What exactly do solar panels do?

Solar panels take sunlight and turn it into electricity for your home. They use solar cells to create direct current (DC), which an inverter then changes to usable electricity (AC) for your lights, appliances, and more.

Why should I get solar panels for my home?

Installing solar panels can cut your energy bills, increase your property’s value, and reduce your carbon footprint. You also become less reliant on the energy grid.

How long will my solar panels last?

Most solar panels last around 25 to 30 years. After that, they still work but at reduced efficiency. Inverters and batteries might need replacing sooner, usually within 10 to 15 years.

Will solar panels still work if it’s cloudy or raining?

Yes, they still work in bad weather. Solar panels generate some energy from daylight, even when it’s cloudy or rainy—just at a lower rate.

How do I know what size solar system I need?

It depends on your electricity usage, your roof size, and how much sun your home gets. We’ll assess your needs and recommend the right system size for you.

How much can I save each month with solar panels?

Most customers save between 50% and 100% on their electricity bills. The amount depends on your system size and how much energy you use.

Do solar panels need regular maintenance?

Not much! Solar panels are low-maintenance. Just keep them clean and check your system now and then. We recommend a professional check-up once a year.

Can you install solar panels on any roof?

Yes, in most cases. We install systems on tiled, metal, and flat roofs using the correct fixings. If your roof isn’t suitable, we can discuss ground-mounted options.

How long does it take to install solar panels?

The actual install usually takes 1 to 2 days. From start to finish—including design, approval, and grid connection—it can take a few weeks.

Will having solar panels make my home more valuable?

Yes, solar panels can boost your home’s value. They make your property more energy-efficient and attractive to eco-conscious buyers.

Can I power my entire home with solar energy?

Yes, depending on your system size and whether you have battery storage. A well-designed system can meet all your home’s energy needs, especially with storage.

What warranties come with solar panels and parts?

Panels typically come with a 20–25 year warranty. Inverters often have 5–12 year cover. We’ll explain all warranties before installation.

What is battery storage and how does it help?

Battery storage lets you store extra solar energy to use at night or during power cuts. It makes your home more energy independent and helps you save even more.

Can you install an EV charger at my home?

Absolutely. We offer smart EV chargers that work alongside your solar panels, so you can charge your car using free solar energy.

Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Most homes don’t need planning permission for solar panels. There are a few exceptions, like listed buildings or conservation areas, but we’ll check that for you.

Maximise Your Solar Power With A Solar Battery From Des

Q: Are solar panels useful without a battery?

Absolutely, solar panels are still a useful investment even without battery storage. While solar panels without a battery can’t store excess energy for use later on, they can still help you save money on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Adding a battery storage system to your solar panel setup simply extends their usefulness.

Q: Where does the battery go?

Solar batteries have slim profiles that make them easy to store in various locations such as garages, utility rooms, cabinets, or even outdoors. While most homeowners prefer to store their solar batteries in a neat and unobtrusive location, it is possible to showcase them as well.

Q: Can I install a solar battery with my existing solar panels?

Yes! Retrofitting solar batteries to an already-established solar panel array is perfectly possible. Sometimes you may need a new inverter to make it possible, and in other cases it’s as simple as introducing the solar battery to the system. We’ll let you know how easy the job will be when we know more about your current solar array.

Q: How much will a solar battery save me?

That depends on the amount of energy you use and the price of energy at the time of a comparison. On average, though, you’ll save around an additional £150-£200 per year with a solar battery installed, but this will vary per household.

Q: How long will a solar battery last?

Most solar batteries will last comfortably for 10-15 years, but could last longer with the proper care and maintenance.

Q: How long does it take to fit solar battery storage?

If fitting to an already-established solar system, then a solar panel battery could be fitted in as little as 3 hours. If being fitted as part of a wider solar panel installation, then you can expect it to take 1-2 days.

Q: What areas do you cover?

We’re a Dorset solar panel installation company, but we also work in a 80 mile radius, including, but not limited to: Hampshire Wiltshire Poole Bournemouth Southampton Salisbury Dorchester Weymouth And more!

How can we help?

WHAT ARE SOLAR BATTERIES?

We pride ourselves on our exceptional capability to bring new solar PV solutions for commercial clients.

Solar battery storage is an innovative technology that allows homeowners to store excess energy generated by their solar panels during the day for use later on. This means that even when the sun goes down, you can still power your home with clean, renewable energy.

With a modern solar battery storage system, your home can automatically switch to stored energy when there isn’t enough daylight available. This ensures that you always have access to electricity, even during power outages or grid failures.

Make the most of your solar panels and enjoy clean, renewable energy around the clock.

What are the benefits?

Renewable Savings

Boost Energy Independence

With a solar battery, you can reduce your reliance on mainstream power and become more self-sufficient, even during outages or grid failures.

Save Money

Storing excess solar energy means lower electricity bills and more savings for you.

Reliable Backup Power

Some battery systems provide electricity during power outages, keeping your home or business up and running.

Go Green

By increasing your use of clean, renewable energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future.

Earn Money

Through the Smart Export Guarantee Scheme (SEG) you could sell excess energy back to the grid for a small profit – providing your solar system meets specific criteria. Speak with us today if being part of the SEG Scheme is important to you so we can discuss the requirements you’ll need to meet.

Enjoy Power Day & Night

Solar panels without a solar battery system are only useful during the day. Choose a solar battery, though, and you’ll be powered day and night, meaning less reliance on traditional energy sources, and more benefits coming your way.

Is a Solar battery right for me?

Renewable Savings

IS A SOLAR BATTERY RIGHT FOR ME?
Now that you’ve considered the benefits and drawbacks of a solar panel battery installation, only you can really decide if a solar battery would benefit you. Of course, if you’re looking to save money long term, make your solar panels more efficient and improve your energy security, then a solar battery just makes sense.

If you’re still unsure, contact us today and we’ll be able to provide you with a free, no-obligation, competitive quote for a solar battery – whether it’s part of a larger, brand new solar PV system or an addition to an older one. Perhaps our competitive quote and ability to complete a remote survey (where applicable) will provide you with the additional information to make your mind up either way.

Are solar panels useful without a battery?

Where does the battery go?

What should I look for in a battery?

The technology behind solar battery systems is advancing every day. We are here to make sure you select the latest system to get the most from your solar panels. We will help you:

Choose a solar battery with at least a 10-year warranty.
Check whether the battery system can run your home during a power cut.
Look at how much space is required for the system.
Understand your solar panels’ output and your usage needs.

What size battery for my solar system?

The determination of the required storage capacity for your home is dependent on your current electricity consumption measured in kilowatt-hours. Your monthly energy bill provides insight into your monthly kilowatt-hour consumption.

DES Renewable Energy can calculate your energy requirements based on this value to determine the appropriate battery storage for your solar system and energy usage.

Can I install a solar battery with my existing solar panels?

Why choose us?

Over the years we’ve established ourselves as a trusted, professional solar panel installation company that can take care of all our customers’ needs – from solar panel installations for your home, to solar panels for your business – we can handle the lot.

And our accreditations show that we’re recognised for our trustworthiness and professionalism too:

MCS Approved
NAPIT Approved
HIES Approved Solar Installer
City & Guilds Trained
And as a friendly, local solar panel company we’ll be just as happy to help you with your solar battery needs too!

How much will a solar battery save me?

How long will a solar battery last?

How long does it take to fit solar battery storage?

What areas do you cover?

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