 50-70% with solar panels.
Most residential solar panel installations in the UK fall under permitted development, meaning you don’t usually need planning permission. Exceptions apply to listed buildings or conservation areas.
Yes, all panels we supply come with manufacturer warranties, typically 10–15 years for product and 25 years for performance.
This depends on your energy use and roof space. Our team provides a tailored design after your consultation.
Yes. Panels still generate electricity in cloudy conditions, typically producing 10–30% of their maximum output.
On average, solar panels last 25–30 years, with warranties that cover performance for most of that lifespan.
All our brands – Jinko, Leapton, and DMEGC – are carefully chosen for efficiency and durability in the UK climate.
Inverter
Your solar panels will temporarily stop generating usable electricity. Manufacturer warranties and our support ensure quick repair or replacement.
Yes. Brands like Solis and Fox offer three-phase inverters suitable for larger residential or commercial systems.
Your inverter size depends on your solar panel capacity. Our team will match the right inverter to your system during design.
Most modern inverters come with mobile apps or web portals, allowing you to track system performance in real time.
Yes. If you plan to add batteries, a hybrid inverter is recommended as it can manage both solar generation and energy storage.
A standard inverter only converts solar energy. A hybrid inverter can also manage battery storage and integrate with EV chargers.
On average, inverters last 10–15 years. Regular servicing can extend their lifespan.
Yes, most inverters come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 5 to 12 years, with options to extend.
It depends on your system size and needs. Solis offers reliable standalone inverters, while GivEnergy and Sigenergy provide smart hybrid options.
A solar inverter converts the DC electricity generated by solar panels into usable AC electricity for your home or business.
Battery
Absolutely. Larger battery systems can help businesses reduce peak demand charges, cut energy costs, and improve resilience during outages.
Yes, but having a smart meter ensures you can benefit from export tariffs (like SEG) for any excess energy you send back to the grid.
Solar batteries are generally maintenance-free. However, we recommend periodic system checks to ensure optimal performance.
Yes. Modular systems like Dyness, Fox, and Sigenergy allow you to add more storage as your energy needs grow.
Charging times depend on battery size, inverter type, and sunlight availability. Most home batteries charge fully within a few hours of good solar generation.
By storing excess energy for later use, you can reduce reliance on the grid and save up to 90% on electricity bills.
Yes, if your system includes backup functionality. Batteries like Tesla Powerwall 3 can provide off-grid support during outages.
Most batteries last 10–15 years, depending on usage and brand. Warranties usually cover 6,000+ cycles.
Yes. Many batteries can be retrofitted to existing solar PV systems, especially with hybrid inverters.
The right battery size depends on your energy usage and solar system. Our experts will recommend the best option after a consultation.
EV Charger
Yes. Most chargers use a universal Type 2 connector, so they’re compatible with the vast majority of EVs sold in the UK.
Yes. Commercial chargers are usually higher capacity, support multiple vehicles, and include features like RFID access and billing options.
Yes. By using off-peak electricity or surplus solar power, smart EV chargers can lower your charging costs significantly.
In most cases, EV chargers are considered permitted development in the UK. Exceptions may apply for listed buildings or properties in conservation areas.
It depends on the charger type and your vehicle. Most home chargers are 7kW and provide 20–30 miles of range per hour. Faster 22kW chargers are available for three-phase supply.
Yes, most chargers come with manufacturer warranties, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years.
Yes. Smart chargers allow you to schedule charging during off-peak hours or when solar energy is available.
Installation usually takes half a day, depending on your property layout and electrical setup.
Most EV chargers are universal and compatible with Type 2 connectors, which are standard in the UK.
Yes. With compatible chargers and hybrid systems, surplus solar energy can be used to power your EV.
Residential Solar
A standard on-grid system shuts down for safety during an outage. However, a hybrid system with battery storage can provide backup power to keep essential appliances running.
The payback period typically ranges from 6–10 years, depending on system size, household energy use, and SEG income.
Yes. Many homeowners start with a panel-only system and add a solar battery later to store energy for night-time use.
In most cases, solar panels are classed as permitted development in the UK, so no planning permission is required. Exceptions may apply in conservation areas or listed buildings.
Most solar panels last 25–30 years, with performance warranties guaranteeing at least 80% efficiency after 25 years.
Yes. Through Phoenix Financial Consultants, you can spread the cost of your system with flexible monthly payments.
Solar panels need very little maintenance. Occasional cleaning and annual system checks are usually enough to keep your system performing at its best.
Most residential solar installations are completed within 1–3 days, depending on system size and property type.
Yes. Homes with solar PV are often more attractive to buyers, as they come with lower running costs and sustainable energy.
Yes. Solar panels don’t need direct sunshine; they generate electricity even on cloudy days. The UK has plenty of daylight hours to make solar worthwhile.
Commercial Solar
Yes. Through our partner Smart Ease, we offer flexible finance options so you can start saving without a large upfront cost.
Yes. With battery storage solutions like Tesla Powerwall 3 or Fox, you can store excess energy and use it when you need it.
Solar panels still generate power in low light – typically 30–50% of capacity on cloudy days and 10–20% on rainy days.
Quality solar panels have a lifespan of 25–30 years with minimal maintenance.
Choose installers with MCS, NAPIT, RECC, and TrustMark accreditations.
start solar holds all of these.
This depends on your roof or ground space and energy consumption. start solar provides a tailored design after a site assessment.
Yes, depending on your energy usage and system size. Many businesses offset a significant portion of their electricity needs with solar.
In most cases, no. Commercial solar is usually classed as permitted development, but large-scale or listed buildings may need local approval.
The average payback is 3–5 years, after which the savings go straight to your bottom line.
Most businesses reduce electricity bills by 40–70% depending on energy usage, system size, and battery storage.
About Solar
Yes – they reduce energy bills, increase property value, and help achieve sustainability goals, making them a long-term investment in both savings and the environment.
Yes – under the UK’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can earn money for exporting unused electricity to the grid.
Most homes in the UK don’t require planning permission. However, if you live in a listed building or conservation area, you may need approval.
Residential systems usually take 1–2 days to install after the initial assessment and approvals. Larger commercial systems may take longer.
Solar panels are low-maintenance. Occasional cleaning and periodic checks ensure they keep working efficiently.
Most solar panels come with a 20–25 year performance warranty and can continue producing electricity well beyond that period.
A battery isn’t required, but it allows you to store unused solar power for evenings or cloudy days, maximising your savings and energy independence.
Savings depend on your system size, energy use, and whether you add a battery. On average, UK homeowners can save up to 70% on electricity bills.
Yes – solar panels generate power even on cloudy or rainy days. They may produce less than on sunny days, but they still deliver significant energy savings year-round.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. This electricity can power your property or be stored in a battery for later use.
Eddi Water Heating
Eddi typically comes with a manufacturer’s warranty (2–3 years), with the option to extend.
Eddi works with most immersion heater-equipped hot water tanks. Our engineers will check compatibility during consultation.
A standard installation usually takes 2–3 hours and can often be completed in a single visit.
Eddi is primarily designed for immersion heaters, but it can complement other heating systems by reducing their workload.
Yes. Even on cloudy days, if your panels generate surplus energy, Eddi will divert it to your water tank.
Yes. The app-enabled version allows you to track usage and control settings remotely.
Savings vary, but many households can reduce hot water heating costs by 60–80% annually.
Yes. Eddi can be added to most existing solar PV setups with minimal changes.
No. Eddi works independently and is ideal for homes without battery storage, ensuring no energy goes to waste.
Eddi is a device that diverts surplus solar electricity to your immersion heater, giving you free hot water instead of exporting energy back to the grid.
Still have questions?
Our experts are here to help. Contact us today and get personalised advice for your solar journey.