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Solar, Battery and EV Charging FAQs
Common questions about solar panels, battery storage and EV charging in Cornwall. Can’t find what you’re after? Get in touch directly.
Solar panels
How long does a solar panel installation take?
Most residential installations are completed within one to two days, depending on the size of the system and your roof.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most home solar installations fall under permitted development and don’t need planning permission. Listed buildings and some conservation areas can be exceptions. See our Cornwall planning guide for the detail.
What maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels have no moving parts and need very little maintenance. An occasional visual check and keeping panels clear of heavy debris is generally enough for most systems.
Roof or ground-mounted, which is right for me?
Most homes use roof-mounted panels. Ground-mounted arrays are an option where roof space is limited or unsuitable. We’ll advise during your site survey.
Are solar panels worth it in Cornwall?
For most homes, yes, though the right answer depends on your roof, electricity usage and how the system is financed. Cornwall’s strong solar resource can help, but we size every recommendation around your actual property and usage rather than a general rule.
Will solar panels work on an east- or west-facing roof?
Yes. South-facing roofs typically generate the most, but east- and west-facing roofs can still work well, particularly if your household uses more electricity in the morning or evening. We’ll assess your specific roof during the site survey.
What happens to solar panels during a power cut?
Most grid-connected solar systems automatically shut down during a power cut, for the safety of engineers working on the network. If backup power during an outage matters to you, ask about battery systems with power-cut backup capability, not every setup includes this as standard.
How many solar panels might my home need?
This depends on your roof size, orientation and household electricity usage. Rather than assuming a number, we size every system from your actual usage and the survey findings.
Can I get paid for exporting solar electricity?
Eligible households can apply for Smart Export Guarantee payments from an energy supplier for surplus electricity exported to the grid. An MCS certificate is normally required to apply, and rates vary by supplier and tariff.
Battery storage
Is battery storage worth adding to my system?
It depends on your household’s electricity usage pattern. If you use most of your electricity in the evening, a battery lets you store daytime solar generation instead of exporting it. We’ll talk through whether it makes sense for your situation as part of your quote.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels?
Usually, yes. A battery can typically be retrofitted without needing to replace your existing array. We’ll check your current inverter and setup to confirm compatibility.
Can I install a battery without solar?
Yes, battery-only installations are possible, typically to store cheap overnight electricity for use during peak-rate hours. We’ll talk through whether that makes sense for your tariff and usage.
Can a home battery provide backup during a power cut?
Some battery systems include power-cut backup, but not all do, it depends on the inverter and battery setup. We’ll confirm whether backup is included or available as part of your quote if it matters to you.
Where can a battery be installed?
Most batteries are wall-mounted, usually near the consumer unit or existing solar inverter, in a garage, utility room or outside where appropriate. We’ll confirm the best location for your property during the survey.
EV charging
Can I charge an EV from my solar panels?
Yes, with a compatible charge point and inverter setup you can prioritise charging your car from your own solar generation. See our EV charging page for more detail.
Are there grants available for EV chargers?
Government grant schemes for home EV charge points change from time to time. We’ll confirm what, if anything, you’re eligible for as part of your quote.
Installation
What happens after I request a quote?
We’ll arrange a site survey to confirm what’s possible for your property, then provide a fixed, itemised quote. There’s no obligation to proceed.
Who carries out the site survey?
An accredited surveyor checks your roof, shading and existing electrics in person before anything is quoted.
What certificates do I receive after installation?
You’ll receive an MCS certificate and handover documentation for your system, which you’ll need for any Smart Export Guarantee application or if you sell your property later.
Is scaffolding included?
Whether scaffolding or other access equipment is needed depends on your roof height and access. We’ll confirm this as part of your quote so there are no surprises on installation day.
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