FAQs

What is a Wind Turbine?

A domestic, or home wind turbine, is a device that can turn wind energy into clean electricity for your home. It’s like a miniature version of the much bigger wind turbines you’ve likely seen around the UK, in fields, or just off the coast. The basic science is the same, but home wind turbines are more compact.

Can I have a Wind Turbine installed at my property? This is something we can only answer once a site visit has been completed.

How fast can my Charger charge my car at home?

This is not a straightforward question as will depend on a number of factors such as – Single Phase or 3 Phase – Single Phase is capable of over 7Kw/h and 3 phase is capable of 22kw/h but not all cars charge at the same rate on AC! Most cars have an inbuilt inverter that limits them to 11kw/h and most domestic supplies are only single phase. Some chargers also allow you to limit the charge to how much excess solar you are producing (Assuming you have solar!)

Are all EV Chargers the same?

In a word – No. Not all EV chargers are the same and you need to know what kind of plug your car has or will come with. Currently in the UK there are 2 different types and these are either –

Type 2 Charger – The IEC 62196Type 2 connector (often referred to as mennekes in reference to the company that originated the design) is used for charging electric cars, mainly within Europe. This is the most commonly used charger plug in the UK.

Chademo – CHAdeMO is the trade name of a fast-charging system for battery electric vehicles, developed starting in 2010 by the CHAdeMO Association, formed by the Tokyo Electric Power Company and five major Japanese automakers.The name is an abbreviation of “CHArge de MOve” (which the organization translates as “charge for moving”) and is derived from the Japanese phrase “o CHA deMO ikaga desuka” (おちゃでもいかがですか), translating to English as “How about a cup of tea?”, referring to the time it would take to charge a car.

Do you apply to the DNO or is that my responsibility?

Renew-Able Solutions want to make any installation as easy as possible and as part of this we will apply for either G98, G99 or G100 to the DNO and any work will not be able to start until this has been completed and accepted by the DNO. Scottish Power is the DNO in Scotland and you can read a little more about the differences in each application and what they mean.

How Long will an Installation take?

Each and every install is different and no definitive amount of time can be given due to a number of factors such as but not limited to – Size of Solar Array Ease of Access Unforeseen issues that would’ve been impossible to have been known prior to install

Do I need a South-facing roof for Solar Panels?

Solar Panels work well on any roof facing South, SE or SW. Although your Solar Panels will perform better and produce more electricity if they are South facing, they will still perform at 86% (compared to South facing) either facing due East or West.

How much roof space do I need for Solar Panels?

Solar Panels can be fitted to your roof or on your land. Generally an 8-panel Solar PV system would be one of the smallest we would recommend and this could easily fit on the roof of an average 3-bed semi. Our popular SunPower panels generate the most energy per m2 so you can still get plenty of electricity from a smaller roof.

Do I need constant sunshine for my Solar Panels to work?

No, Solar Panels work in all daylight conditions and actually work at their optimum at 10ºc. In fact, if it gets too hot they start to become increasingly inefficient.

How do I compare different makes of Solar Panels?

Your panel choice will usually combine a number of factors including aesthetics, value for money, performance, track record and guarantees. Our engineers know the market and can advise you on the panels that will suit your needs.

What guarantees will my Solar Panels come with?

Your Solar Panels will come with a manufacturer?s guarantee of the panels? performance. Different manufacturers offer different guarantees, with the more premium levels of protection usually associated with the more expensive panels. It’s wise to make sure you understand the guarantee before you purchase.

How long will my Solar Panels last for?

Solar PV systems have no moving parts apart from the inverter and as such have very long life spans. The inverter should last for over 10 years and may cost up to £1,000 to replace, however you can buy an extended 20 year warranty for as little as £300. You should expect the panels to last for at least 25 years.

How long does it take to install Solar Panels?

Most domestic Solar Panel installations take no more than a day with minimum disruption. Typically, the scaffolding will be erected a couple of days before the Solar PV installation team arrive. We will then mount the panels on the roof and install the inverter, finally carrying out the internal wiring.

Do Solar Panels need cleaning?

Solar panels are generally self-cleaning if positioned at an angle of over 15 degrees. However it is advised to visually inspect them annually and rinse if necessary. Most window-cleaning companies have a reach-and-wash system and should be able to clean your panels.

What ongoing service and maintenance do Solar Panels require?

It is recommended that your Solar Panels are checked and serviced every 2 years. We offer a standard service and maintenance package, which your local office can advise you on.

Is there a danger my Solar Panels will blow off the roof during a storm?

It?s highly unlikely, when we install the Solar PV panels we make sure they are securely attached to the fabric of the building using a roof hook and rail system. Our panels are always mounted at least 30cm in from the edge of the roof to prevent excessive wind loading. In the hurricane force winds of January & February 2022 not a single Renew-Able Solutions installed Solar panel blew off a roof.

How do Solar Panels connect to the electrical supply in my home?

The electricity produced by your Solar Panels is converted from DC (direct current) by the inverter to AC (alternating current), which your home is run on. The electricity is then taken from the inverter via an AC cable to your distribution board, where it is used to power the circuits in your home.

If I have Solar Panels can I come off grid?

Solar PV panels alone will not give you electricity 24 hours a day as they only produce electricity in daylight hours. You would need alternative energy sources or a battery system as well as Solar PV panels to be able to come off grid.

Will my Solar Panels work when there is a power cut?

If there is a power cut your inverter will switch off, which stops any generation from your Solar Panels entering the property. This is a safety feature to protect workers who may be repairing the grid. However, we can install a back-up system which will enable you to use your solar energy in a power cut.

Do I need to change my electricity meter to an export meter if I have Solar Panels?

If you want to be paid for any the excess electricity you generate you will need to have a smart meter, most electricity suppliers are installing them free of charge for their customers if you don’t already have one.

Have I missed out on the Feed-in Tariff?

Yes. However, there is a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) where you are guaranteed payments for the excess electricity you generate and sell back to the grid.

Q: Why Battery Storage?

A: The UK needs a secure and reliable and balanced electricity supply 24 hours a day.

We also need to make more use of renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind, to reduce our reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels such as oil and gas however, it’s just not that easy to just switch over to using solar and wind for all our energy needs, WHY? The sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always gust meaning that the energy supply can be intermittent.

The solution to this problem lies in battery storage. By storing the energy generated from solar and wind power in reliable, powerful batteries, we can have a power supply that is available 24/7: – without costing the Earth.

Q: Why should I consider energy storage for my residential solar system?

A: A battery System that you own is the answer to greater grid independence, reduced electrical costs and in the event of a power cut the energy storage system will restore critical loads to the home.

Battery storage will complement your solar PV system by storing excess solar energy in the day that usually would be sent to the grid, instead the FREE energy that was stored during the day can be used in the evening for FREE

Q: Is The Ecocute Energy Home Battery Available Now?

A: Yes. We’re offering our home battery storage system to old and new customers, If you already own a Solar PV system and just want to add a battery storage system, or if you require a complete hybrid solar PV and battery storage system.

Q: I’m Interested in Both a Solar PV System and Battery Storage System?

A: Our hybrid battery storage system is compatible from 3kWp to 4kWp solar PV systems and comes with multi point tracking as standard meaning our hybrid inverter will work with multiple roof installations.

Q: I already have a Solar PV system only want battery storage system?

A: Our hybrid battery storage system is compatible with all solar panels so is ideal with retro-fit applications, we can replace your ageing inverter with our state of the art hybrid which will work with your existing solar installations from 3kWp – 4kWp solar PV systems and comes with multi point tracking as standard meaning our hybrid will work with multiple roof installations.

Q: How Much Storage Can I have?

A: Our battery storage systems are stackable from 2.4kWh to 47.5kWh, each battery is available in different sizes and our surveyor will advise based on your size of array and requirements which size would suit you.

Q: Can you tell me how much the battery system will cost?

A: Our prices start at just £2000 so we are very competitive on battery installation prices.

Q: What are the benefits of having a home battery? How much will it save me?

A: The benefits a household will receive will depend on a number of factors including your location, the size of your solar power system and your energy plan.

Our battery storage system can store excess solar-generated energy from a solar system, or energy sourced from the grid, for use at a later time.

The stored energy can be used for FREE instead of importing electricity from the grid, so depending on your electricity tariff, you may be able to take advantage of using your battery when prices are highest.

Q: What is the warranty?

A: Each battery manufacturer we install provide a 10 year warranty for our battery storage system which includes unlimited battery cycle life.

Q: How long will the Battery Storage System last?

A: Our battery Packs are guaranteed to last a minimum of 4000 cycles, So based on one full cycle per day this would be 10.95 years however it would be very rare that a typical home would do a full cycle on a day to day basis, because of short days in the winter and very long days of daylight in the summer a typical cycle pattern per year would be around 260 full cycles per annum meaning the expected lifetime would be around 15 years.

Q: Can I replace these battery’s at the end of their lifetime?

A: YES, At the battery cells end of life, we can replace your modules at a fraction of today’s lithium ion costs without taking the enclosure, inverter and conduit off the wall.

The system is designed for ease of service and future upgrades making the system future proof.

Q: Is there a different warranty for the inverter? What is the warranty for the inverter?

A: The whole system carries a warranty for a minimum of 10 years for both inverter and battery (Standard warranty for the inverter is 5 years but for a small fee can be extended by the manufacturer)

Q: How does the Battery Storage System Work ?

A: Battery storage’ lets you store the surplus solar electricity, instead of exporting it to the grid. Battery storage lets you use more of your solar PV system’s output ( ‘increases ‘self-consumption’). This reduces the amount of grid electricity you need to buy, saving you money on your electricity bill.

During the day:
• the solar PV system generates solar electricity
• the battery storage system will check if all the generation is being used to power your lights and appliances
• if you’re not using all the electricity that the solar PV system is generating, then the system will ensure that any surplus energy is used to charge the battery
• once the battery is fully charged, if there is still more solar electricity being generated, this will be exported to the grid

In the evening or at time of low solar generation:
• the solar PV panels have a reduced output
• the battery system can discharge the stored electricity, providing you with renewable-generated electricity at no additional cost
• once the battery is discharged, if you need to use more electricity, you buy it from your electricity supplier
• depending on what energy plan you are on, our system can be programmed to charge from the grid at of peak times.

Q: Can I link multiple Battery Storage System together?

A: Yes: System sizing systems is important to enable yourself to get the best return of investment back within the quickest time frame, So its slightly more complicated than just adding batteries.

Typically, an average home uses around 12.5kWhs per day or 4,500kWhrs per annum.
Most homes that have existing solar PV have from 2.0kWp to 4kWp installed which can generate anything from 1800kWhrs to 4000kWhrs per annum which means there is only so much generated energy you can store.

DECC (department of energy and Climate Change) tell us that we typically only use between 20% and 30% of rooftop solar energy, with intelligent system sizing we can bring the level of self-consumption up to 70% / 80% and the levels of imported energy to a bare minimum.

Q: Is there any other equipment needed?

A: No: all equipment is supplied with our battery storage system and will be installed within the day, system monitoring is included as standard and will be paired to your broadband router on the day of installation.

Q: Can I charge the battery’s from the grid?

A: Yes, Our system is future proof and can be set to be enable to charge the battery’s with energy delivered from the grid at off peak times, and automatically transfer to battery power at peak times, in the event that TOU’s (time of use tariffs) become popular.

Q: Where does the Battery Storage System get installed in the home?

A: The battery storage system is designed to be wall mounted or ground mounted, Our certified installers will talk you through appropriate locations during a pre-installation site inspection at you home, nothing will be installed without full and final approval by the householder.

Q: Can the Battery Storage Systems be Used as a Back-up in the event of a Power Cut?

A: YES our system will restore critical loads, automatically in the event of a power cut, providing there is sufficient back-up.

Q: Can I use the battery to charge other devices (e.g. hybrid car)?

A: You won’t be able to attach/plug in other devices directly to the battery storage system to charge, however the battery storage system will deliver its stored energy through your home’s electrical points.

Q: If I’m off Grid will it work?

A: Our battery storage system will work ON or OFF Grid “Just add Solar”

Q: Will the Battery Storage System reduce my carbon footprint?

A: Yes, by storing solar energy and using it in the evening you are offsetting what in most cases are fossil fuel generated electrons.

Q: Can I finance Battery Storage System?

A: Unfortunately, at the moment we do not offer finance, however we are actively looking for a suitable lender with suitable rates, and self-financing options.

Ready to go Green? Contact us with your requirements now.