Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about solar panels.

Got questions about solar panels? You’ve come to the right place.

Installing solar energy can raise lots of questions. That's why we've put together this FAQ guide to provide you with all the info you need.

Curious about the environmental benefits, the financial benefits or even just how solar panels work? You’ll find the answers here.

And once you feel ready, you can always find out more about solar panels from E.ON Next.

What is solar electricity?

Solar electricity is simply power that comes from the Sun. The really cool bit is the photovoltaic (PV) tech that generates the solar electricity through solar PV panels.

The panels are made from materials like silicon. When the surface of the silicon is hit by sunlight, it makes the electrons whizz around on the surface and creates electricity.

What are the benefits of solar panels?

There are loads. They are a low maintenance, renewable, clean energy source that help you save on your energy bills and make you less reliant on the grid. You’ll also be contributing to one of the fastest growing industries in the UK, helping to create jobs and economic growth, along with many other advantages.

How does solar benefit the environment?

Solar energy is renewable. It won't run out (well not for another 7-8 billion years). What’s more, it’s environmentally friendly as it does not produce greenhouse or other harmful gases - so it’s beneficial to your local air quality too.

How does a solar PV system work?

A solar PV system uses an arrangement of cells that contain solar PV material. The cells convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This electricity is converted to alternating current (AC) by something called an inverter so it can be used to power lighting and electrical appliances in homes.

What is a solar battery?

A solar battery is part of the solar PV system that stores your unused solar energy. The stored energy can be used at night or other times when solar panels aren't producing electricity.

By using even more of your solar energy, you’ll help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.

How many solar panels will my home need?

The number of solar panels you’ll need depends on factors such as energy use, the size of the property, and the number of people living in the home.

The more energy your home consumes, the more panels you will need.

Then there is the size of your roof and the direction it’s facing. A south-facing roof will be more exposed to daylight and therefore produce more electricity per square metre. You also want to avoid shading from nearby buildings, trees, and so on.

More efficient panels (like monocrystalline ones) produce more electricity per square metre.

And of course, there is the question of how energy independent you want to be. To generate more electricity and be less reliant on the national grid will require more panels.

But the simple answer for most homes is that smaller homes can manage with a minimum of a 2kW system - that’s about 8 square metres of roof space. Larger homes with bigger energy needs might need a 4kW+ system (around 18+ square metres of roof space).

How much roof space do I need for solar panels?

An 8-panel solar PV system easily fits on the roof of a typical 3-bed semi. Most panels generate a good amount of energy per square metre, so you can still get plenty of electricity from a smaller roof.

Do I need a south-facing roof for solar panels?

A south-facing roof is great for generating electricity with your solar panels, but it is not strictly necessary. We’ve already mentioned that the latest solar panels can generate electricity on cloudy days, and this tech means your panels will work even if they’re not facing south.

In fact, some customers may find that fitting panels to east and west-facing roofs actually work better with their lifestyle, as this means more energy is produced in the early morning and late afternoon.

How long does it take to install solar panels?

Your installation shouldn’t take more than a day or two with minimal disruption. The panels are mounted on the roof, the inverter is installed, and internal wiring is carried out to connect the solar PV system into your home's existing electrics.

How long until I get an install date?

We know it can feel like ages waiting for an installation date. But we can only provide you with one when your District Network Operator (DNO) application has been completed, and you have a smart meter and isolator installed. As soon as that’s all done then we will see when we have an installation team in your area to carry out the work.

It can be extra busy at certain times of the year, so you may need to wait a little longer for your installation date.

When will the scaffolding be put up?

The scaffolding is usually erected a few days before installation. The scaffolding company will contact you to fix a date.

Do I need to be home when the scaffolding is put up or dismantled?

You don’t need to be there when our scaffolders arrive at your home. However, please make sure they have sufficient access. If your scaffolding is being installed at the back of the house, make sure there are no locked gates and the scaffolders can access the back safely.

When will the scaffolding be removed?

Either we or the scaffolding company will contact you after your solar system has been installed, to give you a date when the scaffolding will be dismantled.

How much do solar panels cost?

The cost of solar panels depends on factors like the size of the installation, the type of panels, their output and how complex it is to install.

What is the cost of E.ON Next’s solar panels?

We offer two packages at E.ON Next. There is the Energise package for unshaded roofs. This starts at £4,995 for a 6-panel system (2.76 kWp). And there’s the Optimise package for shaded roofs, which starts at £6,071 for the same system.

When does my final balance need to be cleared by?

This is for people who have chosen our Deposit and Final payment method. We will contact you within 7 days of your solar panels being installed to take payment. You can do this on the phone there and then, or we can provide you with the bank details to make the payment.

When will my first payment be taken for my panels?

We want you to be completely happy with your solar panels. That's why we’ll ask you to sign a customer satisfaction form when we install them. The form will also instruct our lender to start your payments from your preferred date.

What is the Feed-in Tariff?

The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) was a government scheme that paid homeowners and businesses for generating their own electricity from renewable sources (like solar panels) and exporting excess energy to the national grid. The scheme closed to new applicants in March 2019, but if you registered before the deadline you’d continue to receive payments for 20-25 years.

Have I missed out on the Feed-in Tariff?

The good news is that in 2020 FiT was replaced with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This is now the scheme that allows homes (and businesses) to sell the excess renewable electricity they generate back to the grid.

Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

Yes. All buildings that use renewable energy need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It’s also a requirement if you want to apply for the Smart Export Guarantee.

Could you charge an electric car for free with solar energy?

Charging your car with your own solar-generated electricity is free. Once you are set up, your panels generate electricity from sunlight - which costs you nothing. And don’t forget that the electricity you generate is also sustainable.