Electrical

Top tips and guidance for home electrics, rewiring, lighting, and electrical safety.

Solar Panels: FAQs

14th June 2019

The last decade has seen more and more solar panels appear on rooftops. But are they still a worthy financial investment? We take a look at some of the most recently asked questions.

Has the feed in tariff (FIT) really stopped?

Many current solar panel owners benefit from the FIT. This is a government scheme whereby you are paid a set amount for every kWh (kilowatt hour) of electricity that you generate. The FIT made solar panels very profitable for some. However, in the last budget, the government announced that they were going to cease the FIT. From 31^st March 2019, the scheme has not allowed new applications, however, if you had panels installed and have a Microgenerations Certification Scheme certificate (MCS) issued prior to that date, you can apply to your energy supplier up until 31^st March 2020. If you haven’t had your panels installed, you won’t be eligible for the scheme.

Does it matter which direction the panels face?

Yes! In order for you to get the best out of your solar panels, you will need a south facing roof. South-west or south-east could also work, but they won’t be as effective as south facing. In addition to facing south, your roof should be in direct sunlight from at least 10-4 (so if your house is in the shadow of trees, or other properties, you won’t get the most out of your panels).

Is solar energy affected by location?

Southern areas get a few more minutes of daylight than northern ones. This means that people who live in Brighton will probably save around £10 more per year on their energy bills than someone living in Stirling.

Do I need planning permission for solar energy installation?

Provided that you don’t have a flat roof, your property is not in a conservation area, and it is not listed, you shouldn’t need planning permission for solar energy installation. You might need to get building control approval, so check with your local authority.

Are solar panels high maintenance?

As solar panels haven’t been around for very long, it is hard to tell you exactly how high or low maintenance they are! Generally, properly installed PV solar panels are fairly low maintenance. As with all major investments, check your warranty: ideally you are looking for at least 20 years guaranteed. In addition, check with your insurance company (and make sure that you tell them you have solar panels). If your panels are damaged by animals or storm, they may be covered on your buildings insurance.

As with any major investment, it is worth shopping around and evaluating your options before you make your final choice. Talk to local solar panel providers and get at least two quotes before you commit.

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Looking for more electrical advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common electrical questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What should I do in an electrical emergency at home?

Switch off the power at the consumer unit if it's safe to do so - don't try to unplug a sparking appliance by hand. If there's an electrical fire, don't use water - use a dry powder or CO2 extinguisher, or get outside safely and call 999. If someone's received a shock, don't touch them until the power is definitely off - use something non-conductive like a wooden broom handle to separate them from the source. Call 999 for anything serious. Once the danger's passed, don't turn the power back on until an electrician has checked things over.
Can I have an EV charger installed at home?

Yes, and for most homes with off-street parking it's a pretty straightforward job taking half a day or so. A dedicated 7kW home charger will charge most EVs overnight and is much faster and safer than using a standard three-pin socket for regular charging. It needs to be installed by a qualified electrician and must comply with wiring regulations. The government's OZEV scheme has offered grants for home charger installation - worth checking the current position on GOV.UK.
What is PAT testing and do I need it?

PAT testing checks electrical appliances for safety - things like kettles, laptops, extension leads, and power tools. For most homeowners, there's no legal requirement. Landlords do need to make sure appliances in a rental are safe though, and it's required in most workplaces too. If you run a business from home or regularly use second-hand electrical equipment, it's worth getting done. An electrician or PAT specialist can tell you what applies to your situation.
Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?

Breakers trip to protect the circuit - it's the system doing its job. The usual culprits are too many high-draw appliances on one circuit, a single faulty appliance, damaged wiring, or a breaker that's starting to fail. If it keeps tripping even after you've unplugged things, or several breakers are going at once, stop resetting it and call an electrician. Persistent tripping can be a sign of something more serious.
How do I know if my home's electrics are safe?

Watch out for breakers tripping frequently, flickering lights, scorch marks around sockets, burning smells, buzzing from the consumer unit, or sockets that feel warm. If your property was built before the 1970s, the wiring may not meet current standards even if everything seems to be working fine. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the proper way to check - legally required for landlords, and worth doing for any home that hasn't been looked at in the past ten years.
What is an EICR and do I need one as a homeowner?

An EICR is a formal check of your home's wiring, sockets, and consumer unit by a qualified electrician - think of it as a health check for your electrics. It flags anything that's deteriorated, isn't up to standard, or needs attention. It's legally required for landlords but optional for homeowners, though it's a smart move if you're buying a property, haven't had one in over ten years, or are planning significant electrical work.
What is RCD protection and does my home have it?

An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety switch that cuts the power almost instantly if it detects a fault, dramatically reducing the risk of electrocution or fire. Modern consumer units should have RCD protection across most circuits. To check if yours does, look at your consumer unit - if you see buttons marked 'RCD' or 'T', you've got some protection in place. If it's just old-style fuses with no RCDs, it's worth speaking to an electrician about an upgrade.
What electrical work legally requires a qualified electrician in the UK?

Under Part P of the Building Regulations, certain electrical work has to be done by a registered electrician - or at least notified to your local authority. This covers most bathroom work, replacing or installing a consumer unit, adding new circuits, and anything near a pool or outdoor structure. Straightforward like-for-like swaps in other rooms might be fine as DIY, but anything involving the consumer unit, rewiring, or new circuits should really go to a professional.

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