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.

Ground-Mounted Solar with Battery Storage in Membury

How can we help?

Ground-mounted solar panels installed by DES Renewable Energy in Membury — The ground-mounted array in Membury.

Our team installed this ground-mounted PV system for a customer in Membury, with battery storage, emergency backup and an Eddi to make use of every bit of surplus.

LocationMembury

Solar18 panels, ground-mounted

Battery2 x 5.8 kWh

ExtrasEddi, EPS, AC coupled

The goal

The garden offered better sun and easier access than the roof, so a ground-mounted array was the natural choice. The homeowner also wanted storage and backup.

What we installed

18 x solar panels on a ground mount
2 x 5.8 kWh battery storage
1 x AC-coupled inverter
1 x Eddi solar diverter
1 x EPS (emergency power supply)
1 x garage board

Why we designed it this way

An AC-coupled battery inverter works alongside the solar inverter, which is a flexible way to add storage. The Eddi diverts surplus solar to heating once the batteries are full, and the EPS keeps essential circuits running in a power cut.

A new board in the garage gives a tidy, safe home for the system’s connections.

How it works day to day

Solar powers the home and charges the batteries, the Eddi uses what is left, and the EPS steps in if the grid goes down.

Questions homeowners ask about a system like this

What is AC coupling?

It means the battery has its own inverter connected on the AC side, separate from the solar inverter. It is a common way to add a battery to a new or existing array.