Question 1

How much do solar panels cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

A typical residential solar panel system in the UK costs between £5,000 and £12,000 installed, depending on system size, roof complexity, and whether you add battery storage. A small 3–4 kWp system starts lower; a larger 6–8 kWp system with a 10 kWh battery sits toward the top of that range. The exact price depends on your roof layout, scaffolding needs, and the hardware you choose. We give a fixed-price proposal after the survey, not a vague estimate.

Question 2

Are solar panels worth it in the UK?

Accepted Answer

For most homes with a suitable roof, yes. The payback period typically sits between 7 and 12 years, depending on system size, electricity price, and how much of the solar power you use yourself. Battery storage shortens the payback for many households because it lets you store daytime solar for evening use, avoiding the peak import rate. After payback, the electricity you generate is essentially free for the remaining life of the system.

Question 3

Do I need a south-facing roof?

Accepted Answer

No. South-facing is optimal, but east- and west-facing roofs usually produce 80–85% of a south-facing roof's output. A split east-west array can even suit households better because it generates power across the morning and evening, when people are actually at home. We model every roof slope and your real usage pattern during the survey. Read more in our full guide: Does my roof need to face south?

Question 4

Do solar panels work in winter or on cloudy days?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sun. Output is lower in winter and on overcast days, but they still produce power. In the UK, the annual total is what matters for payback — and even northern, cloudier regions produce enough to make solar financially viable. Snow usually slides off tilted panels quickly and rarely causes damage.

Question 5

Do I need a battery with my solar panels?

Accepted Answer

You don't strictly need one, but we recommend battery storage for most modern installs. A battery stores daytime solar that you don't use immediately, so you can use it in the evening when electricity is most expensive. It also makes the system less dependent on the Smart Export Guarantee. Read our full breakdown: Is solar battery storage worth it?

Question 6

Will I still receive an electricity bill?

Accepted Answer

Unless you are fully off-grid, you will still receive a standing-charge bill from your supplier. However, a well-sized solar and battery system can cut your imported electricity cost by 50–90% depending on your usage and the size of the system. Any excess power you export earns a small payment through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Question 7

What size solar system do I need?

Accepted Answer

System size is based on your annual electricity usage, available roof space, and your budget. A typical 3-bedroom home might suit a 4–6 kWp system. We match the system to your actual consumption and roof geometry during the survey — we don't sell oversized systems.

Question 8

How long does solar panel installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential installs take 1–2 days on-site once scaffolding is up. The full process — from initial survey to commissioning — usually takes 4–8 weeks, including design, DNO application, and MCS certification. We handle the paperwork and keep you informed at each stage.

Question 9

Do solar panels work in a power cut?

Accepted Answer

Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons. If you want backup power, you need a battery with EPS (Emergency Power Supply) capability and a compatible inverter. Not all batteries support this, so tell us if backup power is important to you and we'll design for it.

Question 10

What is MCS certification and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the quality assurance scheme for small-scale renewable technology in the UK. An MCS-certified installation is required to qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee and many manufacturer warranties. It also proves your installer has been assessed for competency and that the equipment meets UK standards. JJB Volta is MCS certified and NAPIT registered.

Question 11

Do solar panels need maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Very little. Rain usually keeps panels clean. We recommend an occasional visual check and an inverter health check every few years. Most panels come with a 25-year performance warranty, and inverters typically have a 10–12 year warranty. Our installations also include a 6-year workmanship guarantee.

Question 12

Can I add more panels or a battery later?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. It's usually easiest if the inverter is sized for future expansion, or if the battery is DC-coupled from the start. If you think you might expand later, mention it during the survey so we can design with that in mind.

Question 13

Will solar panels increase my property value?

Accepted Answer

Owned solar systems are increasingly attractive to buyers because they mean lower electricity bills. Studies suggest buyers pay a premium for homes with solar, but the exact uplift varies by area and system quality. Leased systems are less attractive, which is why we only sell owned, outright-purchase systems.

Question 14

Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Accepted Answer

For most domestic properties, solar panels fall under permitted development and don't need planning permission. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flats or commercial premises. If there's any doubt, we check with your local authority as part of the survey process.

Question 15

What areas do JJB Volta cover?

Accepted Answer

We install solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers across Hertfordshire and Essex, including Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, Broxbourne, Hoddesdon, Hertford, Ware, Bishop's Stortford, Epping, Loughton, St Albans and surrounding areas. See our full coverage map on the contact page.

Solar panel FAQs Hertfordshire & Essex

Still have a question?