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.

Solar and Battery Storage in Southampton, Hampshire

How can we help?

Solar panels on a Southampton home installed by DES Renewable Energy — Drone view of the finished array in Southampton.

A brand new solar PV system for this Southampton home, designed to get the most from the roof space and carry the day’s solar into the evening.

LocationSouthampton, Hampshire

Solar12 x Aiko 465W N-type, 5.58 kWp

Battery2 x SolaX batteries

InverterSolaX 6kW, full bird proofing

The home and the goal

The roof on this home is broken up by hips and valleys, so the layout mattered as much as the panel count. The homeowner wanted to use more of their own solar in the evening rather than export it.

What we installed

12 x Aiko 465W N-type all-black panels (5.58 kWp)
SolaX 6kW inverter
2 x SolaX batteries for storage
Full bird proofing around the array

Why we designed it this way

Splitting the panels across the usable roof faces gave the best generation from a roof that does not offer one large, clean plane. High-efficiency N-type panels get more power out of each square metre, which matters when space is limited.

Pairing the SolaX inverter with SolaX batteries keeps the system on one platform, so generation, storage and monitoring are all managed together in one app.

Aerial view of a Southampton solar and battery installation by DES Renewable Energy — The array is split across two roof faces to make the most of the available space.

How it works day to day

Daytime solar powers the home first and charges the batteries with any surplus. As the sun drops, the batteries take over, so less power is drawn from the grid in the evening when it typically costs the most.

The installation

Everything from design to installation was handled by our own in-house team, with no subcontractors. Bird proofing was fitted at the same time to stop pigeons nesting under the panels.

Questions homeowners ask about a system like this

Why fit bird proofing on a new install?

Pigeons like the sheltered gap under panels. Fitting mesh at install time is far easier than clearing a nest and fitting it later.

Can more batteries be added later?

In most SolaX setups, yes. We check the inverter and battery model at survey so there is room to grow.