The amount of electricity solar panels produce depends on several factors, including the size of the system, the efficiency of the panels, and the amount of sunlight available. On average, a typical residential solar panel system in the UK (around 3-4 kW) can generate about 2,500 to 4,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. This is enough to cover a significant portion of a household’s energy needs. In sunnier locations, panels may produce more, while in cloudy areas, output may be lower. The exact amount also depends on the tilt, orientation, and shading of the panels. Speak to one of our advisors here to find out how solar panels could benefit you home.

Solar Panels, fixed to the wall or roof of a house or block of flats, are classed as 'permitted development' and do not require planning permission. However there are some restrictions and stipulations. If you are considering getting Solar PV Panels installed, please speak to one of our advisors or head to this City of York Council webpage before installation: https://www.york.gov.uk/SolarPanels

If you have solar panels but then move house, the panels typically stay with the property. This can increase the home value and appeal to buyers, as they benefit from lower energy bills and possibly earn through incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) with excess electricity generation. Ownership of the panels and any associated benefits, such as remaining SEG payments or warranties, usually transfer to the new homeowner. In some cases, if you have a lease or financing agreement for the panels, you’ll need to transfer this agreement to the buyer or settle it before selling the property.

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You can make some money from selling surplus generated electricity to the grid, using a smart export guarantee tariff arrangement with an energy supplier. However, you are likely to benefit more from reducing the amount of energy you import from the grid as that costs more per unit. Running appliances or storing energy from the sun will give you a better return on the investment. Speak to one of our advisors here to find out how you can best optimise solar energy for your home.

Yes, you can use solar panels to charge an electric car. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, which can be stored in a battery or fed directly into your home's power system. If you have an electric vehicle (EV), you can use the solar-generated electricity to charge it, either by connecting the EV to the solar-powered home charging system or using a solar carport. This can reduce your reliance on the grid, lower electricity costs, and reduce your carbon footprint. However, the size and efficiency of the solar panel system will determine how much energy it can generate and how quickly it can charge your car.  

Speak to one of our advisors here to find out more about charging your Electric Vehicle and how home energy solutions can support this.

Yes, it’s possible to get all your electricity from solar power, but it depends on several factors. The size of your solar system, the amount of sunlight your location receives, and your home energy needs all play a role. If your solar power system is large enough and your energy consumption is balanced with the amount of solar energy you produce, your home can be fully powered by solar.

However, solar energy production varies throughout the day and year. To ensure a consistent supply, many people combine solar with battery storage to save excess energy for use at night or on cloudy days. Alternatively, you can stay connected to the grid as a backup for times when your solar system doesn't meet your electricity needs.

Speak to one of our advisors here to find out how you can benefit from having solar power on your home.

Photovoltaic solar panels come in different sizes and output values, e.g. at 300W per panel you would need 10 such panels to have a 3kW array. The actual number will depend on the size and configuration of your roof, as well as panel stock availability to your preferred installer. Find out more about solar panels and the benefits here.

Yes, you can install solar panels without a battery, and it’s quite common. The main benefit of this setup is lower upfront costs, as batteries can be an expensive addition. Even without a battery, you can still generate your own electricity during the day, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your energy bills.

Another benefit is that if you generate more electricity than you use, you can sell the excess back to the grid through programs like the UK’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). While you won't have stored energy for night time use, solar panels without a battery can still provide significant savings and a faster return on investment.

Speak to one of our advisors here to find out more about how solar panels for your home can benefit you.

The cost of solar panels for a home in the UK varies based on factors like system size, panel type, and installation specifics. On the lower end, a smaller 3kW system might cost between £4,000 and £6,000, including installation. For larger systems, such as those around 6kW to 8kW, prices can range from £8,000 to £12,000 or more, depending on the quality of the panels and additional features like battery storage.

Get in touch here today to discuss further the benefits of solar panels for your home.

Yes, in the UK, you can get paid for your spare solar energy through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. The SEG allows households with solar panels to sell excess electricity they generate back to the grid. Energy suppliers offer payments for the surplus energy, which helps reduce your overall energy costs and provides a financial return on your solar investment.

The rate you are paid depends on the supplier, so it’s worth comparing offers to find the best deal. This scheme replaces the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and ensures that homeowners with solar panels can benefit from the energy they don’t use.

Our advisors will help you get the most out of your solar solution, get in touch here to find out more.

You can make money from your solar system in several ways. First, you can save on electricity bills by generating your own energy, which reduces the amount you need to buy from the grid. This is often the most immediate financial benefit.

Additionally, many regions offer feed-in tariffs or net metring programs that allow you to sell excess energy back to the grid, earning you money for the surplus electricity your system generates. You might also qualify for government incentives or tax credits that can further improve your return on investment. Finally, if your solar system increases your property value, you can benefit from a higher resale price if you decide to sell your home.

Speak to one of our advisors here to find out how you can benefit from having solar panels fitted on your home.

Common financing options include home equity loans, personal loans, energy-efficient mortgages, and specific green energy loans. Additionally, some utility companies and local governments offer rebate programs, grants, or low-interest loans for energy-efficient upgrades.

Solar panels absorb sunlight through photovoltaic (PV) cells, converting it into direct current (DC) electricity. This is then converted to alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter, which can power your home or be sent back to the grid.

Solar panels work best in direct sunlight, but they can still generate some electricity on cloudy days, though at a reduced efficiency. However, they do not produce power at night. Energy storage solutions like batteries can help store excess power for nighttime use.

Solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years with minimal degradation in efficiency. They require very little maintenance; occasional cleaning to remove debris and annual inspections to ensure optimal performance are generally sufficient.

The payback period varies depending on the type of retrofit, upfront costs, and energy savings. Solar panels typically take 6-10 years to pay off, while smaller upgrades, like insulation or energy-efficient windows, may have shorter payback periods. Energy savings and incentives will accelerate the return on investment.