Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, honest answers to the questions UK homeowners ask us most about solar panels, battery storage, packages and finance.

General

How much do solar panels cost?

Most residential systems cost between £5,000 and £12,000, depending on your roof size, panel type, and energy needs. Every quote from 1st Call Solar is free, personalised, and based on a proper survey of your home — never a generic price.

How long does installation take?

Most home solar installations are completed in a single day. If you're adding battery storage or a larger system, it may take one to two days — we'll confirm the exact timeline before we start.

Why should 1st Call Solar be your first call?

Because we make the whole process simple, honest, and pressure-free — from your first enquiry to a fully installed, MCS-accredited system. No confusing jargon, no hard sell, just clear advice on whether solar is right for your home.

Solar Panels

How many solar panels do I need?

It depends on your roof size, orientation, and how much electricity you use. There's no one-size-fits-all answer — our free survey and system design will confirm the ideal setup for your specific home.

Do solar panels work in the UK?

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunshine, so they perform well even on cloudy days. The UK gets more than enough daylight for solar to be a genuinely worthwhile investment year-round.

How long do solar panels last?

Quality panels are built to perform for 25 years or more, and typically come with a manufacturer's performance warranty to match. They have no moving parts, so degradation is slow and gradual rather than sudden.

Will solar panels damage my roof?

No. Our MCS-accredited installers assess your roof's condition before any work begins and use secure, industry-standard mounting systems designed to protect it — both during installation and for years afterwards.

What maintenance do solar panels need?

Very little. Panels are largely self-cleaning thanks to rain, and we recommend just an occasional visual check. Most homeowners find no active maintenance is needed between routine inspections.

Battery Storage

Is battery storage worth it?

For most homes, yes. A battery lets you store the solar energy you generate during the day and use it in the evening or during peak-rate hours — rather than exporting it cheaply and buying electricity back later at a higher price. This can meaningfully increase your overall savings.

How long do solar batteries last?

Quality home batteries are designed for many years of daily charging and discharging, with most manufacturers offering warranties covering a decade or more of use.

Can I add a battery to existing solar panels?

Yes. In most cases we can retrofit battery storage onto an existing solar panel system. Get in touch for a free assessment and we'll confirm compatibility with your current setup.

How much does battery storage cost?

Cost depends on the battery's capacity and how it integrates with your existing or new system. We'll set out clear, itemised pricing — along with any available finance options — as part of your personalised quote.

Solar Finance

How does the survey and design process work?

We will assess your roof space and condition, shading and orientation, optimal panel positioning, accessibility for installation and the location for the products that will accompany your panels. We'll design an appropriate system, tailored to your property and power usage, and provide detailed equipment specifications and independently verified energy-saving estimates alongside our quote. Once the installation details and quote are finalised, we'll send you a personal link to apply via Hometree Finance.

How much can I pay upfront?

Hometree Finance offer three upfront payment options: £0 and two larger amounts, up to 25% of your system installation value. This will be taken by direct debit alongside your first monthly payment, a few days after installation. Price varies, apply for your personal quote. Offers are subject to status and finance agreement.

How long is the plan term?

You can choose your plan terms from 5 to 25 years before signing your agreement. Please note that some plan terms may not be available with £0 upfront. Once you've applied, we'll provide you with the options you can choose from. You can end your plan at any time by paying the settlement amount in your agreement, with no quibbles or penalties.

How do I apply?

We will send you a personal link to apply alongside our quote. Hometree Finances secure application takes 2 minutes, won't impact your credit score, and provides an instant decision in most cases. There's no obligation to proceed once you've been approved for finance.

Still Have Questions?

Our friendly team is on hand to answer anything we haven't covered here. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat about your home.

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