As part of our guide to solar panels, our team have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about solar panels, debunking any solar panels myths and misconceptions. If there is a question that you would like our team to answer/add, email us directly at claudia.picone@deegesolar.co.uk.
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Is a Solar Panel installation Dangerous?
Due to the combination of working at dangerous heights, and with high voltage DC current, solar panel installations can be dangerous. Faulty wiring and low-quality installations can lead to electrical faults and ultimately a risk of fire, which is why choosing a competent solar panel installer is so important.
As MCS, Napit and Trustmark approved installers, when you choose Deege Solar for your solar installation, you are choosing an installer you can trust. With over 12 years of experience within the industry, and having recently won Renewable Energy Installer of the Year, our team are considered one of the best solar panel companies in the UK.
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Can Solar Panels Overheat?
Yes, solar panels can overheat under certain conditions. While solar panels are designed to operate under high temperatures, excessive heat can have negative effects on the performance and efficiency of a solar panel. Although the UK weather is unpredictable, it is rarely extreme, making the UK incredibly suitable for solar panels.
Overheating can lead to a decrease in power output, reduced lifespan, and potential damage to the panel itself. To mitigate the risk of overheating, proper installation, regular maintenance, and ensuring adequate airflow around the panels are important.
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Can Solar Panels Power A Home in The UK?
Yes, solar panels can definitely power a house in the UK. In fact, according to the latest MCS data, there are roughly 1.2 million UK homes as of 2023 using solar energy to power their homes. With a solar panel-only installation, you can expect your system to cater to up to 75% of your energy requirements, and by installing a battery, a solar PV system can power up to 90% of your household’s demand.
It’s important to consult with a qualified solar panel installer, to assess if your home and roof is suitable for solar panels, and to calculate the potential electricity generation for your property. After all, each home’s energy requirements are unique.
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Can Solar Panels work at night?
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Are Solar Panels Self Cleaning?
Solar panels are not entirely self-cleaning, but they do have some self-cleaning properties. As solar panels are manufactured from self-cleaning glass, they are somewhat resistant to dust, dirt, and debris. When it rains, the water can wash away some of the accumulated dirt on the surface of the panels, depending on the installation angle, all thanks to their special hydrophilic and photocatalytic coating.
However, some factors can limit the effectiveness of self-cleaning glass. For example, In dry and dusty environments, rainwater may not be sufficient to clean the panels adequately. Regular maintenance is always recommended to ensure your solar panel system reaches optimal performance.
Discover more tips on cleaning solar panels.
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Will Solar Panels become more Efficient?
Solar panel technology has been advancing rapidly over the years, and there is ongoing research and development aimed at increasing panel efficiency. Currently, the majority of residential solar panels have an efficiency of around 15-22%. With the most premium solar panels reaching around 22% module efficiency. Considering from where we were 10 years ago, domestic solar panels are becoming more efficient, and more powerful.
According to Elon Musk, we can expect solar panel efficiency to reach a maximum of around 30%, however due to technology, solar panels will never reach much further efficiency. Nevertheless, with constant research and development, who knows where the solar industry will be in 10 years from now?
Discover the most current most efficient solar panels available on the UK market.
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Will Solar Panels Work in a Power Cut
In a typical grid-tied solar panel system, where your solar panels are connected to the National Gird, the solar panels will not work in the event of a power cut. This is a safety feature, designed to protect the National Grid engineers. However, if you have an off-grid or a hybrid solar system, with energy storage, then your solar panels can still provide electricity during a power cut.
If you are considering installing solar panels and want backup power during a power cut, it’s essential to discuss this requirement with your solar installer. By installing an Emergency Power Supply (EPS), your solar panel system can provide backup power and help to maintain essential loads during an outage. This is a perfect solution for homeowners who suffer from frequent power cuts, and who live in rural areas.
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Can you install solar panels without a Smart Meter?
Yes, it is possible to install solar panels without a smart meter. Smart meters are devices that measure and record your electricity consumption, and how much electricity is going two and from the Grid.
Whilst you don’t need a smart meter to install solar panels, you do need a smart meter to gain access to off-peak and economy 7 energy tariffs to charge your batteries and electric vehicles and get rewarded for your exported energy. Your meter doesn’t necessarily have to be “smart”, but must record import and export data at half-hourly rates if you are interested in an export tariff. At least a dual-meter is required, if you are interested in an off-peak or economy 7 tariff.
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Can you install solar panels without an MCS Certificate
Whilst you can install solar panels without an MCS Certificate, you can only take benefit from Smart Export Guarantee payments if you have an MCS Certificate. In order to get paid from selling your excess solar energy back to the grid, your energy provider must receive both your DNO and MCS Certificate.
Only MCS Approved installers, like ourselves, are able to distribute an MCS Certificate. As a standards organisation, when you choose an MCS approved installer you are receiving reassurance that your solar panel installation will only consists of MCS approved products, and be installed according to MCS guidelines.
So can you install solar panels without an MCS Certificate? Yes, but will you receive the full benefits of installing solar panel system, No. MCS is a mark of quality, competence, and compliance.
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Do Solar Panels Affect Home Insurance?
Solar panels do not affect your home insurance, as they are covered as part of your building insurance. Every insurer needs to be informed of any major work being undertaken at your property, and installing solar panels is no different. As installing solar panels classify as building works, you should provide your insurance 30 days’ notice prior to your installation. Whilst every insurer is different, in most instances solar panels do not impact your premium. Some insurers will want to check your installer’s public liability or receive a copy of the certification after the installation is complete.
At Deege Solar, we recommend contacting your insurer prior to installation for peace of mind, and to get in writing verification of any terms and conditions.
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Do Solar Panel Companies Own Your Roof?
Solar panel companies as per your contract, do not own your roof in any way. This is a common question our team get asked, as under the previous FIT scheme, there were some instances where the owner of the property and the owner of the solar panels were different. This “Rent-a-roof” model, meant that the homeowner would receive the benefits of a reduced energy bill, whilst the third-party owner would receive the export payments. The FIT scheme has since been replaced by the Smart Export Guarantee Scheme, in which this type of third-party ownership no longer exists.
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Do Solar Panel Companies Replace Your Roof?
Solar panel companies typically do not replace your roof in order to install solar panels. Prior to your solar panel installation, your renewable energy expert will assess if your roof is structurally sound through weight and wind load calculations. At the point of survey, if your roof appears poorly maintained or damaged, you will be advised to address any necessary repairs or replacements with a roofing contractor, before installing solar panels. This ensures the longevity and effectiveness of your solar panel system and ensures your property will remain safe.
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Can Solar Panels Power a Hot Tub?
Solar panels can be used to power many things, from electric cars, to electric heaters, and yes even hot tubs.
Basically, anything that requires electricity! However, hot tubs do consume large amounts of electricity, and draw on a high load of power. Solar panels can help support the electricity required to power a hot tub if used correctly in conjunction with High-voltage batteries and off-peak charging.
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How can I get Solar Panels?
With the current energy and climate crisis, another frequently asked question about solar panels our team gets asked is how can I get solar panels installed. Now more than ever is the perfect time to start generating your own renewable energy, by installing solar panels.
Deege Solar are a multi-award-winning nationwide solar panel installation company in the UK, happy to help you on your journey to going solar. So if there are any more questions you have about solar panels or any more solar panel myths you would like us to bust, contact our team at 01322 479369.
We provide no-obligation free quotes for going solar.
