Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it worth getting solar panels in the UK?

The answer is yes, solar panels are worth it in the UK. There are several benefits of installing solar panels such as saving money with lower electricity bills, maximising savings with solar battery storage, lower carbon emissions, charging an electric car with free energy, no running costs, low maintenance and long-lasting solar technology.

Q: How many solar panels do I need for a 3 bedroom house UK?

The answer is between 8 to 12 solar panels. The average 3-bedroom house in the UK normally requires between 8 to 12 solar panels. However, the number of solar panels required for a any house in the UK depends on many various factors such as the size of your house, your energy consumption, location, pitch and orientation of the roof. Contact us for a free quote and design.

Q: What is the average cost of installing solar panels in the UK?

The answer is prices start from £4,800. The cost of installing solar panels in the UK can vary depending on factors such as your energy requirements, solar panel size and solar panel type. The cost for a three-bed semi-detached house with four occupants will cost around £6,750 for a basic entry level starter package of 8 solar panels, 2.4kw solar battery and an inverter, but the cost will vary depending on the size of the home, your individual energy requirements, location, pitch and orientation of the roof.

Q: Is it harder to sell a house with solar panels UK?

The answer is no. There is no evidence that solar panels make it harder to sell a house in the UK. In fact, recent research from the property website Rightmove shows that homes in the UK with solar panels already installed on their roofs sell faster than those without them.

Q: Do solar panels work in winter?

The answer is yes. Solar panels do work in winter. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity, and are not based on converting heat. Although there are fewer available sunlight hours in the winter months, a solar panel system can still produce electricity, albeit solar output will be lower than in the summer months. Snow can block the sun from reaching the solar cells which can be a problem, but it can also reflect more light onto the panels. Solar panels can still generate enough renewable power to run a home in winter even in the UK, especially if you have solar batteries to store the solar energy.

Q: Can you run a house on solar power alone UK?

The answer is no. If you have solar panels in the UK, you can expect them to cover about 80% of your annual electricity needs, while the remaining 20% will come from the grid. However, you can save more money if you use an Economy 7 tariff, which offers lower electricity prices between 12am and 7am. By using a solar energy app to control your system, you can set it to charge during these off-peak hours, just like you would with your dishwasher or other appliances.

Q: Do I need to register my solar panels?

The answer is yes. Fitting the panels themselves is normally a one or two-day job, for example on a tiled roof of a 3-bedroom house you can fit around 16 solar panels a day. Once they’re fitted, registering your panels is a must – you’ll need an MCS certificate (we’re an MCS Certified Installer), which you’ll use to register for the (SEG) Smart Export Guarantee payments with a licensed energy supplier in the UK.

Q: What is the difference between Mono and Poly Solar Panels?

Monocrystalline Vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels. Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient and expensive than polycrystalline solar panels, because they have one silicon crystal per cell, polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from many silicon crystals melted together. Both panels use the sun’s energy to make electricity, but monocrystalline panels perform better in high temperatures and have a sleeker design. The choice of monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels depends on your preference, budget, space, and climate.

Q: Is my home suitable for Solar Panels?

Solar panels can help you generate your own renewable energy, but they are not suitable for every property. You will need to consider your electricity consumption, your roof characteristics, the shading level and the radiance level of your homes location. If you want to know if your property can benefit from solar panels, contact us for a free solar assessment on 01268 928 690.

Q: What is the best roof direction for solar panels?

The answer is south-facing. South-facing roofs are ideal, as they get the most sunlight and the highest sun intensity throughout the day in the UK. East or west-facing roofs are also good, as they get enough sunlight in the morning or afternoon, with only a small loss of energy generation. North-facing roofs are not recommended, as they get very little sunlight. Flat roofs can use mounts to tilt the solar panels at the best angle. You can contact us for a remote survey of your roof suitability using the contact details below or the Quote form.

On this FAQ page we will be covering your common frequently asked questions regarding Solar Energy: from Solar Panels, Solar PV Systems, Solar Inverters, Solar Battery Storage, Electric Vehicle Chargers, MCS Certification, & Solar Panel Maintenance.

Got A Question? Contact the Experts

You can also speak with us on 01268 928 690 (Mon – Fri / 8am – 5pm)

Get Your Free Quote

Solar Panel Questions

Looking for more information on Solar Panels? Here are some of the common questions we’re frequently asked.

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us on 01268 928 690, via our Contact Page, or via email at info@nxtgen.ltd and ask, we are here to help.

Click a question to see the answer…

1. Is it worth getting solar panels in the UK?

2. How many solar panels do I need for a 3 bedroom house UK?

3. What is the average cost of installing solar panels in the UK?

4. Is it harder to sell a house with solar panels UK?

5. Can you run a house on solar power alone UK?

6. Do I need to register my solar panels?

7. Is my home suitable for Solar Panels?

8. What is the best roof direction for Solar Panels?

9. Do I need planning permission to install Solar Panels?

10. Do solar panels work in winter?

Solar Panel Pre-Installation Questions

» Is it worth getting solar panels in the UK?

» Can neighbours complain about solar panels?

» How many solar panels do I need for a 3 bedroom house UK?

» Do I need DNO approval for solar panels?

» What happens if I have too many solar panels?

» What is the average cost of installing solar panels in the UK?

» Is it harder to sell a house with solar panels UK?

» Do solar panels work in winter?

» Can you run a house on solar power alone UK?

» Do I need to register my solar panels?

» What is the difference between Mono and Poly Solar Panels?

» Is my home suitable for Solar Panels?

» What is the best roof direction for Solar Panels?

» Will solar panels work on a north-facing roof in the UK?

» Do I need planning permission to install Solar Panels?

» Are solar panels self-cleaning?

» Can solar panels overheat?

» How much money can I earn from my solar panels?

» Will solar panels become more efficient?

» Can solar panels work at night?

» Is a solar panel installation dangerous?

» Do solar panel companies replace your roof?

» Would you do a site visit beforehand?

» Do you need optimisers on solar panels?

» Is there a limit on how many solar panels you can have?

» How long do solar panels last?

» Where are most solar panels made?

» Can I put solar panels on a garage roof?

Solar Panel Post-Installation Questions

» Can I add more solar panels to my solar PV system?

» Do solar panels increase home value?

» What is the Smart Export Guarantee scheme?

Solar Inverter Questions

Looking for more information on Solar Inverters? Here are some of the common questions we’re frequently asked.

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us on 01268 928 690, via our Contact Page, or via email at info@nxtgen.ltd and ask, we are here to help.

Click a question to see the answer…

1. What are the types of solar inverters?

2. What type of solar inverter is best for a solar panel system?

3. What size solar inverter do I need for my home?

4. Can you run a solar inverter without solar battery storage?

5. Do solar inverters need maintenance?

Solar Battery Questions

Looking for more information on Solar Batteries? Here are some of the common questions we’re frequently asked.

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us on 01268 928 690, via our Contact Page, or via email at info@nxtgen.ltd and ask, we are here to help.

Click a question to see the answer…

1. How much battery storage do I need for my solar?

2. How long does a 6kWh solar battery last?

3. What happens to solar power when batteries are full?

4. What is the difference between IP20 or IP65?

5. Which battery is best for solar?

EV Charger Questions

Looking for more information on EV Chargers? Here are some of the common questions we’re frequently asked.

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us on 01268 928 690, via our Contact Page, or via email at info@nxtgen.ltd and ask, we are here to help.

Click a question to see the answer…

1. Can I charge my EV with Solar Panels?

2. Is it safe to leave my car plugged into the charger overnight?

3. Does the app work on an iPad?

4. How much does an EV charger cost UK?

5. Is it cheaper to charge car at home or charging station?

Matt Alexander’s Solar Energy Success Story

A 5-Star Review of NXTGEN Energy’s Products & Services

The work’s been done to an incredibly high standard. The cabling is really neat, the system is performing fantastically well, and we can’t believe how much money we’ve saved already. So, generally a big thank you to Stuart and Kelly and everyone at the NXTGEN team, who have done a really, really good job from start to finish.

We really couldn’t be more pleased.

Matt Alexander

NXTGEN Energy Customer, Essex, UK

Our Accreditations

We are regularly audited to maintain these nationally recognised accreditations, recognising the high quality of our workmanship, and our customer service.

Commercial Solar Panels Installation New Photo

Commercial Solar Panel Installations

Commercial solar panels are a smart way to reduce your energy bills, lower your carbon footprint and secure your future energy supply. By installing solar panels on your roof or land, you can generate clean and renewable electricity to power your business operations. You can also benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) which pays you for the excess electricity you export to the grid. Commercial solar panels can help you save money, protect the environment and enhance your reputation as a green business.

Residential Solar Panels Installation New Photo

Residential Solar Panel Installations

Residential solar panels are a great way to generate your own clean and renewable electricity at home. By installing solar panels on your roof, you can cut your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint and receive payments for the excess energy you export to the national grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. Residential solar panels can help you save money, protect the environment and become more energy independent in these times of a cost-of-living-crisis. Now is the time to go solar!

Malcolm Tait

10:51 08 Nov 23

Very good customer service all the way and they provide a great all round solar installation provision. Glad we used them from start to finish and after care👍.

Silnicorp Web Design

15:56 17 Oct 23

Excellent price and service. Would recommend for sure.

frank eden

08:24 02 Oct 23

If your in the market for a Solar installation then I can really highly recommend Nxtgen.We researched the technology and got several quotes from other companies most of which were located much closer to us.Nxtgen came out on top on price , specification and delivery.Once we made the decision to proceed the whole process took less than a week from placing the order to complete installation.The scaffold was erected at the front and back of our house on the Wednesday,on the Thursday the installation team arrived at 8.30 sharp , having driven from Essex to Oxfordshire, (which is about a 3 hour drive) and after a quick cup of tea the 3 chaps got straight to work, by the end of the day the whole system was in place and commissioned and up and running. To install 6 panels on front roof plus 6 panels on the back roof CW birdguard with the inverter and battery in the loft,They tidied up and left around 7 in the evening with another 3 HR drive in front of them I have to say they did a fantastic job , I take my hat off to them, they are a credit to Nxtgen.Darren and Kelley from the Sales and admin team at Nxtgen are very helpful and accomodating and made the whole process very easy with prompt responses to any queries we have had along the way,although it's early days and the system only 2 days old the savings are already racking up.Well pleased , I'd post 6 stars if I could, well done Nxtgen

Ash V

09:13 14 Jul 23

A wonderfully efficient installation with a genuine pre-quote discussion of my needs prior to offering advice on the best solution to meet them. Very happy with the service.

10:37 15 Jun 23

I chose NxtGen to install our solar and battery system having received 12 quotes from various companies and couldn’t be happier with either the service or the resulting system.I work in the renewables industry and so came to my own project with a reasonable amount of knowledge, not that I made that clear to any of the installers who called me back.I had spoken with 7 installers by the time Stuart at NxtGen called me, and it was immediately obvious that I was speaking to someone knowledgeable, honest and who was genuinely interested in designing a system specific to my own needs and preferences.Having reviewed all 12 quotes, NxtGen was jumped out above all others based on knowledge, helpfulness, quality of the kit being offered and even price. I wouldn’t have picked a quote based purely on price, but the fact NxtGen was also the most competitive of the 12 I had received meant a great deal.I was kept informed throughout the whole process, Stuart responding quickly and usefully to all my email queries. Once contracts had been signed, Kelly picked up the baton and gave me regular updates on our DNO notification, all the way through to the installation.With DNO approval in hand, we waited just 10 days for the scaffolding to be put up, which was done within a couple of hours and to a very high standard. Plenty of care was taken to protect our new patio, and I was left confident in a job well done.Installation happened just a few days later, and again, it couldn’t have gone any smoother. The 3 installers were all helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and keen to do a good job. The work has been completed to a very high standard, with all wiring very neatly finished and the panels tightly aligned to the exact centre of our roof. The inverter and batteries were also installed incredibly neatly, with all cables hidden. The installers did a great job tidying up on the day and the left us with nothing other than a very positive experience.I was genuinely hopeful that the brilliant first impression I got when I spoke with Stuart would be reflected throughout the entire install, and so I’m beyond delighted that proved to very much be the case.Stuart, Kelly, the scaffolders and the installers should take a great deal of pride in being part of such an excellent team.Thank you to the whole team, I couldn’t be happier and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend NxtGen.

Jill Harrison

18:09 08 May 23

We had Stuart as a project manager who was super. We had solar panels and a house battery fitted and they are excellent. The process was quick and professional and Stuart was super responsive to any questions or emails I sent. The electricians were also excellent. Thank you

Alastair Aston

12:26 24 Apr 23

Great experience on a 7KW solar installation in Hampshire. I sought quotes from many installers beforehand and this was one of the most reasonable. (theres a lot of opportunists out there who'll happily charge a few K more!) Really good decision - Sean managed the whole process end to end, great communication & a quality job that looks great and delivers ample power. Much recommended to anyone taking their first step on the Solar journey.

Joe Fletcher

17:36 04 Apr 23

Like most people I sat other fence for aged, I only wish I had jumped months ago. NXT GEN were by far te out competitive qoute that fulfilled my requirements.Sean arranged installation quickly without any hassle or pressure, the installation was done in one day by a very knowledgeable skilled team who just got on with installing the system.Totally happy with how it's been so far as it's only been 6 days sonce installation yet I've already seen substantial savings on electricity costs.My advice would be just give NXT GEN a call when seeking quotes.

Ronald Wagg

15:58 30 Mar 23

With the energy crisis starting to bite (autumn 2022). We did some research on the various options available we decided that we wanted to install solar panels to ease our energy bills. We obtained three quotes. Nxtgenenergy ticked all of the boxes as far as we were concerned and did happen to be the cheapest. We were helped all the way from quotation to the final installation by Stuart and Sean and at no time did we feel under any pressure. As the system was only installed two days ago we have yet to discover the full potential of the system, but we are encouraged by the performance seen so far. I will be honest and say that my prime concern is to save money, I am sure that my installation will not save the planet. From the projections given to me by Stuart I may be able to achieve a return on my investment of up to 10% per year compared to the small returns I could get if I kept my money invested elsewhere.I look forward to monitoring the system performance over the coming months / years.

Derek Southgate

20:26 23 Jan 23

Really positive experience with Nxtgen. In danger of becoming a solar power evangelist. We needed our roof replaced as well and they handled everything. New roof is first class and I can't stop looking at the app to see how much we are generating. Sean made the system selection clear. Already considering another battery!

Victor Simonis

15:06 05 Sep 22

I dealt with Sean at NXTGen over a six month period due to a complicated installation. I only have praise for Sean who kept to his word throughout the entire job which is now running satisfactorily. I recommend this company amidst the many that are in the same business knowing you will be supported through the planning and installation stages.

Clive West

13:00 24 Aug 22

In looking to install solar and battery this year, Nxtgen were by far the most responsive and helpful company. They had a lot of options compared to other companies, which is good but worth swatting up before so you know whats, what. Ended up with a good sized system, inc battery storage, installed quickly at a good price that so far is working well. This is impressive as demand is so high for this at present, some companies wait lists are months and months!

Geoff Doggett

14:19 25 Jul 22

I had a solar installation planned and installed in March 2022. The quotation was accurate and understandable and so I went ahead. The installers were quick and did a good job including the electrical work and inverter/battery installation. The system has been working well according to the app I have. I wholeheaartedly reccommend Next Generation - they are experienced and their customer care is excellent. Good to know I am in safe hands in the future!

Rick Exton

10:23 25 Jul 22

Great system installed and working perfectly as expected. System design was changed at my request numerous times effortlessly. On day of install engineer suggested better location (loft) for inverter and battery pack meaning no unsightly cables were seen. Great customer service throughout. Getting MCS certification was a bit slow but not the fault of the company. I would definately recommend. Great company and top spec system at a good price.

Dawn Morton

09:17 22 Jul 22

From start to finish this company's professional standards were excellent. Once the acquisition of the materials had been confirmed, the installation and customer service was fantastic and would highly recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can also speak with us on 01268 928 690 (Mon – Fri / 8am – 5pm)

Get Your Free Quote

Solar Panel Questions

Click a question to see the answer…

Most Popular Solar Panel Questions

1. Is it worth getting solar panels in the UK?

2. How many solar panels do I need for a 3 bedroom house UK?

3. What is the average cost of installing solar panels in the UK?

4. Is it harder to sell a house with solar panels UK?

5. Can you run a house on solar power alone UK?

6. Do I need to register my solar panels?

7. Is my home suitable for Solar Panels?

8. What is the best roof direction for Solar Panels?

9. Do I need planning permission to install Solar Panels?

10. Do solar panels work in winter?

Solar Panel Pre-Installation Questions

» Is it worth getting solar panels in the UK?

» Can neighbours complain about solar panels?

» How many solar panels do I need for a 3 bedroom house UK?

» Do I need DNO approval for solar panels?

» What happens if I have too many solar panels?

» What is the average cost of installing solar panels in the UK?

» Is it harder to sell a house with solar panels UK?

» Do solar panels work in winter?

» Can you run a house on solar power alone UK?

» Do I need to register my solar panels?

» What is the difference between Mono and Poly Solar Panels?

» Is my home suitable for Solar Panels?

» What is the best roof direction for Solar Panels?

» Will solar panels work on a north-facing roof in the UK?

» Do I need planning permission to install Solar Panels?

» Are solar panels self-cleaning?

» Can solar panels overheat?

» How much money can I earn from my solar panels?

» Will solar panels become more efficient?

» Can solar panels work at night?

» Is a solar panel installation dangerous?

» Do solar panel companies replace your roof?

» Would you do a site visit beforehand?

» Do you need optimisers on solar panels?

» Is there a limit on how many solar panels you can have?

» How long do solar panels last?

» Where are most solar panels made?

» Can I put solar panels on a garage roof?

Solar Panel Post-Installation Questions

» Can I add more solar panels to my solar PV system?

» Do solar panels increase home value?

» What is the Smart Export Guarantee scheme?

Solar Inverter Questions

Click a question to see the answer…

Most Popular Solar Inverter Questions

1. What are the types of solar inverters?

2. What type of solar inverter is best for a solar panel system?

3. What size solar inverter do I need for my home?

4. Can you run a solar inverter without solar battery storage?

5. Do solar inverters need maintenance?

Solar Battery Questions

Click a question to see the answer…

Most Popular Solar Battery Questions

1. How much battery storage do I need for my solar?

2. How long does a 6kWh solar battery last?

3. What happens to solar power when batteries are full?

4. What is the difference between IP20 or IP65?

5. Which battery is best for solar?

EV Charger Questions

Click a question to see the answer…

Most Popular EV Charger Questions

1. Can I charge my EV with Solar Panels?

2. Is it safe to leave my car plugged into the charger overnight?

3. Does the app work on an iPad?

4. How much does an EV charger cost UK?

5. Is it cheaper to charge car at home or charging station?

Matt Alexander’s Solar Energy Success Story

A 5-Star Review of NXTGEN Energy’s Products & Services

Commercial Solar Panel Installations

Residential Solar Panel Installations