Question 1

How much does it cost to install Solar Panels?

Accepted Answer

The average cost of a 350-watt solar panel in the UK is between £150-£300. The most common solar installation is a 3.5 kilowatt-peak (kWp) system. According to the Energy Saving Trust,(https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/) the average 3.5kW solar panel system would typically require around 10 solar panels (at 350 W each) and cost around £7,000.

Question 2

Do you need planning permission to install Solar Panels?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, solar panels mounted on a roof or wall of a private house do not require planning permission as they would normally fall under what is referred to as permitted development rights.

You need only apply for full planning permission (flats) or householder planning permission (houses) to install a solar panel when any of the following apply:

• it would protrude more than 20cm from the external surface of the wall or roof slope, when measured perpendicularly
 • the highest part of the solar panel or equipment will be higher than the highest part of the roof. This excludes any chimney
 • it would be installed on a wall in a conservation area which faces a highway. This includes roads, paths and public rights of way
 • your house or flat is a listed building, or within the curtilage of a listed building. Curtilage means within the garden or grounds.

If your house or flat is a listed building you must also apply for listed building consent.

Question 3

Do I still pay for electricity if I have Solar Panels?

Accepted Answer

The simple answer is it depends how much electricity you use and when you’re using it.

If you’re generating more energy from your solar panels than you’re using or have in battery storage, no you won’t have to pay for more electricity.

However, in most cases this isn’t the case and the solar panels are in place to cover a large proportion of your electricity usage with any surplus requirements coming from the grid as normal.

Question 4

Do Solar Panels work in winter?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels work through all four seasons of the year, come rain or shine.

While solar panels do generally produce less energy in winter as the days are shorter, so there are fewer hours of daylight, the solar panels will still be generating some energy to fuel your homes requirements.

Question 5

How long do Solar Panels last?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels have a life span of around 25 years or more, but this can vary depending on the quality of systems installed. Some of the latest models of solar panels may exceed this period but their efficiency will begin to slowly decline after around 20 to 25 years.

Question 6

How many Solar Panels do I need?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, the more electricity your home uses, the more solar panels you'll need.

Naturally, larger homes typically require larger solar panel systems. According to The Eco Experts,(https://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/) the number needed ranges from between three and six panels for a small home with low consumption, all the way up to at least 14 solar panels on the other end of the scale.

That said, the number of solar panels you require will also depend on factors such as:

• Your available roof space. Ultimately, the size of your roof will determine how many solar panels can be physically installed.
• The efficiency of your solar panels. The more efficient solar panels you choose, the fewer you'll likely need.
• How much sunlight your home gets. The less sunlight your home receives, the less efficient your solar panels are and the more you'll require as a result. This is not only affected by climate, but shade caused by trees, buildings and so on. Unfortunately, some properties are just not suitable for solar panels. 
• Your budget. Of course, your finances will also influence the number of panels you can install.

Question 7

Is my roof suitable for Solar Panels?

Accepted Answer

Whether your roof faces south, east or west your home is perfect to have solar panels fitted. North facing roofs will not receive as much sunlight and therefore won't be as efficient. 
The pitch of your roof should be between 20o - 50o.

Cambs Electrical offer on-roof, in-roof and ground mounted solar solutions.

Question 8

How long does a Solar Panel installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most solar installations are completed within 3-5 working days, but some larger jobs will take a little longer.  We can let you know once we know the size of the system you need.

Question 9

Is Solar Panel Funding available?

Accepted Answer

There's help available to get solar panels installed in your home, but you usually need to be on certain benefits or have a low income to be eligible. What each scheme offers, and its eligibility criteria varies:

• The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.(https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation) If you live in England or Wales, under the ECO scheme you can get up to £14,000 towards energy-saving initiatives if your home qualifies, including solar panel systems. To qualify, you'll need to meet specific criteria, including having a household income of less than £31,000 a year or be receiving certain benefits, plus your home must have electric heating.

• Home Upgrade Grant.(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-upgrade-grant-successful-local-authorities) 45 local authorities in England are offering grants of up to £10,000 to homeowners in their area for improvements, including solar panels. Typically, a local authority will cover the majority (and in many cases, all) of the cost to install. To qualify, you must be off the main gas-grid (so don't use a gas boiler), must have total household income of less than £31,000 a year and your property must have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G.

Question 10

How do Solar Panels work?

Accepted Answer

In simplistic terms, solar panels turn the sun's energy into usable electricity. Solar panels – also known as photovoltaics (PV) – contain electrons, which start moving when hit with direct sunlight. The moving electrons create an electric current, kind of like a stream of energy, which is then channelled and turned into usable electricity.

The electricity is then sent out of the solar panel through wires, ready to power your gadgets, lights or even your electric vehicle, or it can be sent back to the grid, with suppliers paying you for that energy.

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