Energy Efficiency Measures

Solar Panels

Solar panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity you can use in your home, store in home batteries or return it to the grid. In the latter case energy companies will reimburse you for this under what is known as Smart Export Tariff’s.

By installing solar panels you are taking advantage of free energy, lowering your carbon footprint and becoming a more self-sufficient home. Solar photovoltaics (PV) is becoming ever more popular with over 183,000 installations across the UK in 2023 alone according to MCS (the official quality standard for certifying low-carbon technologies.)

Energy prices continue to fluctuate between winter and summer periods so taking advantage of this technology is going to give you peace of mind that your protected against these unpredictable times.

How do Solar Panels work?

When the sun shines on a solar panel the suns energy is absorbed by PV cells that are made out of semi-conducting material that is usually made of silicon.
The cells produce an electrical charge that creates direct current electricity.
This direct current (DC) electricity is then fed into an inverter to transform it into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is exactly the kind of electricity we run our homes on.

What about the Great British weather? Don’t worry the cells will still gather and generate energy on a cloudy day, however, the stronger the sun's rays are, the higher the energy generation is going to be. A typical solar panel can generate between 400W and 450W of energy in strong sunlight.

Frequently asked questions

Are solar panels right for me?

When thinking about solar panels it is important to consider some practical implications and then the financial implications. This is more than just energy saving it is also an investment in the way you use, store or share energy.

It’s important to note that solar panels generate free energy from the sun. This means you have the opportunity to turn that free energy into savings for your home, store energy in a battery for times when you may need it later (offset energy usage from the grid) or return it to the grid for a fee to an energy provider.

Do you have enough space?

The average solar panel system covers between 10 to 20m2 of roof surface area. With an average panel being roughly 2m x 1m in area this means that between 5 and 10 panels is typical. It should go without saying but the more solar panels you have on your property the more energy you can generate. Our trusted specialists will survey your property and advise what the best size system is for your property.

Does my roof face the right way?

The ideal position for solar panels is a south facing roof with no shading from trees or other buildings. Whilst east and west facing roofs still work, it is not always as productive. That said most houses tend to have exposure somewhere in between east, south and west. A specialist surveyor would be able to advise the typical returns based on your homes roof exposure to the sun.

It is important to note that it would not be a good idea to put solar panels on a north facing roof as this is not where the suns rays come from.

Any shading from trees or adjacent buildings will affect the performance of your system. There is a solution called a solar optimiser that means your overall system is not affected when one panel is in the shade for example.

What about planning permission?

Solar PV panels are considered ‘permitted development’ and don’t usually need planning permission. There are exceptions so you may need to check with your local planning office. These restrictions usually refer to listed buildings, conservation areas and national parks.

If you’re planning to install a solar PV system you must register it with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). The DNO is the company responsible for bringing electricity to your home so they need to plan for this extra connection to the grid. Here’s the link to the government website on how to register.

Can I install panels on my flat roof?

A flat roof is not an issue for installing solar panels. Solar panels will be installed with a tilt towards the sun on a flat surface to maximise energy production.

What about on my shed or garage?

Solar panels can be installed to an outbuilding. The most important factor to consider is if the outbuilding structure is strong enough to support the system. Also it’s worth noting that if the outbuilding doesn’t have an electrical supply then you will need to consider this adaptation before having the solar system installed. It’s worth understanding what the cost of connecting your outbuilding to your electrical system if this is a consideration for you.

What are the benefits of solar panels?

Reduce your electricity bills

Solar panels generate electricity from the sun so your energy bills will be lower as a result.

Cut your carbon footprint

Because you are generating your own electricity through the sun you are saving energy generation from the grid. This is a carbon saving to the planet and reduces the impact you have on the environment.

How much will solar panels cost me?

The cost of solar panels will vary depending on the following aspects:

The size of solar panel system you want/is available to you
The type of scaffolding required to access your roof safely
Whether you want battery storage.
If there are any upgrades or adjustments to your electrical system to support this new system.
It’s important to remember that solar PV is a renewable technology that can reduce your energy bills but also more importantly provide a return on investment by what are known as Smart Export Tariffs. There are many deals around so feel free to discuss this with your energy provider.

How long do solar panels last?

Your solar panels should last 25 years or more. However, a solar PV inverter, usually needs to be replaced in around 10-12 years. This typically costs around £800, depending on system size and the manufacturer. Some inverters have online monitoring functions and can warn you by email if the system fails.

To give you peace of mind most inverters have warranties of five years as a minimum, which you can often extend. When your system is being designed we will advise you of the likely lifespan and benefit of an extended warranty.

How do I maintain a solar panel system?

Solar PV systems need little maintenance. Keep an eye on nearby trees and keep them well trimmed to minimise shading of the array where possible. Be mindful of birds and wildlife, if you think this could be an issue there are solutions to prevent them nesting underneath the systems.

In the UK, rain will clear your panels of surface dust; however, you might need to have the panels cleaned occasionally, as this will ensure you get the maximum efficiency from your panels.

We will provide a handover pack advising of any maintenance checks that you should conduct to ensure everything is working properly. This will include details of the main inverter fault signals and key troubleshooting guidance.

How can Home Hero Help me?

With our trusted installer network we can provide you with competitive quotes for solar panels. They complement fabric products such as cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation. They add value to your home when you combine them with an air source heat pump, battery storage or an electric vehicle charger.