Frequently Asked Questions

Solar panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this into alternating current (AC) electricity that can power your home. Any excess electricity can be exported to the grid or stored in a battery system.

Most roofs in the UK are suitable for solar panels. Ideally, you need a south-facing roof with minimal shading, but east and west-facing roofs can also generate significant electricity. We carry out a free site survey to assess your property and design the optimal system for your situation.

The number of panels depends on your electricity consumption, available roof space and budget. A typical 3-4 bedroom home usually benefits from a 3-4kW system (8-10 panels). During your free site survey, we will assess your energy usage and recommend the right system size.

Yes, solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunlight. They will produce less on cloudy days compared to sunny days, but they still generate power. The UK receives enough daylight throughout the year to make solar panels a worthwhile investment.

Modern solar panels are designed to last 25-30 years or more. Most manufacturers offer performance warranties guaranteeing at least 80% output after 25 years. The inverter may need replacing after 10-15 years. Our installations include full manufacturer warranties.

In most cases, solar panels are classed as permitted development and do not require planning permission. However, there are exceptions for listed buildings, conservation areas and certain other situations. We will advise you on any planning requirements during the survey process.

A battery storage system stores excess electricity generated by your solar panels for use later — typically in the evening or at night when your panels are not generating. This means you can use more of your own solar electricity instead of exporting it to the grid and buying it back at a higher rate.

Yes, in most cases a battery can be retrofitted to an existing solar PV system. We will assess your current setup during a site visit and recommend the best battery solution that is compatible with your existing equipment.

Most home battery systems are warranted for 10-15 years or a specified number of charge cycles (typically 6,000-10,000 cycles). This means the battery should retain at least 70-80% of its original capacity within the warranty period.

Battery size depends on your energy consumption patterns and solar system size. A typical household might use a 5-10kWh battery. We analyse your energy usage to recommend the right capacity — large enough to store your excess solar generation but not so large that you are paying for storage you do not use.

We install smart EV chargers that can be controlled via a smartphone app. These chargers typically provide 7kW charging, which can fully charge most electric vehicles overnight. We install chargers from leading manufacturers that are OZEV-approved.

Yes, pairing an EV charger with solar panels is one of the most cost-effective ways to run an electric vehicle. Smart chargers can be set to charge when your solar panels are generating, meaning you can drive on free, clean energy. Adding a battery further increases the amount of solar energy available for charging.

A standard EV charger installation typically takes 3-4 hours. This includes mounting the charger, running the cable from your consumer unit and testing. More complex installations (e.g., longer cable runs or consumer unit upgrades) may take longer.

Yes, an EV charger requires a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit (fuse board). This is part of the standard installation. We will assess your existing electrical setup during the survey and advise if any upgrades are needed.

A typical residential solar panel installation takes 1-2 days depending on the system size and complexity. Battery storage can usually be installed at the same time. We will provide a clear timeline during the quotation process.

Elite Electrical Solutions is MCS Certified, NAPIT Approved and HIES registered. MCS Certification means our installations meet the highest industry standards and qualifies you for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). HIES registration provides additional consumer protection including deposit protection.

We can discuss finance options during the quotation process. Please contact us for the latest available finance arrangements.

During a free, no-obligation site survey, we will: assess your roof condition, orientation and shading; review your consumer unit and electrical setup; discuss your energy usage and goals; take measurements and photographs; and provide a detailed quotation with system design recommendations.

All installations come with manufacturer warranties on equipment (typically 10-25 years on panels, 5-12 years on inverters, 10-15 years on batteries) plus our own workmanship guarantee. As an MCS-certified installer, our work meets the highest industry standards.

We are based in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire and cover Lincolnshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, Yorkshire and surrounding areas. We also carry out installations nationwide for larger projects. Contact us to confirm coverage in your area.