Solar panels in Wales
Do solar panels work in Wales?
Yes – very well in fact. Wales averages 1,400-1,540 hours of bright sunshine annually, and modern solar panels respond to daylight rather than direct sunshine. Welsh installations regularly deliver 850-900kWh per kWp of installed capacity each year, which is comparable to many parts of southern England.
How long do solar panels last?
Tier-1 monocrystalline panels carry a 25-year linear performance warranty and typically retain 85% of their rated output at year 30. We expect a 30-40 year operational life on most installations.
How long does installation take?
Most domestic installations take a single day. Larger systems with batteries and EV chargers may take two days. Commercial installations vary from one week to several months depending on size.
How much electricity does a solar system generate?
A typical 4kW system in Wales generates around 3,400-3,800kWh per year. The exact figure depends on roof orientation, pitch, shading and panel quality. We provide a detailed yield projection with every quote.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
No – when installed correctly by MCS-certified engineers, solar mounting actually protects the underlying tiles. We use stainless A2 fixings, EPDM-backed flashings and follow MCS MIS 3002 procedure on every install.
Costs and finance
How much does a solar system cost?
Domestic systems start from £4,995 (3kW, no battery) up to £14,995+ (6kW + 10kWh battery + EV charger). Commercial systems are priced per kWp – typically £750-£900/kWp installed.
Is there 0% VAT on solar?
Yes – domestic solar PV, battery storage and certain EV products qualify for 0% VAT until at least March 2027 under HMRC's renewable energy relief. Commercial installations attract standard VAT.
What financing options are available?
We offer 0% interest over 24 months on most domestic installs, as well as longer-term FCA-regulated finance through Novuna and Kandoo (typical APR 9.9%). Commercial financing through leasing, PPA and asset finance is also available.
How quickly will the system pay for itself?
Most domestic systems pay back in 6-9 years. Commercial systems with high daytime usage pay back in 4-7 years. Solar plus battery typically pays back faster than solar alone.
Will I save money straight away?
Yes – your savings begin the day the system is commissioned. The average Welsh household saves £850-£1,400 in year one and savings increase as electricity prices rise.
Battery storage
Do I need a battery to make solar worthwhile?
No, but a battery dramatically improves the financials. Without storage, you typically use 35-45% of your generation directly. With a battery, that rises to 75-90%.
How big a battery do I need?
Most three- and four-bed Welsh homes are best served by a 5-10kWh battery. Larger families, EV owners and heat-pump households often benefit from 10-15kWh.
Are lithium batteries safe?
Yes – modern LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry is the safest commercial battery technology available. We install only UKCA-certified units in accordance with BS 7671 amendment 3.
Will the battery power my home in a blackout?
Most batteries we install offer optional Emergency Power Supply (EPS), which keeps essential circuits running during a grid outage. Whole-home backup requires more careful design – ask our team.
Permissions and paperwork
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most domestic and many commercial installations are permitted development. Listed buildings, conservation areas and certain national park properties may require planning – we handle the application for you.
Will I need a new fuse box?
Sometimes. If your existing consumer unit is full or pre-2008 we may recommend replacement. This is included in our quote where applicable.
Who notifies the electricity network?
We do – on your behalf. For systems up to 3.68kW per phase we notify under G98. For larger systems we apply under G99 (which can take 4-8 weeks for the DNO to process).
Do I need building control approval?
Building control notification (LABC) is required for some battery installations. We submit this on your behalf where needed.
Aftercare and warranty
What warranty do I get?
Panels: 25-year performance, 12-year product. Inverters: 10-12 years depending on brand. Batteries: 10 years. Welsh Solar workmanship guarantee: 12 years on all installations.
How often do solar panels need servicing?
We recommend an annual visual inspection plus a full service every 3-5 years. Welsh Solar offers ongoing service plans starting at £99 per year.
What happens if something goes wrong?
Call our aftercare line. Most issues are diagnosed remotely via inverter monitoring. Where a site visit is needed our four-hour response time covers all of Wales during business hours.
Will my system be monitored?
Yes – every system comes with manufacturer monitoring (app and web). Welsh Solar also maintains a fleet view of all our installations so we can proactively spot under-performance.
EV charging
Can I charge my EV from solar?
Yes – we install solar-aware chargers (Zappi, Ohme, Easee) that automatically divert surplus PV to your car. Most Welsh customers cover their daily commute from solar between March and October.
Do I need a 3-phase supply for an EV charger?
No – a standard single-phase 7.4kW charger is sufficient for most homes and delivers ~25 miles of range per hour. Three-phase chargers (up to 22kW) are useful for commercial sites and large vehicles.
Are there grants for home EV chargers?
The main EVHS grant has closed for most owner-occupiers but the EV chargepoint grant remains available for flats, rentals and businesses. Welsh Solar will check your eligibility for free.
Still have questions?
Our Welsh-based team is happy to talk – no pressure, no commission. Book a free survey, ask a one-off question or just have a chat about whether solar is right for you.