At SESC Solar Service, we understand that making the jump to solar energy can be daunting. That is why we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding solar pv panels, solar thermal and electric vehicle chargers.

We hope that you find these videos useful, but if you should have any further questions regarding solar thermal maintenance, solar pv products or EV charging stations, don’t hesitate to contact our team on 01747 445 509 – we are happy to help!

Residential Solar Panel Installation

How do solar panels work on a residential property?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. This electricity can power your home, helping reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.

Will solar panels work in the UK climate?

Yes, solar panels are highly effective in the UK. They don’t need direct sunlight to work – they generate electricity even on cloudy days.

How long does it take to install solar panels at home?

Most residential solar installations take 1–2 days, depending on the size of the system and roof complexity.

Residential Solar Panel Maintenance

How often do solar panels need servicing?

We recommend an annual inspection to ensure everything is working efficiently. Cleaning may also be needed every couple of years depending on local conditions.

What happens if a solar panel stops working?

Our team can diagnose and repair faults promptly. Most issues are minor and easily resolved.

Will I be notified if my system has a fault?

Yes, many modern inverters and monitoring systems alert you to faults via an app or web portal.

EV Charging and Batteries

Can I charge my electric car using my solar panels?

Absolutely. We can integrate solar panels with an EV charger, allowing you to power your car with renewable energy.

What is a home battery and should I get one?

A home battery stores excess solar energy for use when the sun isn’t shining. It’s ideal for households wanting to maximise energy independence.

How long do solar batteries last?

Most solar batteries last 10–15 years, depending on usage and manufacturer.

Thermal Panels

What’s the difference between solar PV and solar thermal panels?

Solar PV panels generate electricity, while solar thermal panels heat water. Both can be used together for maximum energy efficiency.

Can solar thermal panels provide all my hot water needs?

In summer months, yes. In winter, they usually supplement your main heating system.

Are thermal panels suitable for all homes?

They work best for homes with higher hot water usage and suitable roof space for installation.

Air Source Heat Pumps

What is an air source heat pump?

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and uses it to warm your home and hot water – even in colder months.

Can an air source heat pump replace my boiler?

Yes, in many cases. It can be a highly efficient alternative, especially when combined with underfloor heating or larger radiators.

Are air source heat pumps noisy?

No, modern systems are designed to operate quietly and are suitable for residential use.

Commercial Solar Panels

Do you offer solar panel systems for businesses?

Yes, we provide custom-designed solar solutions for commercial buildings to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

Is there a return on investment for commercial solar installations?

Definitely. Many businesses see a return in under 5 years through energy savings and potential tax benefits.

Can you install solar panels on industrial or flat roofs?

Yes. We work with all roof types, including flat, pitched, and complex commercial roofing structures.

Book Your Free Survey!

To find out how much we can help you save on your energy bills with a bespoke solar solution, contact our expert team!

Do PV solar panels work with EV chargers?

Yes, solar PV panels can be effectively paired with EV chargers to provide clean, renewable energy for charging electric vehicles. By installing an EV charger alongside your solar PV system, you can power your car using sunlight, significantly reducing your reliance on grid electricity and lowering your carbon footprint. This applies to both homeowners with residential solar systems and businesses investing in commercial solar infrastructure for fleets or employee vehicles.

To maximise usage, many customers choose to include a solar battery storage system, which stores excess energy generated during the day and allows you to charge your EV overnight or during cloudy periods.

Does solar PV require regular maintenance?

Yes, regular maintenance is essential for keeping your solar PV system efficient and safe. While solar panels don’t have moving parts, neglecting system upkeep can lead to reduced performance or potential faults.

For both residential and commercial systems, we recommend the following:

Annual panel cleaning to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can block sunlight.

Electrical inspections every 5–10 years to ensure all connections, inverters, and safety components are working correctly.

Performance checks to ensure your system is delivering maximum output based on current usage and sunlight conditions.

Our residential solar panel maintenance plans are designed for hassle-free ownership, while our commercial solar maintenance services include scheduled inspections, reporting, and system optimisation.

Is it worth upgrading my solar PV system?

If your system was installed several years ago or doesn’t include battery storage or optimisation features, an upgrade could substantially improve your energy savings.

Older systems typically only utilise about 35% of the electricity they generate. Adding a solar battery can boost this to around 65–70%, letting you store energy for evening or emergency use. An energy diverter can send surplus power to your immersion heater, giving you hot water at virtually no cost from spring through autumn.

Upgrades are available for both domestic and commercial systems, and we offer free system assessments to determine where improvements can be made.

If you have any queries or problems concerning solar panel installation, please use our contact form.

Call us free today on 01747 445 509

Solar FAQs