Frequently Asked Questions.
Everything you need to know about solar panels, battery storage, EV charging and choosing the right energy system for your home.
At Solar EV North, we believe a solar installation should be properly designed around your property, your energy usage and your plans for the future. Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions we’re most frequently asked.
Solar Panels
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels convert daylight into DC electricity. An inverter then converts this into AC electricity that can be used throughout your home.
Your home will use the solar electricity being generated before importing electricity from the grid. If your system includes battery storage, surplus solar energy can also be stored for use later.
Do solar panels work when it’s cloudy?
Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight rather than direct sunlight, so they continue producing energy on cloudy and overcast days.
Generation will naturally be higher during bright, sunny conditions, but a properly designed solar system can generate a significant amount of electricity throughout the year in the UK.
Are solar panels worth it in the North East?
Yes. Solar PV can work extremely well across the North East of England.
Solar panels don’t require hot weather to operate. What matters is the amount of solar irradiation reaching the panels throughout the year, along with factors such as roof orientation, pitch and shading.
We design each system around the individual property rather than relying on generic assumptions.
Does my roof need to face south?
No.
A south-facing roof can provide excellent generation, but east- and west-facing roofs can also perform very well.
In fact, using multiple roof elevations can sometimes create a broader generation profile throughout the day, with east-facing panels generating earlier and west-facing panels continuing later into the afternoon and evening.
Can you install solar panels on multiple sides of my roof?
Yes.
Where appropriate, we can design systems across multiple roof elevations to maximise available roof space and create a generation profile suited to the property’s electricity consumption.
How many solar panels do I need?
There isn’t one correct number for every property.
We consider your annual electricity consumption, available roof space, roof orientation, shading, future electricity demand, battery capacity and other factors before recommending a system.
Our aim isn’t simply to fit as many panels as possible. It’s to design the right system for the property.
How much electricity will my solar panels generate?
Generation depends on the size of the solar array, panel orientation, roof pitch, shading, geographical location and system design.
As part of the quotation process, we provide estimated annual generation based on your proposed system rather than simply quoting the panel manufacturer’s maximum output.
What does kWp mean?
kWp stands for kilowatt peak and describes the maximum rated output of a solar PV array under standard test conditions.
For example, ten 465W solar panels would create a 4.65kWp solar array.
Actual generation changes throughout the day and throughout the year depending on weather and environmental conditions.
Will solar panels completely remove my electricity bill?
Usually not.
Solar can significantly reduce the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the grid, particularly when combined with battery storage and intelligent energy management.
However, most homes will still import some electricity during certain periods.
The objective is to reduce grid dependency rather than promise an unrealistic £0 electricity bill.
What happens to solar electricity I don’t use?
Without a battery, surplus electricity can be exported to the grid.
With battery storage, surplus solar generation can first be used to charge your battery before excess energy is exported, depending on how the system has been configured.
Eligible customers may also be able to receive payment for exported electricity through a Smart Export Guarantee or another export tariff.
Battery Storage
What does a solar battery do?
A home battery stores electricity so that it can be used later.
This could be surplus electricity generated by your solar panels during the day or lower-cost electricity imported from the grid during an off-peak tariff period.
Instead of relying entirely on electricity at the exact moment it’s generated, battery storage gives you much greater control over when your energy is used.
Do I need a battery with solar panels?
No, but for many households battery storage can significantly increase the amount of solar energy they use themselves.
Without a battery, surplus daytime generation may be exported while electricity is imported again later in the evening.
A battery allows more of that energy to be stored and used when you actually need it.
Can I install a battery without solar panels?
Yes.
A battery-only system can be useful for households wanting to take advantage of time-of-use electricity tariffs.
The battery can potentially charge when electricity is cheaper and supply the home during more expensive periods, depending on the system, tariff and configuration.
Solar panels can also potentially be added later if the system has been designed with future expansion in mind.
How big should my battery be?
Battery sizing should be based on how your home actually uses electricity.
We consider factors including daily electricity consumption, overnight demand, solar array size, EV charging, heating systems, electricity tariffs and how much backup capability you want.
Simply installing the largest battery available isn’t always the best solution.
Can my battery charge from the grid?
With compatible systems, yes.
This is particularly useful with smart or time-of-use tariffs where electricity prices vary throughout the day.
The battery can potentially charge during lower-cost periods and supply the property when electricity is more expensive.
Can I use cheap overnight electricity to charge my battery?
Yes, provided your battery system and electricity tariff support this strategy.
This can make battery storage useful throughout the year, including during winter when solar generation is lower.
Does a home battery work during a power cut?
Not automatically.
A standard grid-connected solar or battery system is normally required to shut down during a power cut for safety.
To continue supplying electricity during an outage, the system needs dedicated backup functionality and must be designed and installed accordingly.
Solar EV North offers systems capable of providing whole-home backup where appropriate.
What is whole-home backup?
Whole-home backup allows a suitably designed battery system to continue supplying the property during a grid power cut.
This differs from systems that only provide a dedicated backup socket or a small number of essential circuits.
The exact power available during an outage depends on the inverter, battery capacity, battery state of charge and electrical demand at the time.
How long will my battery run my house during a power cut?
It depends on the usable battery capacity and how much electricity the property is consuming.
A battery could potentially supply essential household loads for many hours, but high-powered appliances can reduce the available runtime significantly.
Backup systems should therefore be designed around both battery capacity and expected power demand.
Solarwatt
Why does Solar EV North install Solarwatt?
We use Solarwatt as one of our premium solar solutions because of its focus on long-term product quality, system integration and energy management.
Rather than viewing the panel, inverter, battery and monitoring platform as completely separate products, a complete Solarwatt system can provide a highly integrated home-energy solution.
What are glass-glass solar panels?
Traditional solar panels often use glass on the front and a polymer backsheet on the rear.
Glass-glass panels use glass on both sides of the solar cells, helping provide additional protection from environmental and mechanical stresses over the lifetime of the module.
What is the Solarwatt Battery Vision?
Battery Vision is Solarwatt’s modular home battery storage system.
It can form part of a wider Solarwatt ecosystem incorporating solar generation, battery storage, energy management, EV charging and backup capability.
What is the Solarwatt Manager?
The Solarwatt Manager is an intelligent energy-management system.
Rather than simply showing how much solar electricity you’re generating, an energy manager can coordinate and monitor different energy flows around the home to help make better use of your generated and stored electricity.
Can a Solarwatt system provide backup power?
Yes, when designed with the appropriate equipment.
Solarwatt’s Backup Booster can be incorporated into compatible systems to provide backup capability during a grid outage.
We will discuss backup requirements during the system-design process because backup should be designed into the installation rather than assumed afterwards.
GoodWe Battery Systems
What is the GoodWe ESA?
The GoodWe ESA is an integrated solar and battery storage solution combining key system components into a clean, compact installation.
It’s particularly suited to customers looking for substantial battery capacity, powerful hybrid inverter options and backup capability.
Can GoodWe provide whole-home backup?
Compatible GoodWe systems can be designed to provide whole-home backup.
The system specification still needs to account for the electrical demand of the property and the amount of power available from the inverter and battery during an outage.
Can GoodWe batteries be expanded?
Certain GoodWe battery configurations are modular and can support different storage capacities.
Where future expansion is important, we’ll take this into account when designing the original installation.
Which is better: Solarwatt or GoodWe?
Neither is automatically the right choice for every property.
Solarwatt is particularly attractive for customers looking for a premium integrated ecosystem and energy-management solution, while GoodWe offers powerful hybrid and battery configurations with excellent flexibility.
We’ll recommend a system based on your property and requirements rather than trying to force every customer into the same product.
EV Charging
Can I charge my electric car using solar panels?
Yes.
A compatible EV charger can use surplus solar electricity to contribute towards charging your vehicle.
The amount of solar energy available for EV charging depends on your solar generation, household consumption and the charging requirements of the vehicle.
Can you install an EV charger at the same time as solar?
Yes.
Installing solar, battery storage and EV charging as part of one overall energy system allows everything to be considered during the design stage.
Which EV chargers do Solar EV North install?
We install premium EV charging solutions including Andersen EV chargers.
Andersen chargers are particularly popular with homeowners who want their charger to complement the appearance of their property rather than look like a conventional plastic charging unit.
Can I choose the colour of my EV charger?
Depending on the charger selected, a range of finishes and colour combinations may be available.
This allows the charger to be matched more closely to brickwork, render, windows, doors or other exterior finishes.
Installation
How long does a solar installation take?
Many residential installations can be completed within a few days, although this varies depending on system size, roof complexity, battery installation, electrical work, scaffolding and any additional equipment.
We’ll explain the expected installation programme before work begins.
Do I need scaffolding?
For most roof-mounted residential solar installations, safe access equipment such as scaffolding will be required.
The exact requirements depend on the property and installation.
Will installing solar panels damage my roof?
A professionally designed and installed solar system will not damage a suitable roof.
Correct mounting equipment, weatherproofing and installation methods are essential, which is why the quality of the roof installation matters just as much as the equipment being installed.
Can you install solar panels on slate roofs?
Yes.
Slate roofs require appropriate mounting methods and careful installation.
We have experience installing solar PV on slate properties and use suitable mounting solutions depending on the roof construction.
Do you install bird protection around solar panels?
Where specified, we can install purpose-designed bird protection around the perimeter of the solar array.
This helps prevent birds from nesting beneath the panels while maintaining the appearance of the installation.
Where will the inverter and battery be installed?
This depends on the equipment and property.
Potential locations include garages, utility areas and suitable external or internal locations where permitted by the manufacturer’s requirements and applicable regulations.
We consider accessibility, cable routes, operating environment, appearance and safety when determining the best location.
Will there be cables visible around my property?
Some cabling is unavoidable, but careful cable management is an important part of a premium installation.
We plan cable routes to keep the finished installation as neat and discreet as reasonably possible.
Will you hide cables where possible?
Yes.
Where practical, we’ll consider suitable routes that minimise unnecessary visible cabling while maintaining accessibility, safety and compliance.
Do I need to be at home during the installation?
We’ll discuss access requirements with you before installation.
Someone may need to be present at certain stages, particularly where access to the property, consumer unit or equipment locations is required.
Will my electricity need to be switched off?
Usually there will be a period during the installation and commissioning process when the electricity supply needs to be isolated.
We’ll explain this to you during the installation.
What happens after the installation is complete?
The system will be commissioned and tested, and we’ll explain how to use and monitor your new system.
Relevant certification and documentation will then be provided as applicable to your installation.
System Design
Why shouldn’t I simply choose the cheapest solar quote?
Two quotes containing the same number of solar panels can represent very different installations.
Panel quality, inverter sizing, battery capability, mounting equipment, electrical design, cable management, warranties, monitoring, backup functionality and workmanship can all differ significantly.
Solar is a long-term investment, so the complete system and the company supporting it should be considered alongside the initial price.
Why do different installers recommend different system sizes?
Different installers may use different design assumptions.
Roof usage, estimated generation, electricity consumption, battery strategy, inverter sizing and future energy requirements can all influence the recommendation.
This is why we believe customers should understand why a particular system has been proposed.
Do you carry out a survey before installation?
Yes. Appropriate surveys and design checks form part of preparing an installation.
The exact process depends on the property and proposed system.
What happens if my roof is shaded?
Shading doesn’t necessarily mean solar isn’t suitable, but it needs to be considered during system design.
Trees, chimneys, neighbouring buildings and other obstructions can affect generation at different times of the day and year.
Can I add more panels or batteries later?
Potentially.
Whether a system can be expanded depends on inverter capacity, battery architecture, available roof space, electrical infrastructure and product compatibility.
If you think your energy requirements may increase in the future, tell us during the design stage so we can consider this from the outset.
Should I oversize my solar system for the future?
Sometimes this makes sense, particularly if you’re planning to buy an EV, install a heat pump or increase electricity consumption.
However, every property is different. We prefer to model future requirements rather than automatically recommending the largest possible array.
Costs, Savings & Finance
How much does solar cost?
The cost depends on the size and complexity of the system.
Factors include the number and type of panels, inverter, battery capacity, mounting system, roof type, scaffolding, backup requirements, EV charging and electrical work.
We provide a detailed quotation based on the system designed for your property.
How much money can solar panels save me?
Savings depend on how much electricity the system generates, how much you consume directly, battery usage, electricity prices, export payments and your household consumption pattern.
We prefer realistic modelling rather than promising a fixed saving that may not reflect how your household actually uses electricity.
How long does solar take to pay for itself?
There isn’t a universal payback period.
The result depends on installation cost, annual generation, electricity prices, self-consumption, battery strategy, export income and future energy prices.
Financial return is important, but it should be assessed using realistic assumptions.
Can I get paid for exporting solar electricity?
Eligible households can receive payments for electricity exported to the grid through Smart Export Guarantee tariffs and other export products offered by electricity suppliers.
Rates and eligibility vary between suppliers.
Is VAT charged on residential solar and battery installations?
Qualifying residential energy-saving materials, including solar PV and battery storage, currently benefit from a 0% VAT rate under applicable UK rules.
Eligibility depends on the installation and current legislation.
Do you offer finance?
Finance options may be available subject to status, eligibility and the products available at the time of application.
Ask our team about the current options when requesting your quotation.
Smart Tariffs & Energy Management
What is a smart electricity tariff?
A smart or time-of-use tariff can charge different electricity rates depending on when energy is consumed.
When combined with compatible battery storage, this can create opportunities to charge the battery during cheaper periods and reduce grid imports when electricity is more expensive.
Can my battery automatically charge when electricity is cheap?
Compatible battery systems can be scheduled or intelligently controlled to charge during selected tariff periods.
The available functionality depends on your battery, energy-management system and electricity tariff.
Can solar, batteries and EV charging all work together?
Yes.
This is where designing the home as one energy system becomes particularly valuable.
Solar generation, battery storage, EV charging and intelligent energy management can work together to determine how electricity is generated, stored and consumed.
Warranties & Aftercare
What warranties do solar panels come with?
Solar panels can have multiple warranties, including a product warranty and a performance warranty.
These are not the same thing.
The product warranty relates to defects in the physical product, while the performance warranty relates to the panel’s expected output degradation over time.
Always compare the actual warranty terms rather than simply looking for the largest number.
What is a workmanship warranty?
A workmanship warranty relates to the installation work rather than the equipment manufacturer’s warranty.
This is an important distinction when comparing quotations because product warranties don’t replace installer responsibilities.
What happens if something goes wrong after installation?
Contact Solar EV North.
We believe aftercare is an important part of choosing an installer, particularly because solar and battery systems are designed to remain in your home for many years.
Where an issue relates to manufacturer equipment, we’ll help establish the appropriate next steps.
Can Solar EV North monitor my system?
Compatible systems provide remote monitoring capabilities that can assist with understanding system performance and diagnosing certain issues.
The exact monitoring functionality depends on the equipment installed and the services included with your system.
How long should solar panels last?
High-quality solar panels are designed to operate for decades.
Their output gradually reduces over time, which is why long-term degradation rates and performance warranties are important considerations when comparing products.
Choosing Solar EV North
Is Solar EV North MCS certified?
Yes. Solar EV North is an MCS-certified installer.
MCS certification is an important consideration for domestic renewable-energy installations and may also be required for access to certain export arrangements.
Is Solar EV North NAPIT registered?
Yes.
Our electrical installation work is carried out within the appropriate certification and compliance framework.
Where does Solar EV North install?
We’re based in the North East and install solar PV, battery storage and EV charging systems across the wider region.
Our projects regularly take us throughout County Durham, Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, Teesside and surrounding areas, with installations extending from Yorkshire towards the Scottish Borders.
Do you use subcontractors?
The structure of an installation can vary depending on the work involved, particularly for specialist services such as scaffolding.
What matters is that the complete project is properly managed, installed and commissioned to the required standards.
If you have questions about who will carry out a particular part of your installation, we’re happy to explain this before work begins.
Why choose Solar EV North?
We focus on the complete system rather than simply selling solar panels.
That means considering the roof installation, solar generation, battery storage, electrical infrastructure, backup requirements, EV charging, energy management, monitoring and long-term support as part of one design.
We also place significant emphasis on how an installation looks. Details such as mounting equipment, cable management, equipment positioning and the overall finish matter.
Our aim is simple: design and install a system we’d be happy to have on our own homes.
Before Getting Solar
What information should I have before requesting a quote?
Your latest electricity bill or annual electricity consumption is particularly useful.
It also helps to tell us about any planned changes such as purchasing an electric vehicle, installing a heat pump, adding an extension, working from home more frequently or significantly increasing your electricity consumption.
Do I need a smart meter?
A smart meter isn’t necessarily required simply for solar panels to generate electricity.
However, it may be required to access certain smart import and export tariffs, and it can be extremely useful when combining solar with battery storage.
Do I need permission to install solar panels?
Many domestic solar installations fall within permitted development rights, but this isn’t universal.
Listed buildings, conservation areas, unusual installations and certain property types can require additional consideration or permission.
We’ll identify relevant issues during the survey and design process.
Do I need permission from the electricity network?
Depending on the size and type of system, the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) may need to be notified or approval may need to be obtained before installation.
We handle the appropriate network application or notification process as part of eligible installations.
What is G98 and G99?
G98 and G99 relate to the connection of electricity-generating equipment to the distribution network.
Broadly, smaller installations meeting particular criteria may follow the G98 process, while larger or more complex systems may require a G99 application and approval.
We’ll determine which process applies to your proposed system.
Still Have Questions?
Every home is different, and the best solar and battery system depends on much more than the number of panels that will fit on the roof.
If you’re considering solar panels, battery storage or EV charging, speak to Solar EV North and we’ll help you understand the options available for your property.
Get Your Free Solar Design
Tell us a little about your home and energy usage and we’ll help design a system around the way you actually use electricity.