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.

12.88 kWp Solar and Battery Storage in Reading, Berkshire

How can we help?

28 solar panels on a Reading home installed by DES Renewable Energy — Top-down drone view of the 28-panel array in Reading.

A full solar and battery installation for this Reading home, built to capture the day’s solar and carry it through into the evening.

LocationReading, Berkshire

Solar28 x Aiko 460W N-type, 12.88 kWp

Battery4 x SolaX modules, 12 kWh

InverterSolaX 7.5kW hybrid

The home and the goal

This is a larger system than most homes we fit. The roof offered a long, clean run of space, and the homeowner wanted to make full use of it and store the surplus rather than send it all to the grid.

What we installed

28 x Aiko 460W N-type all-black panels (12.88 kWp)
SolaX 7.5kW hybrid inverter
4 x SolaX battery modules, 12 kWh of storage

Why we designed it this way

The panels are laid out to make the most of the roof throughout the year, not just in midsummer. A hybrid inverter manages both the solar and the battery from one unit, which keeps the installation tidy and the control simple.

Four battery modules give 12 kWh of storage, enough to carry a good share of the day’s generation into the evening. Because the modules stack, capacity can be reviewed later if the household’s use changes.

Aerial view of a Reading home with solar panels and battery storage by DES Renewable Energy — The panels are laid out to make the most of the roof through the year.

How it works day to day

The hybrid inverter manages both generation and storage, so less power is drawn from the grid when it costs the most. Surplus solar fills the battery during the day, and the battery covers the evening peak.

The installation

Our own MCS certified team handled the survey, design, installation and commissioning, then talked the homeowner through the app at handover.

Questions homeowners ask about a system like this

Is a system this size worth it?

Bigger arrays suit homes with a large roof and higher use, especially with a battery to store the surplus. We size every system against the home’s actual consumption at survey.

What does a hybrid inverter do?

It runs the panels and the battery from one box, deciding when to power the home, charge the battery or export.