Solar Panel Installation: FAQ's
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What are the two types of solar panel?
Solar thermal panels heat water which is stored in your existing hot water tank, obviating the need to use energy to create hot water. PV (or photo voltaic, electricity generating) solar panels generate electricity which is either used immediately or exported back into the National Grid.
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Do I need planning permission?
Generally no, unless your house is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or in a National Park, where some restrictions apply. It is best to check with your Local Planning Authority.
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How much energy will it generate?
It depends on how much sunlight your panels capture. South facing panels will capture more than panels facing east or west, and of course, there'll be less energy generated during winter months.
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Is my home suitable for a solar installation?
Most homes are suitable. You'll need a roof that faces (at best) south, east or west.
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How much will it cost to install?
A PV solar electricity system can cost between £3,000 and £8,000 depending on the type and size of the system you're installing – but the savings are greater too.
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How do I feed surplus electricity to the National Grid?
You need sign up for export tariff with your electricity supplier. Most suppliers will pay you around 5p per kWh for any electricity you Export.
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How long will installation take?
Installation can be completed in one day.
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Is electricity stored on the property?
Not unless you install batteries to store the power and this is very rare. Surplus electricity is sold back to your electricity supplier.
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How much maintenance is required?
Very little. A solar thermal system needs checking over every three years. A PV (photo voltaic or electricity generating) system needs little or no maintenance once installed.
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Do you need sun to make the solar panels work?
The panels we use are made to perform well, whatever the weather. Even diffuse sunlight on a cloudy day is enough to power our panels. Our systems are designed specifically with our climatic conditions in mind so you will benefit financially even when the great British weather does its worst!
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Does my location affect the ability to have solar panels?
Most areas of the UK can benefit from solar installations. The far north of Scotland is not an optimum area – everywhere else is ideal considering the technological advances made in solar power in recent years.
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Will the system integrate into my existing system?
A solar thermal system will integrate with your existing hot water tank. If you have a combi boiler and no tank, we'll install one. A PV (photo voltaic or electricity generating) system will supply electricity to your property seamlessly.
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How much roof space is required?
An average domestic installation requires around 15m2, but we will happily install smaller or larger systems.
"All in all the whole process ran sweetly with a high level of professionalism. I would have no hesitation in recommending Apollo, with the sun out the £'s are rolling in." - Mark Mitchell
Solar technology explained
Solar panels use light energy (photons) from the sun to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. We install two main types of solar technology solutions.
