Solar PV & Battery Storage Installation

Renewables FAQ

• How much do solar panels cost?

  The cost of a solar system depends on system size, roof access, scaffolding and the equipment you choose — which is why we quote a fixed written price after a free survey rather than advertising a headline number that changes on the day. Your quote itemises panels, inverter, battery (if chosen), scaffolding and electrical work, with 0% VAT already applied. 

• How much money will solar panels save me?

   Your savings depend on how much of your solar generation you use at home, your electricity tariff, and whether you add a battery — so we calculate them for your property, in writing, at a survey. Every EEH customer receives a signed performance and savings estimate with the assumptions stated, before committing to anything. 

• Is a solar battery worth it?

  For most households, yes — a battery lets you use your daytime solar in the evening and can charge on cheap overnight tariffs, which usually improves the overall return. We model your quote both with and without a battery so you can compare the two on your own numbers, not ours. 

• Which battery brands do you install?

  We install leading home battery systems including Tesla Powerwall and EcoFlow, alongside other proven brands. We’re brand-agnostic: the battery is specified to fit your usage pattern, budget and existing setup — and we’ll explain why we’ve recommended it. 
  

• Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels?

   Yes — batteries can be retrofitted to most existing solar systems, including systems installed by other companies. We survey your current setup, confirm compatibility, and install and commission the battery with full documentation. 

• Is there any government funding for solar panels?

   No — there is currently no government grant for domestic solar panels in the UK, and you should be wary of any company claiming otherwise. What does help: 0% VAT applies to residential solar and battery installations, and the Smart Export Guarantee pays you for the electricity you export. 

• What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

   The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for every unit of electricity your solar panels export to the grid. Rates vary widely between suppliers, so tariff choice matters — we help you register and pick a competitive SEG tariff as part of handover. 

• Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

   In most cases, no — rooftop solar on houses is usually permitted development in England, with exceptions for some listed buildings, flats and conservation-area frontages. We check your planning position as part of every survey and handle any application needed. 
  

• Do solar panels work in winter and on cloudy days?

  Yes — solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not heat, so they still produce on cloudy days and through winter, just at reduced output. Panels actually run more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and a UK system’s annual estimate already accounts for our weather. 

• What is MCS certification and why does it matter?

  MCS (the Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the UK quality standard for solar and heat pump installations — an MCS certificate is required to receive Smart Export Guarantee payments. 

• What warranties and aftercare do you provide?

   Every installation comes with a workmanship guarantee, an insurance-backed guarantee and the manufacturers’ product warranties, all set out plainly in your handover pack alongside your MCS certificate and DNO notification. We also set up your monitoring app before we leave, help you register for the SEG, and offer an annual care plan covering a system health check and a performance review against your original estimate. 

• What happens if my installer goes out of business?

   This is exactly why documentation matters: an insurance-backed guarantee protects your workmanship cover even if the installer ceases trading, and your MCS certificate and manufacturer warranties remain valid. We also service and repair solar systems installed by other companies — if you’ve been left with an orphaned system, we can help.