NATIONAL SOLAR INSTALLER OF THE YEAR
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, dedicated to providing you with valuable information about our products. If you’re considering harnessing the power of the sun to generate clean and renewable energy, you’ve come to the right place.
If you have any additional questions that are not covered here, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team, who are always ready to assist you on your solar energy journey.
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How can I tell if my home is suitable for Solar Panels?
Most homes are suitable for Solar however if your roof is North facing it won’t receive as much direct sunlight meaning your panels won’t be as efficient. South, West and East facing roofs will generate the most power.
30 to 35° is the optimal roof pitch if you are planning to install solar panels. In principle, you can use all roof pitches between 15 and 50°, but they won’t be as efficient.
Space should also be a key consideration. The average system will typically take up 20msq of roof area.
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How long does it take to have my panels installed?
Although there is currently a huge demand for Solar Panels, we are fully equipped to ensure you a speedy installation.
Once you’re happy with your quote we aim to have your panels installed within 7 to 14 days of you signing your contract. The only factor that may hold up an install is if we have to apply for DNO (District network Operator) application.
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What is a DNO Application?
If you are installing a large-scale solar system, greater than 16A per phase, you will need to apply for DNO approval prior to installation. This is because the grid needs to determine whether your local distributor can handle the extra load.
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Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?
Unless you live in a listed building, or your property is in a conservation area you can typically proceed without planning permission as the installation of solar is classed as a permitted development. You should also request permission if you are planning to installer Solar PV on a flat roof as the solar panels are placed in frames angled towards the sun. This means they typically need to protrude more than 0.2 meters above the roof slope which is contrary to the “permitted development “guidelines.
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What happens if my solar panels produce more electricity than I’m using?
If you wish to store any excess energy, we’d strongly recommend adding battery storage to your install. When your system produces more energy than you can use a battery storage system will collect and store the excess energy you have generated. You can use this energy when you need it such as a rainy day or during a black out .
You may also be able to sell any excess energy back to your utility company. This is known as net metering. Under net metering any energy produced by your solar panels that you don’t use is credited back to you .
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How long does the installation take?
Once the scaffold is up a typical solar installation takes 1-2 days .
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Will my panels need cleaning?
Most Solar PV panels in the UK will not need any heavy-duty cleaning because regular rain will wash most dirt and grime off the surface. We do recommend that you have your panels cleaned annually though as ensuring they are dirt free will keep them performing efficiently. You should always check your manufactures warranty before cleaning the panels yourself.
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What happens after my installation?
After your installation is complete our customer service team will issue your post installation pack containing all relevant documents including warranties. They will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your new solar system.