Solar Energy Services For Sussex

Most 4kW solar-only systems cost £6,000–£8,000 installed, including panels, inverter, mounting, scaffolding where required, installation, commissioning and MCS certification, at 0% VAT. Battery storage is from £1,750 for a 5 kWh battery, with larger batteries priced at survey. Larger systems are priced at survey. Factors affecting cost include roof complexity, scaffolding, panel quality, inverter type, and extras such as bird protection or an EV charger.

Most residential solar installations are permitted development and don't require planning permission, though some restrictions apply to listed buildings and conservation areas. The panels must not stand more than 200mm off the roof and must not be higher than the top of the roof. We check the specific rules for your property during the survey — this is general guidance, not legal advice.

The work on your roof takes 1–3 days. The full process — survey, system design, installation, and grid-connection paperwork — is typically completed within four weeks of your first enquiry.

With current energy prices, most systems pay for themselves in 7-10 years through energy savings, then provide free electricity for the rest of their working life. Payback depends on energy usage patterns, system size, electricity rates, and Smart Export Guarantee earnings from excess generation.

Yes. Tell your insurer before the work starts. Your policy will say what you must tell them about. Aviva’s, for example, asks you to tell them before you alter the buildings, and fitting panels to the roof is that kind of work, so check your own wording. Panels are fixed to the structure, so they sit under buildings cover rather than contents cover. Ask your insurer to confirm three things: that the panels are covered, that the amount you are insured for still covers rebuilding the house with the panels on the roof, and whether accidental damage to the panels is included or costs extra. Telling your insurer may change your premium. Not telling them is worse, because an insurer can change your cover, refuse part of a claim, or cancel the policy. Keep your MCS certificate and your electrical certificate. Both are in the handover pack we give you.

It depends on who owns the roof. In a block of flats the roof normally belongs to the freeholder or the management company, not to you, so panels cannot go on it without their written consent, and your lease has to allow the work. A leasehold house usually needs the freeholder’s consent too, so read the lease first. Where a lease says you need consent to make improvements, the law says that consent must not be unreasonably withheld, although some leases ban the work outright instead. Planning permission is a separate matter, and permission from the council is not permission from your freeholder. It can still work: a top floor flat where the roof is included in your lease, a leasehold house with consent in writing, or a whole block done by the freeholder. There is also the supply to settle, because a block usually has one supply for the shared areas and a separate meter in each flat, so somebody has to decide which meter the panels feed.

Most homes benefit from 5-15kWh systems depending on daily usage. A typical 4-bed house uses 10-12kWh daily, so a 10kWh battery provides good coverage. Consider your evening energy consumption, backup power needs, and future electric vehicle charging when sizing your battery.

Storing cheap or self-generated energy and using it during expensive peak hours is what a battery adds to a solar system; a typical household saves £700–£1,200 a year overall. Savings depend on your energy usage patterns, current electricity rates, and how well your battery size matches your consumption needs.

Modern lithium batteries last 10-15 years, with most manufacturers warranting at least 80% capacity for around 10 years. Degradation after that is gradual rather than sudden. Advanced Battery Management Systems optimise performance and longevity, while monitoring ensures early detection of any issues.

Yes, batteries can be added to most existing solar systems. We assess your setup and recommend AC or DC coupled solutions for optimal performance. AC coupled batteries work with any existing system, while DC coupled options offer higher efficiency with compatible inverters.

Most systems benefit from professional cleaning every 6-12 months, depending on location and environmental factors like pollution and bird activity. Rural areas may need cleaning only annually, while urban or high-pollution areas may require more frequent attention to maintain optimal performance.

Basic cleaning costs £120-£150 per visit, while comprehensive annual maintenance plans range from £240-£360 including inspection and monitoring. Annual plans offer better value and ensure warranty compliance with documented service records and professional certifications.

Yes, most manufacturer warranties require annual professional maintenance. Documented service records are essential for warranty claims and system longevity. Professional maintenance also identifies potential issues early, preventing costly repairs and ensuring optimal performance.

We offer same-day or next-day emergency callouts for urgent issues, with priority response for maintenance contract customers and comprehensive system monitoring. Emergency callouts are available for safety-critical issues, complete system failures, or electrical hazards requiring immediate attention.