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 with Three Sunsynk Batteries and an iBoost

How can we help?

Sunsynk battery storage installed by DES Renewable Energy — Part of the Sunsynk system on this home.

With three 5.12 kWh Sunsynk batteries, this customer has plenty of stored power to use when the sun goes down.

Solar26 x 495W, 12.87 kWp

Inverters2 x Sunsynk 5kW

Battery3 x Sunsynk 5.12 kWh

ExtrasiBoost, bird proofing

The goal

A large roof and high evening use meant the homeowner wanted a big array and enough storage to carry it through the evening, plus a way to use any remaining surplus for hot water.

What we installed

26 x Hengdian 495W solar panels (12.87 kWp)
2 x Sunsynk 5kW inverters
3 x Sunsynk 5.12 kWh batteries
1 x iBoost solar water heating diverter
Bird proofing

Why we designed it this way

Two Sunsynk inverters split the large array and give more combined output, and three batteries provide over 15 kWh of storage. The iBoost sends spare solar to the immersion heater once the batteries are full, so less is exported for a low rate.

How it works day to day

The panels power the home and fill the batteries during the day. Once the batteries are full, the iBoost heats the hot water, and in the evening the batteries take over.

Questions homeowners ask about a system like this

What is an iBoost?

It is a solar diverter that sends surplus solar to your immersion heater, giving free hot water instead of exporting the power.