Solar FAQs
Straightforward answers to common questions about solar panels.
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Solar panel basics
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. It’s a simple way to generate clean energy for your home, helping to reduce both your energy bills and your carbon footprint.
Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity can then be used in your home or stored in a battery for later use. Even on cloudy days, they still generate power, though a bit less than on sunny days.
Yes, they do. Solar panels don't need constant sunshine to work. They generate electricity from daylight, meaning even our classic British weather can still power your home effectively.
Yes, solar panels will still work on cloudy days, just at a lower efficiency. Think of it like how you can still get sunburn on a cloudy day – the light gets through, even if you can’t see the sun.
They do. Solar panels work in daylight, not just when it's hot and sunny. Of course, shorter days and lower light levels mean they'll produce less electricity in the winter, but they’ll still contribute to your energy needs.
Solar PV generates electricity from sunlight, while solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat water. If you’re looking to cut down on your electricity bill, PV panels are the way to go.
Solar thermal technology uses sunlight to heat water for your home. It’s more for hot water than for generating electricity, so it’s a bit different from Solar PV.
Monocrystalline panels are made from a single crystal structure, typically sleek black and are more efficient, especially in lower light. Polycrystalline panels are slightly less efficient but more affordable. Both are great options for generating solar power.
Bifacial panels can generate electricity from both sides. They capture reflected sunlight from the surface they are mounted on or the surrounding areas, making them more efficient than traditional panels in certain situations, but not massively.
Most solar panels are made from silicon, which acts as a semiconductor. When sunlight hits the silicon cells, it creates an electric charge. The rest of the panel includes a frame, a glass cover, and wiring.
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Inverters, Batteries, and System Components
An inverter changes the electricity produced by your solar panels (DC) into the kind your home appliances can use (AC). It’s essential for making your solar power usable.
A hybrid inverter is a clever bit of kit that can manage both solar panels and battery storage. It can convert energy for use in your home and direct excess power into your battery.
Micro-inverters are small inverters attached to each individual solar panel. This allows each panel to work independently, meaning if one panel is shaded or underperforming, it won’t affect the others.
DC optimisers work with a central inverter, improving the efficiency of each panel, while micro-inverters convert the power directly at each panel. Micro-inverters offer more flexibility, but optimisers can be more cost-effective.
It depends on your system size and budget. A traditional string inverter works well for most homes, while micro-inverters or hybrid inverters might be better if you have shading issues or plan to add battery storage.
Most inverters last around 10 to 15 years, though it depends on the type and how it’s used. It’s something you’ll likely need to replace once or twice during your panels’ lifespan.
Somewhere cool and well-ventilated. Many people choose their garage or utility room. Loft spaces can work, but if it gets too hot up there, it might reduce the inverter’s lifespan. Some inverters can also be installed outside on a wall.
Yes, but make sure it’s well-ventilated. Inverters can get hot, and heat can reduce their efficiency and lifespan. Cooler spots like a utility room or garage are often better choices. It also helps you check every now and then that it is working properly. At dwellow we normally do not install in lofts.
A PV diverter sends any excess solar energy to your immersion heater or other appliances, so you can make the most of the power you generate before sending it back to the grid.
Battery storage allows you to store excess solar energy produced during the day for use at night or on cloudy days. It helps maximise the amount of solar power you use in your home.
Batteries are best stored in a cool, dry place like a utility room, garage, or even a cupboard under the stairs. They’re fairly low-maintenance, but you’ll want easy access if needed. Some batteries can also be installed outside on a wall.
This depends on how much solar energy you want to store. For a typical home, one or two batteries will usually be enough to store excess energy for use in the evenings or on cloudy days.
Yes, some systems allow you to charge your battery overnight on cheaper, off-peak electricity rates, giving you a bit of extra flexibility if you need more power.
Once your batteries are full, any extra solar energy can either be sold back to the grid or diverted to appliances like your water heater. Nothing goes to waste.
Yes. Solar panels can help power your heat pump, providing clean, renewable energy to keep your home warm. The best combination is normally solar panels, a battery and a heat pump as you can also charge your battery overnight at cheap rates.
Installation and maintenance
Solar panels are mounted on a frame that’s securely fixed to your roof tiles or directly to your roof structure. The installation process is designed to be non-invasive and won’t damage your roof.
Not much. You’ll need space for the inverter, and if you’re getting a battery, it’ll take up about the same room as a small boiler. A utility room or garage is usually perfect. If you're really tight on space some inverters can be installed outside.
Most modern roofs are strong enough to support solar panels, but older homes may need a structural assessment. Your installer will check before fitting anything.
South-facing roofs are ideal because they get the most sun, but east- and west-facing roofs can also generate plenty of electricity. North-facing roofs, however, aren’t recommended.
If part of your roof is shaded, micro-inverters or DC optimisers can help minimise the impact. They allow each panel to work independently, so shading on one panel doesn’t affect the others.
Yes, solar panels can be installed on flat roofs using special mounting systems that angle them towards the sun. It’s a great option if your main roof isn’t suitable.
Yes, you can install solar panels on the ground in your garden if you have the space. Ground-mounted systems are a good alternative if your roof isn’t suitable.
Solar panels are typically around 1.7 metres by 1 metre. You’ll need about 3-4 square metres of roof space per panel.
It depends on your roof size. A typical domestic installation might fit 10-20 panels, but we can help you calculate the exact number with our 3D modelling tool.
The number of panels you need depends on your household energy use, roof size, and budget. A typical UK home might need between 10 and 15 panels to cover a significant portion of its electricity needs.
Solar panels are designed to be low-maintenance. Rain usually keeps them clean, but if you live in an area with lots of dust or bird droppings, an occasional clean might help with efficiency. Don’t use anything abrasive, just soapy water.
Most domestic installations take 1 to 2 days. Larger or more complex systems may take a little longer, but the disruption is minimal.
In some cases, yes. They like to lay eggs in places out of the way. We recommend installing bird guards to keep your panels clear of nesting birds.
There are sleek, all-black panels available that blend in better with your roof. These days, most people opt for these.
Not really as normally the structure of the dormer is not strong enough.
Not sure yet?
If you’d like a second opinion or a bit more clarity, we’re here to help.
Permissions, Regulations, and Financial Considerations
In most cases, solar panels are considered ‘permitted development’, so you won’t need planning permission. However, if you live in a listed building or conservation area, you might need to check with your local council. We can help you with these checks.
A DNO (Distribution Network Operator) application is required if you plan to install solar panels. It lets your local electricity network operator know you’re adding solar so they can ensure the grid can handle it
In most cases, no. But if you’re making significant changes to your home’s structure, like adding new beams to support the panels, it might be necessary. We’ll let you know and can manage the process for you. We'll always lodge an electrical safety certificate and let building control know about electrical works.
The Feed-In Tariff was a government scheme that paid homeowners for the electricity their solar panels generated. It’s now been replaced by the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for any extra electricity your solar panels send back to the grid. It’s a great way to make the most of your system and earn some extra cash.
Your energy supplier will pay you for the electricity your solar panels export to the grid. Rates vary by supplier, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.
There are tariffs designed specifically for homes with solar panels, including ones that pay you for exporting excess electricity to the grid and tariffs that allow you to buy electricity at cheaper rates during off-peak times.
A kilowatt peak (kWp) measures how much power your solar panels can produce in perfect conditions. A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy – it’s the amount of power used or generated over an hour.
Unless you have battery storage or a special inverter, your solar panels will automatically shut down during a power cut for safety reasons. Batteries can help keep your home powered during these times. Ask your installer about uninterupted power supplies.
Yes, if you want to use your solar energy to charge your car, adding a few more panels can help. It’s a great way to cut your driving costs and reduce your carbon footprint even further.
Yes. Whilst these change fairly frequently, if you have a mortgage, a number of lenders are offering cashback to help you offset the cost of adding solar to your home. During your home assessment call, we'll check that and help you find current offers.
