FAQs – Solar Panel Installation

Thinking about making the switch to solar? We’re here to help!

Whether you have questions about solar panels (PV) or solar energy storage batteries, check out our comprehensive FAQ section below to find answers to some of the most common inquiries.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes. Solar panels don’t need bright sunshine to generate electricity – they generate power from daylight. They will usually produce more electricity on bright, sunny days, but a well-designed Solar PV system can still generate energy during cloudy conditions and throughout the UK winter.

Do solar panels work in winter?

Yes. Solar panels continue to generate electricity throughout winter whenever there is sufficient daylight. Generation will normally be lower than during summer because the days are shorter and there is less available sunlight, but your system will continue producing renewable electricity.

Will solar panels reduce my electricity bills?

Solar panels can reduce the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the grid by allowing you to generate electricity at your property.

How much you could save depends on factors including your electricity usage, system size, roof orientation, shading and when you use electricity. Adding battery storage can allow you to store surplus solar energy and use it later rather than drawing electricity from the grid.

What happens to the solar electricity I don’t use?

If your Solar PV system generates more electricity than you’re using, the surplus can either be stored in a compatible battery system or exported to the electricity grid.

Eligible households and businesses may also be able to receive payment for exported electricity through an appropriate export tariff.

Is battery storage worth adding to solar panels?

Battery storage can help you use more of the electricity generated by your solar panels. Instead of exporting surplus energy immediately, you can store it and use it later — for example, during the evening when your panels are no longer generating.

Whether battery storage is right for you will depend on your electricity usage, existing or proposed Solar PV system, energy tariff and what you want to achieve. TECC can assess your requirements and recommend a suitable solution.

Can I install battery storage without solar panels?

Yes. A battery energy storage system can be installed without Solar PV. Depending on your electricity tariff, a standalone battery can be charged using lower-cost off-peak electricity and the stored energy used when electricity prices are higher.

Battery storage can also be designed with the option of adding Solar PV in the future.

How do I know how many solar panels I need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right number of solar panels depends on your property’s available roof space, orientation, shading, electricity consumption and what you want your system to achieve.

TECC can assess your property and energy requirements before designing a Solar PV system specifically for your home or business.

Does my roof need to face south for solar panels?

No. A south-facing roof can provide excellent solar generation in the UK, but east- and west-facing roofs can also be suitable for Solar PV.

Roof angle, available space, surrounding shading and your electricity usage all influence the best system design. We assess these factors when recommending a solar installation.

How long does a solar panel installation take?

Installation time depends on the size and complexity of the system and whether you’re also having battery storage installed.

Once we’ve assessed your property and designed your system, we’ll explain the installation process and expected timescale before work begins. Our team aims to complete installations safely and efficiently with minimal disruption to your home or business.

Do solar panels require maintenance?

Solar panels generally require relatively little maintenance, but periodic inspections can help identify damage, excessive soiling, shading, electrical faults or other issues that could affect performance.

TECC provides Solar PV maintenance and fault-finding services for both domestic and commercial systems.

How long do solar panels last?

Modern solar panels are designed for long-term use and can continue generating electricity for decades. Their output will gradually reduce over time, and the expected performance and product warranties vary between manufacturers.

When designing your system, we’ll explain the warranties and expected performance of the equipment we’re recommending.

Can you repair a Solar PV system that TECC didn’t install?

Yes. If you’re experiencing problems with an existing Solar PV system, our team can investigate the fault even if we weren’t the original installer.

We can help diagnose issues including reduced generation, inverter faults, damaged panels, wiring problems and battery storage faults before recommending the appropriate repair.

Can I see solar panels and battery systems before deciding?

Yes. TECC has a dedicated Solar PV and Battery Storage showroom, where you can explore different technologies, see systems in operation and speak to our team about the most suitable solution for your property.

It’s a great opportunity to understand the equipment and ask questions before deciding what to install.

Are TECC qualified to install Solar PV and battery storage?

Yes. TECC is an NICEIC Approved Contractor, MCS Certified installer and RECC Member. We hold certification for MIS 3002 Solar PV and MIS 3012 Battery Energy Storage Systems, and carry £5 million Public Liability Insurance.

Our qualified team designs and installs Solar PV and battery storage systems in accordance with applicable industry and electrical standards.

Please fill out the form below if you have any questions or if you would like to receive a quote from us. We aim to respond to all enquiries within two hours during our standard working week – excluding Bank Holidays. If you enquire over the weekend, we will reply on Monday.