Question 1

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight rather than direct sunshine. Output will be lower during overcast conditions, but your system will still generate electricity throughout daylight hours.

Question 2

Will solar panels reduce my electricity bills?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Electricity generated by your solar panels supplies your home first, reducing the amount purchased from the grid. Your savings will depend on system size, generation, household usage and when you use electricity.

Question 3

Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Many properties are suitable for Solar PV. Roof orientation, available space, pitch, shading and roof condition all influence system performance. Wootton Group assesses these factors as part of the survey and design process.

Question 4

Do I need a south-facing roof?

Accepted Answer

No. South-facing roofs often achieve strong annual generation, but east-facing and west-facing roofs also provide good results. Your system design will take roof orientation, shading and available space into account.

Question 5

Do I need battery storage with solar panels?

Accepted Answer

No. Solar PV works without battery storage. Adding a battery allows surplus solar electricity generated during the day to be stored for use later, such as during the evening when solar generation falls.

Question 6

What happens to electricity I do not use?

Accepted Answer

Without battery storage, surplus electricity normally flows back to the grid. With battery storage, available surplus electricity charges the battery first. Once the battery reaches full charge, additional surplus electricity flows back to the grid.

Question 7

What size solar and battery system do I need?

Accepted Answer

The right system depends on your electricity consumption, roof space, usage patterns and future plans. Electric vehicles, heat pumps and expected changes in household electricity demand should form part of the design. Wootton Group will recommend a system based on your individual requirements.

Question 8

Will my solar panels work during a power cut?

Accepted Answer

A standard grid-connected Solar PV system normally shuts down during a power cut for safety reasons. Battery systems also require specific backup equipment and electrical design to supply selected circuits during an outage. Backup requirements should form part of your initial system design.

Question 9

How long does a Solar PV installation take?

Accepted Answer

Installation time depends on system size, property layout and access requirements. Many residential installations take only a few days once scaffolding and all required approvals are in place. Your quotation will set out the expected installation programme.

Question 10

How do I monitor how much electricity my system produces?

Accepted Answer

Modern Solar PV and battery systems usually include online or app-based monitoring. This gives you access to information including solar generation, household consumption, battery charge, electricity imported from the grid and electricity exported. Wootton Group will explain the monitoring system during handover

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