Do I need an electrician to install plug-in solar?
No. Our systems are designed for DIY installation. You connect the panel to the microinverter, position it in your outdoor space, and plug it into a standard 13A UK socket. The whole process takes 10–15 minutes.

Do I need planning permission?
In most cases, no. Ground-mounted and balcony systems are generally Permitted Development. Listed buildings and conservation areas may have additional requirements. See our Regulations page for full details.

Will it work if I rent?
Technically, you need your landlord’s permission — but because our systems require no drilling and leave no marks, most landlords agree readily. We provide a consent letter template to help.

How much does it cost to run?
Nothing. The panels have no moving parts and use no electricity to operate. Maintenance is limited to an occasional wipe-down.

How much electricity will my solar system generate each day?

The amount of electricity generated depends on several factors, including the weather, the position and angle of the panels, shading, and how many hours each day the system can produce close to its maximum output.

Systems are limited to a maximum output of approximately 800W at any one time. With the 1280W solar system, this level of output may be maintained for up to around 7 hours on a good day. With the 950W system, it may be maintained for up to around 4 hours.

Actual daily generation will vary throughout the year and will usually be lower during cloudy weather and the shorter winter months.

Does it work in cloudy weather?
Yes. Solar panels generate from daylight, not direct sunshine. Output is reduced on overcast days (typically 10–25% of peak) but generation continues year-round.

Will it work in winter?
Yes, though output is lower. December and January typically produce 15–20% of peak summer generation. The full annual saving accounts for this seasonal variation.

How quickly will it pay for itself?
Most customers see payback in 3–4 years. After that, every unit generated is pure saving.

What is a base load?

Your base load is the electricity your home uses throughout the day, even when you’re not actively using high-power appliances. This typically includes things like your fridge, freezer, Wi-Fi router, televisions on standby, lighting, and other everyday electrical devices.

In many homes, a summer daytime base load is around 200 watts, although this will vary depending on the size of your home, the number of occupants, and the appliances you have running. During the winter, when lighting and heating systems are used more, your base load is usually higher.

What size solar panels should I choose?

Choosing the right panel size depends on your available space and your future plans.

A single 400–465W panel can make a worthwhile contribution on a sunny day and may cover much of a typical home’s daytime base load during the summer.

However, if you have the roof or garden space, we generally recommend installing more capacity than you think you’ll need. Larger panels generate more power in poor weather and shorter winter days, helping you maximise your savings throughout the year.

Our most popular options are the 2 × 640W (1280W) and 2 × 465W (930W) kits. These systems provide excellent performance today while also future-proofing your installation for battery storage as regulations continue to evolve.

One thing we hear time and again from existing solar owners is:

“I wish I’d installed more solar panels from the start.”

Installing the largest system your space and budget allow is often the best long-term investment.

What happens if there’s a power cut?
Your system automatically shuts down during a power cut. This is a safety requirement — it prevents your panels from feeding electricity into lines that engineers may be working on.  Similary if a wire gets cut or pulled out.  The system just shuts down.   It needs a secure connection to your plug socket to be live.

Can I connect more than one panel?
Yes. Each panel connects to its own socket. You can have up to 2 panels per circuit. For larger systems, use sockets on different circuits.

Does my meter need to be a smart meter?
No. Any standard UK electricity meter will slow down when you’re generating solar power (an old style spinning disk one may go backwards).. A smart meter lets you monitor generation more precisely and may enable Smart Export Guarantee payments in the future.

What if I move house?
Just unplug the system, dismantle the mounting, and take it with you. The whole system is fully portable.