Solar electricity is power generated from daylight using photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Solar panels are made from materials such as silicon. When daylight hits the panel surface, it creates an electrical charge that produces usable electricity for your home.

A solar PV system works in four simple stages:

1. Solar panels generate DC (direct current) electricity
2. An inverter converts DC into usable AC (alternating current) electricity
3. The electricity powers your home
4. Any unused energy can:
   1. Be stored in a battery
   2. Be exported to the grid

No. Solar panels work in daylight — not just direct sunshine.

They will still generate electricity on cloudy days, although output will be lower. In fact, panels can perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures than in extreme heat.

Yes. The UK receives sufficient daylight throughout the year for solar to be effective.

Generation is naturally higher in spring and summer, but systems continue to produce electricity during winter months.

Solar panels:

• Reduce electricity bills
• Lower reliance on the grid
• Provide protection against rising energy costs
• Reduce your carbon footprint
• Increase property appeal

They are also low maintenance and contain no moving parts.

Solar energy is renewable and produces no emissions during operation.

By generating your own electricity, you reduce demand for fossil-fuel-generated power and lower your household carbon emissions.

This depends on:

• Your electricity usage
• Roof size and orientation
• Budget
• Whether battery storage is included
• How energy independent you want to be

As a general guide:

• Smaller homes may install 6–8 panels
• Larger homes may install 10–16+ panels

Every system designed by Solar Severn is tailored to your property and energy goals.

South-facing roofs are ideal, but not essential.

East- and west-facing roofs can perform very well and often better match households that use more electricity in the morning and evening. This is assessed during your survey.

An 8-panel system will typically fit on a standard 3-bedroom semi-detached roof.

Modern high-efficiency panels allow strong performance even on smaller roof areas.

Standard grid-connected systems automatically switch off during a power cut for safety reasons.

However, certain battery systems can provide backup power if designed for this. If backup capability is important to you, we can specify this at quotation stage.

For most homes, fully disconnecting from the grid would require a large solar array and significant battery storage.

Most customers choose to reduce reliance on the grid rather than eliminate it entirely.

No — not when installed correctly.

Panels are secured using a roof hook and rail mounting system designed to withstand UK wind loading and installed in line with current regulations.

A solar battery stores excess electricity generated during the day so it can be used later — typically in the evening or overnight.

This increases self-consumption and reduces electricity imported from the grid.

In most cases, yes.

We carry out a survey to check inverter compatibility, available space and electrical configuration before confirming suitability.

This depends on:

• Daily electricity usage
• Whether backup power is required
• Your off-peak tariff
• Your self-sufficiency goals

Typical residential systems range from 5kWh to 30kWh.

Yes.

Certain EV chargers can prioritise surplus solar generation, allowing you to charge your vehicle using your own electricity where available. This reduces charging costs and maximises solar usage.

If your panels are generating surplus electricity, then yes — that energy is effectively free once the system is installed.

Most vehicles will still require some grid charging, particularly during winter months.

Most domestic installations take:

• 1–3 days for solar panels
• Half a day to one full day for battery storage
• 3–6 hours for an EV charger

Timeframes vary depending on system size and complexity.

Yes. Scaffolding is usually required for safe roof access.

It is typically erected a few days before installation and removed shortly afterwards.

Solar panels are low maintenance, but regular professional checks help ensure your system continues to operate safely, efficiently and in line with manufacturer warranty requirements.

At Solar Severn, we recommend a professional inspection every 2 years.

Our Solar Maintenance & Service Package includes:

• Full visual inspection of panels and mounting systems
• Electrical safety testing
• Inverter inspection and operational checks
• Performance monitoring
• Inspection of cables, isolators and connections

Regular servicing helps identify minor issues early, maintain system performance and extend equipment lifespan.

Costs vary depending on:

• System size
• Roof layout
• Panel specification
• Battery inclusion
• Installation complexity

We provide a tailored quotation following a site survey.

Typical warranties include:

• 25-year product warranty on panels
• 30-year performance warranty
• 10-year manufacturer warranty on inverters and batteries (dependent on brand)
• Solar Severn workmanship warranty

All warranty details are clearly explained at quotation stage.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows homeowners to receive payment for exporting excess electricity back to the grid.

A smart meter is required to receive export payments.