Solar Panel Installations for Homes and Businesses across East Anglia and Surrounding Counties

Rooftop solar panel systems capture sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) cells. The power comes in as direct current (DC). However, this isn’t compatible with domestic appliances and systems, as these use alternating current (AC). So to make it compatible, the energy runs through an inverter, which converts it to AC.

Once converted, this energy can be used to power household appliances, lighting and heating, and to heat water.

Solar PV systems offer multiple benefits. They:

1. Reduce energy bills, providing savings of up to £600 per year. By generating your own electricity from sunlight, you lower the amount of grid power you need to purchase from energy providers.
2. Allow you to earn money by selling excess energy back to the grid. When your solar panels produce more power than you use, you can export the surplus back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) initiative.

3. Reduce your reliance on grid energy, protecting you from unpredictable energy price hikes. This stabilises your energy costs, for more predictable budgeting.
4. Help reduce your carbon footprint. By using clean, renewable energy from your solar panels rather than fossil fuels, you contribute to a healthier planet and help combat climate change.
5. Boost your energy independence by providing a reliable source of power outside of the grid. With solar battery storage, you can maximise your use of solar energy and, in some cases, access electricity during grid outages.
6. Future-proof your property. Investing in solar panel systems not only enhances your property’s value, but also prepares you for a future where sustainability and renewable energy solutions are a priority.

How much you could save with a roof-mounted solar panel installation depends on how much of the sun-generated energy you can use yourself,  and whether you’re signed up to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) which lets you earn by selling your unused energy back to the grid.

Where you live in the UK is also a major factor. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the further south you live, the more sunlight you get. So in East Anglia, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, for example, you’ll generally enjoy higher solar panel savings than property owners in the likes of Manchester or Newcastle.

Generally, solar panel systems installed on the rooftop of a regular property won’t need planning permission as they fall under Permitted Development rules.

However, if your property is listed, located in a conservation area or an area of outstanding natural beauty, then you should check with your local planning department.

Ground-mounted solar PV systems will generally need planning permission.

Your Greenscape Energy surveyor will be happy to answer any questions you have about planning permission during the survey visit.

Because solar panel systems have very few moving parts, they don’t require much maintenance.

The inverter will usually be installed in your loft or garage. This will communicate with your solar PV system and will alert you via the monitoring software should there be any issues.

The only thing you may need to arrange on a regular basis is cleaning of the rooftop solar panels. Exposed to the elements, the panels can get dirty over time, which can reduce their efficiency.

Solar panels will, wherever possible, be fitted south-facing in the UK. However, they can still offer many benefits when installed on east or west-facing rooftops.

East and west-facing solar panel installations will peak at different times of the day. They can sometimes even provide additional benefits over south-facing systems.

Your Greenscape Energy surveyor will guide you through the pros and cons of different rooftop orientations when they visit your property.

Most solar inverters will automatically shut down during a power cut for safety reasons. However, if you are using a combined solar power and battery storage system, and your battery is a model designed to isolate itself from the grid and provide uninterrupted power (such as the Tesla Powerwall), then you will benefit from safe backup power during the outage.

The Powerwall even monitors for approaching storms and automatically charges up ready to provide backup power should you need it.

Your Greenscape Energy surveyor will happily answer any questions you have about rooftop solar PV systems and power cuts.

The ECO4 grant scheme is helping make solar more accessible for qualifying UK homeowners who are either claiming certain benefits, or who qualify via the ECO4 Flex programme.

Whilst there are no other generalised grants available, it is encouraging to know that PV panels and solar panel installation costs have fallen over the past 10 years. There is also currently 0% VAT on solar panel installations and solar battery storage.

Finally, improvements in solar power and battery storage mean more energy can be harvested than ever, even on cloudy days. It’s also possible to store more excess energy too, so you get to use more free power for longer.

Yes, solar panels still generate energy even on cloudy or overcast days, although they will produce less than on sunny days.

Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. So, while peak performance happens with direct sunlight, they can still function in diffused light conditions.

If you combine your solar PV system with solar battery storage, then you can store any surplus energy harvested during a particularly sunny day, and then use it on a duller day when you may not pull enough in to meet your immediate needs.

Excess energy generated by your solar panels can be fed back into the National Grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Depending on your tariff, you could earn money by exporting surplus electricity. Different energy providers offer different SEG tariffs, so it’s worth comparing options to maximise your returns.

Alternatively solar battery storage can store excess energy for later use.

Solar batteries store any excess electricity generated by your solar panels for later use, such as during the evening or on cloudy days.

They enhance energy independence by allowing you to rely less on the grid and optimise your savings. What’s more, depending on the battery brand, they can act as a backup in case of a power outage.

Solar batteries also allow for load shifting, meaning you can charge the batteries from the grid at off-peak times, and then use that cheaper energy at peak rate times instead of buying from the grid.

Yes, combining solar panels with an air source heat pump (ASHP) can maximise energy savings. Solar panels can power your ASHP, reducing the electricity you draw from the grid.

Greenscape Energy specialises in designing integrated renewable energy solutions, improving all-round energy efficiency, lowering bills, and further reducing your carbon footprint.

A typical solar panel system lasts around 25-30 years, with minimal degradation in performance over time. Inverter systems may need replacing after 10-15 years. With regular maintenance, you can maximise the efficiency and lifespan of your solar PV panels.

Most properties are suitable for solar panels, but key factors include roof size, orientation, and shading.

Ideally, south-facing roofs receive the most sunlight, but east- or west-facing roofs can also work well. A site survey will determine the best solution for your home or business.

Yes, you can charge your electric vehicle (EV) using solar energy generated by rooftop solar panels. During daylight hours, the energy produced by your solar panels can power your home and charge your EV at the same time.

Any energy not used immediately can either be stored in a solar battery for later use, or fed back into the grid. This way, you can reduce or even eliminate the need to rely on grid electricity for charging, saving you money and making your EV truly eco-friendly by using 100% renewable energy.