Call: 01271 611232
Call: 01271 611232
We aim to always answer as clearly and transparently as possible, to help educate potential customers so they can make the best decision for them.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, using photovoltaic cells made from silicon. The panels generate DC current that is converted into AC current that can be utilised in the house. The conversion is done by the inverter.
The cost of solar panels varies based on the size of the panel, the system size, the location, installation complexity, and additional features like battery storage. However, most domestic installations will vary from around £7k to £10k. That often includes a structural survey, labour, materials, scaffolding, warranties, and MCS sign-off.
Solar panels can significantly reduce energy bills and it is now considered as a proven technology. The tariffs are different to what they used to be but the system costs have generally lowered to make them more affordable. We may be biased but I have them on my home and I bet that anyone we have installed onto would agree.
Solar panels can still generate electricity from daylight, even on cloudy days, although efficiency may be lower. Therefore, you can expect higher production from around March to October than the winter months, but even the winter months will produce electricity.
A South-facing roof is considered the optimum orientation but East and West-facing roofs also perform very well. An East/West split will give you a more even production throughout the day given that half the array will get the morning sun, during the day both arrays will be working, and later into the evening the West-facing elevation will still be on. It may split your production slightly, but it is more evenly distributed from sunup to sundown.
Generally speaking they don’t – the glass is pretty good at self cleaning themselves when it rains. However, if you are in an area where birds like to use them as target practice, or maybe you have a dusty development going on nearby, then it may be a good idea to get these cleaned as and when necessary. The majority of people do not though.
While solar panels can provide a significant portion of a home’s energy needs, they don’t generally take a home fully off-grid. However, there are technologies now that can include a gateway so that when the grid goes down, we can keep certain circuits operational. It is also important to try and capture and use everything you generate. This can be done through the addition of a battery.
Solar panels contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. That is the technical answer. However, Solar Panels do have a carbon footprint with their mining, manufacturing, and postage around the world. But when you compare this to the impact fossil fuels have on the planet, then it is a considerable step in the right direction.
Panels are also warrantied from 20 to 25 years, with many still working 40 years later, so they are not a quick fix as they will benefit your home for many years to come. Imagine a country where we can rely on solar, wind, and tidal energy alone. No external influence to war, greedy fossil organisations, or political bias. As an island we have all of the ingredients to power ourselves. An environmental revolution is needed.
While specific grants may be limited, there are reduced VAT rates and Smart Export Guarantee schemes available to assist with the cost of solar installations.
Under certain circumstances you may be eligible from funding through schemes like the Hug Scheme or similar schemes. These are generally from low income families, those with a poor EPC rating, etc. However, feel free to ask us for more information and we will point you in the right direction.
We do a lot of installs for housing associations and tier 1 contractors, so we know who to talk to if we can’t help in-house.
No. If you have a suitable outbuilding, garage, or even a patch of garden you don’t use, we can absolutely put them out of sight. Not everyone wants them on their roof.
Most houses do not need planning permission. Most arrays can be installed under permitted development guidelines. There are exceptions though. If your house is a Listed Building, if you live in a conservation area, if you live in a National Park, etc.
We can help you understand this further though, and generally pick it up during out desk survey stage of the process. If you did need planning then we can also help you with that process.
Battery storage for solar installations is an energy storage system that captures surplus electricity generated by solar panels during daylight hours so it can be stored and used later at night, on cloudy days, or during power outages.
The benefits of solar battery storage systems could outweigh the initial financial outlay because you can:
No. Unless you have a battery to store the energy, the electricity cannot be stored.
Lithium ion batteries tend to have a longer service life of around 10 – 15 years. Lead acid batteries have a lifespan of approximately 5 – 8 years.
The battery type you need will depend on your current set-up. Our experts can explain all the options and recommend the best system to suit both your needs and budget.
There are a few different options available, including lead acid and lithium batteries. Lithium ion batteries offer a longer lifespan and better overall performance and durability, but other cheaper batteries may be more suitable for your specific requirements.
Other things to consider include how much energy the battery will store in kWh, and the depth of discharge (DOD). Depth of discharge is related to how much energy you can use before recharging the battery. If you exceed the DOD limit before you recharge the battery, you can inadvertently shorten the lifespan of the unit.
We understand that battery storage is a significant investment and we will explain the pros and cons of each type in detail to ensure you can make an informed choice.
Generally not, but there’s potentially a way for this to happen in the future.
This is thanks to something called bidirectional charging, which lets an EV either draw or supply power to your home or the grid. This is currently being trialled in some places but isn’t widely available.
No. And we will always install a hybrid inverter so you could always add one at a later date. However, it is important to try and use everything you generate. This is best done by storing your electricity in a battery.
If you’re out at work all day then you’d simply be sending everything you generate back to the grid without a battery. You also only benefit from the 0-VAT-rated benefit from the initial purchase of a battery with your system.
But the simple answer is no, you don’t need a battery. If we are installing a relatively small array, and you are generally home a lot, then you will still massively benefit from having solar without a battery.
Whatever stage you are at, do feel free to send us a message and ask away. We will be happy to give you a straightforward reply that lets you know you have been heard and understood.
“I sent Earth Inspired my initial query and they responded very quickly with a fuss-free, no-pressure reply. That was followed by a no-obligation site visit and accurate estimate that I was happy to agree. Their service from start to finish was exemplary.”
Braunton