At SolarTherm UK, we’ve been installing solar PV systems and battery storage for over 15 years—so believe us when we say, there’s no such thing as a silly question. Whether you’re just starting to explore solar or ready to make the switch, we know you’ll have questions. That’s why we’ve pulled together the most common ones we hear, with clear, honest answers. And if you can’t find your question here, just ask—we’re always happy to help.
Q. How do solar panels work?
A. Solar panels capture sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) cells. This generates direct current (DC) electricity which is converted to usable alternating current (AC) electricity using a solar inverter.
Q. What are the benefits of solar power?
A. In its simplest form – savings!
- Reduce your electricity bill by up to 70%
- Lower your carbon footprint
- Increase your energy independence, reducing reliance on the grid
- And in some cases it may even increase your property value
Q. Is solar power really worth it?
A. With the rise in energy costs and the uncertainty of fluctuating prices, solar power for most properties is worth it. Solar can produce long-term savings and environmental benefits. Government incentives such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) also allow you to be paid for unused power exported back to the grid.
Q. Is my home suitable for solar panels?
A. The ideal property has a south-facing roof, with minimal shade and plenty of space. If you don’t have this, there is still a solar solution for you, at SolarTherm UK we have completed thousands of installs without a south-facing roof.
Q. Can I install solar panels on a flat roof?
A. Yes, at SolarTherm UK we install solar panels on a flat roof using a specialised mounting system, that is angled to ensure maximum efficiency.
Q. How much do solar panels cost?
A. The cost of solar is decreasing rapidly and it’s quickly becoming the most affordable form of renewable energy. At SolarTherm UK we custom design your system for your property and energy requirements. A basic 4kW system can be as little as £6,000 with SolarTherm UK.
Q. How much can I save with solar panels?
A. There are many variables to consider when predicting savings, but most properties see a reduction of up to 70% in their electricity bills. At SolarTherm UK, we are EPVS registered, meaning our calculations on savings are verified by an independent assessor and while it is impossible to predict the future costs of energy EPVS will ensure we are accurate with what we are predicting.
Q. Are there any government grants or incentives available?
A. The government introduced the Smart Export Guarantee in 2020, meaning energy suppliers have to pay you for any electricity you export back to the grid. There are grants available through the ECO4 scheme for households on low income and you would need to apply for this through your energy supplier.
Q. Do I need a battery with my solar system?
A. Not necessarily, at SolarTherm UK we will assess your energy usage and patterns. Battery storage is useful if you use most of your energy at peak times in the evening and less during the day while it’s being generated as they will store the excess energy for use later in the day.
Q. How much do solar batteries cost?
A. Dependant on size and brand, most batteries cost £2,000-£6,000 and come with a 10 year warranty.
Q. Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?
A. Solar panels require light to generate electricity, so even in cloudy conditions, they still generate electricity. Output will be lower on cloudy or low light days.
Q. How long do solar panels last?
A. Most modern solar panels last around 30 years before any noticeable drop in efficiency. Warranties on solar panels are 25 years as standard, at SolarTherm UK we install Bovill.tech panels which come with a 99 year manufacturer warranty.
Q. What maintenance is required?
A. Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Monitoring your app and generation meter for consistent, unexplained drops in production can help identify issues early. You can also schedule cleaning of your panels to reduce dust and debris build up.
Q. What happens if there’s a power cut?
A. If you don’t have EPS (Emergency Power Supply) installed, your solar PV system will shut down in the event of a power cut, allowing engineers to work safely on the grid to restore power.
Q. Can I go completely off-grid with solar?
A. It is possible but can be costly and requires battery storage or back-up generators.
Q. How much energy will my system produce?
A. It is impossible to answer this, as at SolarTherm UK, every system we install is bespoke for the property. As an example though, a 4kW system can generate anything between 3,400 and 4,200 kWh per year.
Q. Is solar panel installation dangerous?
A. Faulty wiring and low-quality installations can make solar panel installation dangerous. By choosing the correct company to manage your installation, you can reduce these risks. At SolarTherm UK we are MCS and NICEIC accredited, meaning our work has been assessed and certified to be of highest standard and meets current UK safety guidelines.
Q. Can solar panels overheat?
A. Yes – but this is highly unlikely in the UK. UK weather, although unpredictable, is the perfect conditions for solar panels, solar panels work most efficiently in sunlight, not heat.
Q. Do I need a smart meter for solar panels?
A. No however, if you wish to benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) or use off-peak tariffs such as Economy 7 to charge your batteries or electric car, you do require a smart meter that records import and export data at half-hourly rates.
Q. Do solar panels affect my home insurance?
A. Essentially, having solar panels doesn’t affect your home insurance but as like all building work being carried out on your property you need to inform your buildings cover of the work being carried out.
Q. Do solar panel companies own your roof?
A. No – with new solar installations, the company installing your solar panels do not own your roof. In the past, there was a scheme called ‘Rent-A’Roof’ where a third-party would install solar panels onto your roof to benefit from the FiT (Feed-in Tariff) in return to you benefiting from reduced energy bills. These were scrapped when the FiT scheme closed for new applications in 2019.
Q. Can solar panels power my hot tub?
A. Solar panels can be used to power anything that runs off electricity in your home – including your hot tub!
Q. How do I get solar panels?
A. You start by reaching out to us at SolarTherm UK for your free design and quote. We’re the longest running solar installer in the South East and have over 15 years experience in the solar industry. If you have any questions or want to find out more, call us today for honest, expert advice – no hard-sell sales techniques needed – the figures speak for themselves.
