https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/ Plain-English answers to common questions about home solar panels in the UK. en-gb Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/zero-vat-on-solar-panels/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/zero-vat-on-solar-panels/ Solar panels and batteries fitted in UK homes carry 0% VAT until 31 March 2027, then 5%. See who qualifies, what it saves you and how to plan your timing. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Grants and funding https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/are-solar-panels-worth-it/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/are-solar-panels-worth-it/ On our worked example a 4kW system pays back in about 11 years, but your use matters most. Learn how to work out your own saving with this plain-English guide. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Costs and savings https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/cleaning-and-maintaining-solar-panels/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/cleaning-and-maintaining-solar-panels/ Rain keeps most solar panels clean, but a light clean every year or two can help. Here is how to do it safely, what a pro costs and what else to check. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Maintenance and lifespan https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/dno-grid-connection-g98-g99/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/dno-grid-connection-g98-g99/ G98 and G99 decide how your solar system connects to the grid. This guide explains the 3.68kW limit, who applies, and what to expect from your network operator. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Planning and installation https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/do-solar-panels-need-planning-permission/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/do-solar-panels-need-planning-permission/ Most UK homes can fit rooftop solar without planning permission. Here are the limits, the exceptions and the checks to make before you book an installer. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Planning and installation https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/solar-panels-in-winter/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/solar-panels-in-winter/ Yes, solar panels still work in winter and under cloud, but they make far less power. See what a typical UK system makes each month and how to plan for it. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT How solar works https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/east-west-and-flat-roof-solar/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/east-west-and-flat-roof-solar/ East-west and flat roofs can both suit solar panels, with about 80 to 90% of the output of a south roof. See the figures, planning rules and what to ask. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Roof and property https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/free-solar-panel-schemes-explained/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/free-solar-panel-schemes-explained/ Free solar panels exist for some low-income UK homes, but most 'free' offers have strings attached. Learn which schemes are real and how to spot the risky ones. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Grants and funding https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/solar-panel-lifespan-and-degradation/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/solar-panel-lifespan-and-degradation/ Most UK solar panels last 25 to 30 years or more, and they lose a little output each year. Here is what wears out, what warranties cover and what to plan for. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Maintenance and lifespan https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need/ Many UK homes need around 8 to 10 panels, but your own number depends on use and roof. Here is how to work out the right size for your home in four steps. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT How solar works https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/how-much-do-solar-panels-cost/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/how-much-do-solar-panels-cost/ A typical UK home pays about £6,000 to £8,000 for rooftop solar in 2026. See what drives the price, what 0% VAT saves you, and how to compare quotes fairly. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Costs and savings https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/mcs-certification-explained/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/mcs-certification-explained/ MCS certification is the UK quality mark for solar installers and systems. This guide explains what it covers, why it matters and how to check an installer. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Choosing an installer https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/questions-to-ask-a-solar-installer/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/questions-to-ask-a-solar-installer/ Ask these questions before you sign a solar quote. They cover MCS, deposits, roof checks, paperwork, warranties and the red flags that cost homeowners money. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Choosing an installer https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/solar-battery-cost-and-sizing/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/solar-battery-cost-and-sizing/ A solar battery in the UK costs about £1,500 to £10,000, and a typical home battery is around 10 kWh. Here is how to size one and check that it pays off. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Batteries and export https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/solar-inverters-explained/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/solar-inverters-explained/ A solar inverter turns the panels' direct current into power your home can use. Here are the main types, what size you need and what to ask your installer. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT How solar works https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/smart-export-guarantee-explained/ https://solarpanelsexplained.co.uk/blog/smart-export-guarantee-explained/ The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for solar power you send to the grid. Here is who can claim, what rates look like in October 2026, and how to apply. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Batteries and export