Here is the simple breakdown:

Your rooftop solar panels are comprised of numerous smaller ‘cells’ constructed from layers of silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it dislodges electrons from the silicon, creating an electric charge. Your solar system captures this energy, providing your home with clean power. It’s efficient and straightforward!

Absolutely, solar energy epitomises renewable resources.

As long as there’s sunlight, your solar system will continue to generate free, clean energy for your home, helping you reduce electricity bills and carbon footprint.

The incentives, rebates and finance options currently available in the UK include:

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)

ECO4 is designed to reduce heating costs and improve energy efficiency in domestic settings, specifically targeting low-income and vulnerable households. By upgrading homes to be more energy-efficient, the scheme aids in reducing carbon emissions and fighting fuel poverty.

Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)

The Home Upgrade Grant (Phase 2) provides no-cost energy-efficient improvements for homeowners who find it difficult to afford their heating bills and maintain a warm home in winter. These improvements, offered at no charge, are designed to help residents warm their homes more effectively, reduce energy use, and control heating costs.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme helps subsidise the cost of replacing old fossil fuel heating systems with more sustainable alternatives like heat pumps or biomass boilers. These fossil fuel systems include those powered by oil, gas, electricity, or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The Smart Export Guarantee rewards individuals or businesses for exporting surplus electricity generated from renewable sources back to the National Grid. It applies to various renewable technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, micro-CHP, hydro, and anaerobic digestion to boost the use of renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.

The lifespan of your panels hinges on several factors, including:

• Brand and model quality
• Installation standards
• Environmental exposure and debris

Typically, well-maintained panels can last upwards of 25 years. Ensure longevity by:

1. Selecting products with extensive warranty periods.
2. Employing MCS certified professionals for installation, securing warranty fulfilment.

While solar energy is effective across the UK, efficiency can vary by region due to differing sunlight exposure. However, even less sunny areas can benefit significantly from solar installations.

For those in communal living situations, such as apartments or under strata schemes, solutions are available, but it’s crucial to consult with certified installers to explore your options.

To assess if your home is solar-ready, we recommend getting a free, no-obligation quote from Clever Energy Midlands’ network of trusted, local MCS certified installers.

Look for local MCS certified professionals who understand regional specifics and can ensure your investment is sound.

We advise obtaining multiple quotes to compare recommendations, balancing cost, quality, and service to make an informed decision.

Maintenance is minimal:

Typically, rainfall suffices to clean your panels of debris. However, monitoring your system via your inverter or a smart device app is advisable. Should you notice any production declines, promptly contact your installer for troubleshooting.