Question 1

How many panels do I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your annual electricity use, your roof area and its orientation. As a rule of thumb, a 3 bed semi using 3,500 kWh a year suits an 11-panel, 4.4 kW system. We size from your actual bills, not a generic average.

Question 2

Do solar panels work on a north-facing roof?

Accepted Answer

They generate, but around 30–40% less than south-facing. East-west split arrays are often the better answer, slightly lower total output than south, but spread across morning and evening when you actually use power.

Question 3

Is there VAT on solar?

Accepted Answer

Residential solar PV and battery storage are currently zero-rated for VAT in the UK until March 2027, which is a meaningful saving built into every quote we give you.

Question 4

What is the Smart Export Guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Licensed energy suppliers must pay you for surplus electricity you export to the grid. Rates vary by supplier, typically 4p to 15p per kWh. We register your system and help you pick a tariff.

Question 5

How long do panels last?

Accepted Answer

Panels carry 25–30 year performance warranties and typically still produce around 87% of their original output at year 25. The inverter is the part most likely to need replacing, usually somewhere between year 10 and 15.

Question 6

Do I need planning permission?

Accepted Answer

For most homes, no: solar falls under permitted development. Listed buildings, conservation areas and flat-roof mounting above a certain height are the exceptions, and we'll flag any of those at survey.

Question 7

What maintenance is involved?

Accepted Answer

Very little. UK rain cleans panels reasonably well; a professional clean every couple of years helps if you're near trees or a busy road. We recommend an inverter check every few years.

Question 8

Will it work with a heat pump?

Accepted Answer

Very well. A heat pump raises your electricity use, which is exactly what makes solar generation more valuable, you self-consume more rather than exporting it cheaply.

System	Suits	Generation	Installed price
3.2 kW (8 panels)	1–2 bed home	~2,700 kWh/yr	£5,000 – £6,000
4.4 kW (11 panels)	3 bed semi	~3,700 kWh/yr	£6,000 – £7,500
5.6 kW (14 panels)	4 bed detached	~4,800 kWh/yr	£7,500 – £9,000
8.0 kW (20 panels)	Large home, EV + heat pump	~6,800 kWh/yr	£9,500 – £12,000

Make your own electricity. Get paid for the rest.

What solar actually returns

Systems and indicative pricing

Get more out of every sunny hour

Battery storage

EV charging

Heat pump

Solar by area

Rated by families across Essex and the South East

Solar questions, answered

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