Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need planning permission for my solar PV
A: You may need planning permission however most domestic properties would not. It makes good sense to contact your local council and check if you need planning permission in advance. Industrial applications would need to get permission. For more information please visit the Governments website which gives information and advice, called the Planning Portal
Q: Can I install solar PV on a flat roof
A: Yes you can, there are options available for flat roof and ground mounting. You would have to check with planning for flat roof installations.
Q: Do I need to inform the energy supplier we are having a system installed
A: For systems that are 16a per phase or less (IE 4KW) you don't need to inform them in advance. For larger systems permission has to be granted to enable you to install it.
Q: Will I still have power when there is a power cut
A: No, without power to the inverter it cannot operate. There are no batteries for storage, so therefore until the power is restored the system will not operate. If you have a battery storage option fitted, you can have dedicated circuits made available in the event of a power failure.
Q: How long will the installation take
A; A Domestic installation will take usually 2-3 days, the scaffold may be on site longer.
Q: Do the panels need cleaning
A: Usually dust and dirt washes off when it rains, under no circumstances should you use abrasive materials or detergents to clean the panels.
Q: Do I need to inform my insurance company that I have solar PV
A: Yes, inform your insurance company that you have had solar PV installed.
Q: If I have a 4kw system installed, could I generate 4kw at any one time.
A: No, there are other factors that have to be taken into account, such as location, system losses etc. If you had a system installed in or around Boston, due to its location you get a loss of around 8%. where as down on the south coast this would be less, but in Scotland more. So a 4kw system may get in actual terms 3.5 or 3.6kw. The panels are marketed as 250watt as that is what they are capable of in ideal conditions.
A: You may need planning permission however most domestic properties would not. It makes good sense to contact your local council and check if you need planning permission in advance. Industrial applications would need to get permission. For more information please visit the Governments website which gives information and advice, called the Planning Portal
Q: Can I install solar PV on a flat roof
A: Yes you can, there are options available for flat roof and ground mounting. You would have to check with planning for flat roof installations.
Q: Do I need to inform the energy supplier we are having a system installed
A: For systems that are 16a per phase or less (IE 4KW) you don't need to inform them in advance. For larger systems permission has to be granted to enable you to install it.
Q: Will I still have power when there is a power cut
A: No, without power to the inverter it cannot operate. There are no batteries for storage, so therefore until the power is restored the system will not operate. If you have a battery storage option fitted, you can have dedicated circuits made available in the event of a power failure.
Q: How long will the installation take
A; A Domestic installation will take usually 2-3 days, the scaffold may be on site longer.
Q: Do the panels need cleaning
A: Usually dust and dirt washes off when it rains, under no circumstances should you use abrasive materials or detergents to clean the panels.
Q: Do I need to inform my insurance company that I have solar PV
A: Yes, inform your insurance company that you have had solar PV installed.
Q: If I have a 4kw system installed, could I generate 4kw at any one time.
A: No, there are other factors that have to be taken into account, such as location, system losses etc. If you had a system installed in or around Boston, due to its location you get a loss of around 8%. where as down on the south coast this would be less, but in Scotland more. So a 4kw system may get in actual terms 3.5 or 3.6kw. The panels are marketed as 250watt as that is what they are capable of in ideal conditions.