There’s a lot of information flying around - some less accurate than ideal - so we’ve tried to answer some of your initial questions simply, clearly and without any jargon.
Will solar increase the value of my property?
Yes! Solar panels increase the value of UK properties. According to a survey in Renewable Energy Magazine, solar panels can add £28,762 to the average value (£205,445) of a property.
Are there any grants or financial incentives to buy solar panels?
ECO4 is an ongoing government scheme to support low-income households with fully-funded solar panels grants until 2026. If you receive any of the benefits below, you may qualify for the ECO4 scheme:
Assess your eligibility by filling out the ECO4 eligibility questionnaire.
Can I get a loan to buy solar panels?
Yes! Ask your bank or loan company for a home improvement loan.
Do solar panels work in winter?
Yes. In a country like the UK where the winter can feel like four or five months long, this js a fair question. Solar cells will still produce a surprising amount of power, even on a day that’s less than clear and sunny. This is because solar cells can use direct or diffuse light. Direct light is solar radiation travelling in a straight line from the sun to the earth, whereas diffuse light has been scattered by particles in the atmosphere such as rainy clouds before it reaches the earth. Solar works in our typically grey winter weather! Saying that, solar panels do generally produce less energy in winter because the days are shorter, with fewer hours of daylight.
How long will it be before I get my money back from installing solar?
With recent energy price hikes, we are seeing paybacks as short as 3-4 years for some systems across the UK. The payback period is very much influenced by current energy prices which - as we all know - can vary tremendously.
If we haven’t answered your question here, please drop us an email info@aerorenewablesolutions.co.uk or call us on 0333 335 5750.
How many panels do I need?
It is not a question of how many panels you need but how much power you need. Rooftop solar systems on a home usually aim for 4kWp, meaning 11-15 panels.
The number of panels can change as the power depends on the efficiency that can vary from one brand to another. One solar panel brand may generate 250 watts, yet another same-sized panel of a different make may generate 345 watts.
How do solar panels work?
When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the PV cells in the panel. These PV cells contain electrons that are energised when they’re hit by particles of light, called photons. This energy is in turn converted into usable electric current within the cell.
The electricity produced by your solar panels is converted from DC (direct current) by the inverter to AC (alternating current), which your property is run on. An AC cable then takes the electricity to your distribution board, which powers the circuits in your home or business.
What are the best solar panels?
There is an exciting world of solar panels out there to explore. Most people look at aesthetics, price, value for money, performance, track record and guarantees when they are choosing. New products come onto the market regularly so it is best to contact our team who can advise you and give you the most up-to-date information.
What is solar panel degradation?
The term “Rate of Degradation” refers to how a solar panel loses efficiency and power output over time. Solar panels can degrade as a result of adverse weather conditions - very high temperatures and warmer climates and extreme cold weather, heavy snow and wind. Luckily we aren’t usually exposed to extreme weather such as heatwaves, snowstorms or hurricanes in the UK. Panels in our moderate solar-friendly climate should retain 96% of their generation capabilities even after your 20 year guarantee ends.
Do I need a smart meter?
If you want to be paid for any excess electricity you generate by the Smart Export Guarantee, you need a smart meter and battery storage. If you don't already have a smart meter, just ask your electricity provider. Most suppliers install them free of charge for customers.
Do solar panels work if there is a power cut?
Don’t assume that your solar panels will keep your lights on during a power cut. You'll need to invest in the right system to make that happen. For your solar panels to keep your lights on through a blackout they need to be able to act as a solar island and act independently from the grid.
The majority of solar systems are grid-tied systems, attached via a solar inverter so you can receive electricity from your utility company at nighttime and you can sell excess solar energy back to the grid.
If you have a grid-tied system, your solar panels also stop generating and providing electricity to your home when the grid shuts down.
Off-grid systems are often more expensive, and they prohibit you from selling energy back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee.
A solar battery system is a better option as it disconnects your home from the grid at the moment of a blackout by "islanding". A few standalone inverters can do this without batteries, too.
How long do solar panels last?
You can expect your panels to last for at least 25 years. What is more, solar panels don’t simply stop working after 25-30 years. They will continue to produce electricity, however, at a lower rate due to panel degradation. Panels are designed and continue working way beyond their guarantee period. It is worth pointing out that the part that often needs replacing first is the inverter - the only moving part of a solar PV system. Saying that an inverter should still last for over 10 years and may cost up to £1,000 to replace.
Do solar panels come with guarantees?
All of our solar panels come with at least a 10 year guarantee or more and you also have the option to extend your guarantee to 25 years. Our batteries also come with a 10 year guarantee.
How often do I have to clean solar panels?
Most solar PV panels work best when they are free of debris and dust that can gradually cover the cells, reducing the amount of sunlight they absorb over time.
Our good old British weather means that there is enough rainfall in the UK to clean the debris off your panels for you. However, if you think they need cleaning, please don’t clean the panels yourself but should ask a window cleaner to do it once or twice a year with just water and a soft brush.
Keep an eye on yours and see how quickly they get dirty. Do what's right for you. If you live in an area with high rainfall, you might find that you hardly need to clean them at all.
What maintenance do solar panels need?
The only regular maintenance your solar panels will need is possible cleaning and an annual inspection from us. As long as your panels are working properly, they won't need anything else!
Can I live off-grid with solar?
Yes! A solar battery system can help you live off-grid as it stashes the energy your panels produce during daylight hours but you don’t use, so you can use it at nighttime when your panels don’t generate energy.
What is the best battery storage?
Solar batteries help you make the most of your solar system, so it is important to choose the best battery for your needs. Here are a few of our favourite picks:
Can I sell my solar energy back to the grid?
Yes. You can sell your surplus solar energy back to the grid via a utility provider. The Smart Export Guarantee requires electricity utility providers that have more than 150,000 customers, to pay solar panel owners, for low-carbon energy which they export back to the National Grid, providing certain criteria are met. You do not have to choose your current electricity provider but can choose one that offers the best rates for you. Check out the list of suppliers and rates here.
How long does it take for you to install solar panels?
Most solar installations take two to three days but some can take a little longer, depending on your requirements.
Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?
No. A home with solar energy does not need to have an EPC, although installing solar should enhance your EPC rating, which is useful if you want to rent out or sell your property.