Contact Love Solar with your enquiry via the ‘Request a quote’ forms on our website. We will typically respond with an initial cost estimate for your solar installation within 5 working days.
If you are happy with our cost estimate our surveyor will visit your property to confirm the dimensions of your roof, or ground space, check the location of inverters, batteries and cable runs and discuss your requirements in more detail. Following the survey we will re-issue your quote, typically within 5 working days.
To confirm your order we ask for a 25% deposit. We will then apply to the DNO on your behalf to approve system installation. The DNO can take between 2-8 weeks to process applications, from which point we will help you organise scaffolding and book your installation date.
Our solar pv installers will first install your panels, followed by a visit from our electrical team to connect your inverter and any batteries, before commissioning your system.
Following installation, we ask for payment of the final balance. We will complete the commissioning process and send you a warranty pack containing all the documentation you will need, including your MCS certificate. If you wish to claim SEG payments, you should contact your electricity supplier to obtain the correct tariff.
Reduced electricity bills; lower carbon emissions; no running costs; low maintenance with a 25+ year life expectancy; charge an electric car for free; less dependence on the grid; off-grid battery backup for power cuts; generating fewer air pollutants than fossil fuels such as sulphur dioxide and particulate matter.
Doesn’t work very well in winter or rainy grey weather. Doesn’t work at night. Uses rare earth elements in manufacturing. Not yet 100% recyclable.
Estimated annual production per kWp of solar in Cumbria on a roof at 30 degrees with no shading: South 850kWh, East 722kWh, West 722kWh, North 519kWh.
A 1kW solar system will produce around 850kWh a year, which will save around 1.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Approximately 2 years to pay off the embedded energy in the solar panels.
The value of solar comes from the savings you make from not using grid electricity. For every unit (kWh) generated and used, you can save 30p+ on your electricity usage. You can realistically expect to use between 50% and 100% of your electricity generation depending on your property’s electricity usage.
It depends how much electricity you use, the size of your PV system and the price of electricity. Domestic properties usually pay for their systems in 5–8 years.
Solar panels work well on any roof facing South, East or West. Although they perform best facing South, they will still perform at around 86% of a south-facing system when facing due East or West.
Yes. Solar panels wired in series will only work as well as the weakest panel. The negative effects of shading can be reduced by the addition of optimisers.
Generally, a 6-panel Solar PV system would be the smallest we recommend. Area required is approximately 10.8m².
There is not technically a limit to the size of the system. The amount of power you can export is decided by the DNO, who may impose export limitations.
Panels are between 330Wp and 450Wp, so typically between 9 and 12 panels.
Panels vary in size but on average are approximately 1.75m x 1.05m.
Depending on system size, time of day and time of year, you may be able to fully or partially charge your EV for free using solar energy.
Solar PV generates electricity. Solar Thermal generates domestic hot water.
Yes. Surplus electricity can be redirected to your hot water tank through a hot water divert switch such as an iBoost or Eddi.
No. Solar panels work in all daylight conditions but perform better in brighter sunshine.
Usually a 25-year output guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
Solar PV panels will last 25 years+ and come with a 25-year output guarantee. Inverters generally have 5–10 year warranties and batteries typically have a 10-year warranty.
Most domestic solar installations take no more than two days with minimal disruption.
Solar panels are generally self-cleaning if positioned at more than 15 degrees. Annual visual inspections are recommended.
Highly unlikely. Panels are securely attached using roof hook and rail systems or integrated mounting systems.
Normally no. However, listed buildings may require planning permission.
Solar PV usually comes under your household insurance.
Yes, we can strip the roof and install in-roof solar.
In-roof systems produce slightly less power due to heat build-up, but usually only by a small percentage.
Improved aesthetics and no need for slates or tiles under the array.
The inverter converts DC into AC electricity which is then connected to your distribution board and used within the property.
Not with solar alone. You would require batteries and backup generation to operate fully off-grid.
Not normally. The inverter switches off unless a battery system with emergency backup is installed.
We assess annual electricity usage, roof space and future plans such as EVs, batteries and heat pumps.
Often yes. Future electricity demand tends to increase due to EVs, heat pumps and home working.
Most modern systems include online monitoring via a smartphone app.
