Solar FAQs

Why choose Glow Green Solar?

In addition to our wide range of systems, helpful advice, friendly service, fast installation, and extremely competitive prices, we are one of the UK’s largest and longest established companies supplying PV Solar systems, installing up to 50 systems a week during peak periods! We also carry over £4m of stock in our own warehouse ensuring we can have your system installed and working within as little as 2-4 weeks from the date you decide to proceed. This enables you to benefit from your own Green Electricity and Lower Energy Bills far quicker compared with other suppliers.

How long does it take for my new PV System to be installed?

We’ve gone to a lot of effort to make our process as simple as possible!

Step 1: You confirm that you’d like to go ahead in principle and pay a £200 refundable holding deposit.

Step 2: We schedule a Pre-Installation Call (“PIC”) with one of our experienced senior technicians; before this takes place, we’ll ask you to send us some basic photos of your house and roof (we’ll be at the end of the phone to help if needed) - which we need to ensure your installation goes smoothly. Occasionally, we may have to adjust your quote (up or down) to reflect anything we find in the photos that we weren’t expecting.

Step 3: If we’ve increased the price of your system during the PIC and you decide not to proceed, then we’ll refund the £200 holding deposit. Or if you’re ready to proceed, you’ll need to sign the contract and pay a 25% deposit by credit or debit card.

Step 4: We’ll allocate stock for you in our warehouse, agree a target installation date with you (typically 2-4 weeks), arrange any necessary scaffolding, and allocate one of our experienced fitting teams. We’ll also arrange any approvals that are needed with the National Grid so you can sell any surplus energy you produce (often referred to as obtaining a “DNO”). 14 days prior to installation, and before we ship all the materials to your home, we’ll take a second deposit to bring the total paid up to 60% of the agreed price

Most installations are completed in 1-2 working days, although occasionally we may encounter an obstacle we weren’t expecting in which case it will take a little longer. But rest assured, we will do everything possible to get your system completed as quickly as possible

What is the real payback period on my new PV system likely to be?

Obviously every customer is different, but one helpful way to look at this is by comparing the interest you could be earning each year on the money you’ll spend buying your PV system (after tax), with the savings you’ll make on your electricity once it has been installed.
For example, a typical 14-panel Solar PV installation (including a 5KW battery) costing around £10,000 could reduce your electricity bill by around £1,300 a year (in addition to an extra £100+ you’ll receive from selling your surplus electricity) - compared to the interest you might receive on your savings of under £200 (based on an interest rate of 2.85% and after paying 45% tax). That’s at least a 7x higher return on your cash than you are receiving from leaving your spare cash in a bank!
This example is based on current energy prices and interest rates on savings. But many experts expect energy prices to rise and interest rates to fall over the next few years, so you could easily find the return increases to more than 10X before too long. This could be one of the best investments you have ever made! But your personalised quote will contain estimated financial projections for the system we design for you.

Will the cost of PV fall if I wait?

Consumers are already benefiting from a significant fall in the price of solar panels and batteries compared their cost a few years ago, due to the big increase in manufacturing efficiency as volumes have risen, so any future benefits from higher volumes are likely to be outweighed by the impact of inflation on raw materials, labour, distribution and installation costs.

No-one knows what the future holds, but with the Ofgem Price Cap still at around £2,000 and experts forecasting higher prices during the winter, we think the best decision for most people (provided you have the money available) is to get your new system up and running as soon as possible.

Is my Deposit Protected?

Yes - As we are a member of HIES, your 25% initial deposit is protected under their insurance backed deposit scheme. Any Balance over 25% of your contract value is not protected.

Does it matter what direction my roof is facing?

Solar PV can be a sensible choice wherever you live in the UK, and whatever the orientation of your roof - our experienced team will help design the best possible system for your specific circumstances. So although panels with consistent direct sunlight in a southerly location will produce the most electricity, they don't need to face south or have a perfect pitch to work. The good news is that your panels will still generate electricity on cloudy days when there is no sun at all!

Can I add a battery later to reduce my upfront costs?

We don’t recommend this approach, as it will work out much more expensive than getting everything done at the same time. That’s because no VAT is charged on your battery or electrician costs when it is installed as part of a complete Solar PV system, but 20% VAT is added if a battery is purchased later; in addition to the VAT, there will be the cost of an extra visit by an electrician to install the battery, and to reconfigure and reprogramme your system. However, if this is something you are intending to do, please let us know at the time you order your initial system, so that we can include the slightly more expensive Hybrid Inverter with your initial panels, and save you the cost of having to buy a brand new one when you upgrade.

Do I need planning permission?

In most cases you won’t need planning permission unless you live in a Conservation Area or Listed Building. If you are in any doubt, you need to check by calling your local authority before ordering your system.

Will I need scaffolding and do Glow Green provide this?

Yes. In most circumstances scaffolding is needed to provide safe access to the roof for the installers. The scaffold also provides a platform for tools and materials to be stored during installation. The scaffold will normally be put up 2 days before the PV installation and should come down a day or 2 after, during the working week. Glow Green will provide scaffolding as part of the quote.

Will I get paid for my surplus energy?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a scheme that ensures you’ll get paid for any surplus electricity you export to the Grid, subject to any export limitations applied by your DNO. It enables you to choose the best tariff from competitive Utility Suppliers, or combine payments with other grants and financial support. To be paid for your surplus energy, both the PV system and the installer must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). As a leading supplier, Glow Green are accredited under this scheme, and will provide your certificate once your installation is complete.

I have lots of shading, is this an issue?

Shading on a PV panel is a problem, as even one shaded cell could reduce the power output of the module or string to zero. Objects as small as a tree branch, a pipe, or a building on the horizon will cause a decline in the possible output of a panel. Systems need to be designed either away from shading, or with the shading in mind using a SolarEdge system to minimize the effect. Shading certainly shouldn't stop a system being installed, but production calculations will need to be adjusted where shading is affecting the system. Do not worry as we look at this as part of the free and no obligation design call.

Where should I have my Inverter fitted?

Our design team will discuss the most suitable location at your property to fit the inverter during your Pre-Installation Call. Popular options include attics, garages, and sometimes even an outside wall of your home; it’s best to find a cool/sheltered area if possible.

Where will the batteries be installed?

There is no best answer to this one! We’ll work with you to identify the most suitable place in your home, which will generally be as close as possible to the incoming supply (meter) and/or your distribution panel (fuseboard), at ground level, and in a cool/sheltered location. Sometimes they can be wall-mounted in your garage, or on (or against) an external wall as they are fully weatherproof (Puredrive and Tesla only). While one Powerwall or Puredrive battery is sufficient for many customers, larger homes may require multiple batteries to maximise savings and deliver a longer period of backup power. All batteries contain a pump and fan, which produce a gentle hum during operation - comparable to a typical refrigerator.

What is PV Solar?

PV (Photovoltaics) are panels that produce electricity from solar energy. These are often mounted on the roof and facing towards the sun. They capture the sun's energy and convert it into renewable electricity. This electricity can then be used in our homes and sold to the electricity grid.

How does PV Solar work?

The sun's energy is converted into DC electricity by PV panels on the roof. An inverter converts the DC voltage in AC electricity that we use in our homes and businesses. A generation meter records its production. The generated electricity is then used by your home and its appliances during the daytime. Excess electricity not used during production is then sold back to your electricity provider or stored in a battery.

What PV Solar accreditations do Glow Green hold?

We are registered with The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). Through this registration was can sign off electrical work in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. The MicroGeneration Certification Scheme ( MCS ) is a mark of quality and competence of both ourselves and the products that we install. The Home Insulation and Energy Systems Quality Assurance Contractors Scheme (HIES) sets our high consumer protection standards for selling and installing renewable energy systems like PV Solar.

What comes with a Glow Green PV Solar installation?

When Glow Green supply and install, our customers will receive - Tier 1 & MCS approved solar panels. These will be installed on a roof / ground mounted system. An inverter - The inverter converts the DC into AC electricity which we can use in our homes. Isolator's - Before and after the inverter installation, isolators are installed for safety and maintenance. A battery storage system, which is optional. A generation meter - An OFGEM approved meter is used to record how much electricity has been generated. After the installation you will receive a full MCS handover pack so you can apply for a SEG Tariff.

What is the best direction to install panels to optimise the Sun?

In the Northern hemisphere, PV panels produce the most facing south, towards the equator. PV panels with consistent direct sunlight will produce the most electricity. The angle towards the south, pitch of the roof and shading will affect generation. Shading can affect production as PV panels protect themselves using bypass diodes. The location in Great Britain will also affect production. But PV panels don't need to face south or have a perfect pitch to work.

What Does KW Mean?

KW means Kilowatt. The greater the KW, the larger the PV system and typically the greater the KW, the greater the energy generated from the sun.

What’s the difference between AC and DC electric?

Solar panels produce DC electricity which is different to the AC electricity we use in our homes. An Inverter is installed to convert the DC electricity to match your home's AC supply. DC (Direct Current) electricity flows in one direction, like a lightening bolt or a battery. AC (Alternating Current) electricity, changes direction multiple times a second. AC is used in our homes because it is safer and easier to transport across great distances. Our electricians therefore need to be well trained and hold multiple accreditations to work on PV systems.

What are the benefits of PV Solar?

Solar PV's can convert almost any day light into electricity, which we can then use for free. Generating your own electricity means that you will be buying less from your utility supplier. As the PV panels have no moving parts there is very little maintenance, noise or operating cost. They provide clean, green, renewable energy with zero emissions from their generation. The systems expected lifetime on most parts is over 25 years and you can sell your excess electricity back to the grid.

How do Glow Green know how many panels will fit on my roof?

We can complete a system design in a number of ways; using Google Earth or similar satellite tools. Our Account Managers are trained to use our bespoke solar design tools. We can design from existing house plans or architect drawings. We employ fully trained and certified electricians to sign off all designs to ensure they meet the highest of standards. All of our PV installers have additional qualifications to design, install and certificate PV systems.

What is a PV solar inverter?

An Inverter converts the variable DC electricity into stable AC electricity to be used in your property.

Will a solar diverter give me free hot water?

These are intelligent devices that use the excess power generated by solar PV panels to heat an immersion in your hot water cylinder. Electricity not being used by your home can be used to heat a hot water cylinder rather than exporting the electricity to the grid. This can help to save your boiler from having to turn on, thus increasing a boiler's life and lowering your bills and maintenance. Some can also divert to a second cylinder, an electric towel rail, or even electric underfloor heating.

I live in a listed building (or conservation area), is this an issue?

If the property is not listed and does not lie within a conservation area, solar PV can be installed on the roof and is considered 'permitted development'. A conservation area is an area of historic or architectural interest that’s protected by law. Panels cannot be installed where they face, or are in between the property and a public highway. Unfortunately solar panels can't be installed on or within the boundary of a listed building. If either of the above applied, planning permission would need to be obtained, please contact your local planning authority.

Is the structure of my roof OK to take the weight of PV panels?

The size of a PV system is vital to determining if a rooftop is adequate. With an Array design determined, you will need to tell us and take photographs of the inside and outside of the roof. It's not just the weight we take into account but also the uplift from wind and snow loading. This can often be completed using our project calculator with a few details from you. Details of the existing roof are vital to a sound and long lasting installation. It is your responsibility to get your roof checked by a structural engineer should you have any doubt or concerns.

What maintenance is needed after installation?

PV systems by design require very little maintenance. Because there are no moving parts, very little or nothing is needed to enable operation. Panels could need cleaning if debris, droppings or grime gets on the panels. Glow Green does not provide this service, you can find a local cleaning company who will do this for you. Energy production should be checked often to ensure there hasn't been a failure. Visual inspections of the upkeep, alarms and adequacy of components installed. If the system changes ownership or if there is a requirement for a periodic inspection, just give us a call and we will be happy to help.

What is the Insurance backed warranty scheme?

Deposit and Workmanship Warranty Insurance cover consists of two elements: 1: Installation Completion Insurance. Provides deposit payment protection for our customers for a 35-day period, should we be unable to either install or supply and install the PV system. 2: Workmanship Warranty Insurance. We even pay for an insurance backed warranty, to cover our customers for the installation in the event we cannot honor our written guarantee.

What is SEG?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) ensures PV generators are paid for the renewable electricity they export to the grid. Since January 1st 2020 applicants can now; Earn money for exporting excess renewable electricity, Choose the best tariff from competitive Utility Suppliers, Combine payments with other grants and financial support. To receive this export rate the PV system and the installer must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which Glow Green are.

What is the pay back period?

The pay back period is the time in which it takes for you to recoup your initial spend on your solar system.

After the system is installed what paperwork do I get?

Once you are happy with the installation and have paid your balance in full Glow Green will arrange the scaffolding to be removed and your MCS handover pack. This will ensure you can apply for SEG tariffs with a unity provider.

How long are the quotes valid for and why?

Our quotations are only valid for 30 days. This is due to the rising cost in materials due to the shortage of raw materials. Our suppliers review our prices every 30 days.

What is a DNO?

A DNO stands for a distribution network operator.

What is a DNO application?

If you want to install a system larger then 3.68kw then an application has to be made to your DNO. Due to the high output, they need to check that it will not cause any load issues on the National Grid. We will establish on the design call if you one is required, and if so Glow Green will submit this on your behalf.

Who completes the DNO application?

Glow Green completes the DNO, so there is nothing you need to do or worry about.

Is there a charge for the DNO application?

There can be a charge that depends on the size of the system being installed and the area.

How long does the DNO application take to come back?

This can be anything from 4 to 12 weeks. Typically we normally receive them back in 10 weeks. Glow Green will not install your PV system until the DNO application is passed and back.