FAQ
Solar panel questions, answered
Straight answers with sources. Can't find yours? Ask in the notes box on the form.
Is there a government grant for solar panels in Telford?
There's no general national grant just for solar panels, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Some households can get help through the Warm Homes: Local Grant (via Telford Energy Advice or Shropshire Council) or ECO4 until 31 December 2026, and installation is currently zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. See our grants and funding guide.
How much do solar panels cost?
The Energy Saving Trust gives about £7,600 for a typical 4.5kWp home system (fuel prices July 2026). Checkatrade's June 2026 guide puts a 4kW system at about £8,000. Your quote depends on your roof, access and equipment. See the cost guide.
Does solar work in Telford's weather?
Yes. Panels generate from daylight, not just direct sun. EU PVGIS data for Telford gives about 971 kWh a year from each kWp of south-facing panels on an unshaded 35° roof.
What size system do I need?
The Energy Saving Trust's typical home system is 4.5kWp, about 12 panels covering 20 to 30m² of roof. The right size depends on your roof space, shading and how much electricity you use.
Will an east or west roof work?
Yes, with lower output. The Energy Saving Trust says east or west roofs produce about 15 to 20% less than south. PVGIS gives about 775 (east) and 767 (west) kWh per kWp a year for Telford, against 971 for south. Panels on both slopes can spread generation across the day.
Do I need to tell my electricity network operator?
Your installer should handle this. Small systems up to 3.68kW per phase are notified to the network operator after installation under the G98 process. Larger systems need approval first under G99. In Telford the network operator is National Grid Electricity Distribution.
How much does a home battery cost?
The Energy Saving Trust gives £5,000 to £8,000. Checkatrade's June 2026 guide puts a 5kWh battery at about £4,500 and a 10kWh battery at about £9,000, installed.
Can I add a battery to panels I already have?
Usually, yes. Under HMRC Notice 708/6, retrofitted batteries installed in homes are also zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. Your installer will check whether your existing inverter is compatible or whether you need a hybrid or AC-coupled setup.
How long do solar panels take to pay back?
The Energy Saving Trust estimates roughly 9 to 12 years for a typical system when you get paid for exports, based on fuel prices in July 2026. It depends on your roof, usage, tariff and the price you pay.
Can I get free solar panels?
Be careful with any offer of "free" solar panels. There's no general free solar scheme. Some eligible households can get funded improvements, which may include solar, through the Warm Homes: Local Grant or ECO4 (until 31 December 2026), arranged through official routes. Check any offer with your council or the scheme's official website.
Does the Smart Export Guarantee pay a fixed rate?
No. Larger electricity suppliers must offer a SEG tariff, but each sets its own rate and terms. Ofgem publishes the list of SEG suppliers. The Energy Saving Trust quotes around 12p per unit as typical.
Is ECO4 still running?
Yes, until 31 December 2026, following the government's decision to extend it. Under ECO4, solar panels are only funded alongside a heat pump or other qualifying electric heating. The Great British Insulation Scheme ended on 31 March 2026.
What happens when I send the form?
Your enquiry comes straight to us. We read it ourselves and reply about next steps. We don't pass your details to installers. There's no cost and no obligation. See how it works.
Will lots of companies call me?
No. We don't pass your details to installers or other companies, and we don't sell them. See our privacy notice.
What if I move house?
Panels stay with the property. Keep your MCS certificate, warranties and electrical paperwork, because buyers' solicitors usually ask for them. If you have a SEG tariff, tell your supplier.
Is Telford Solar Panels MCS certified?
No. We're not an installer, so we don't hold MCS certification. The installer who does your work should be MCS certified for solar PV, and you can check this yourself on the MCS website.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust: Solar panels (fuel prices July 2026; checked 25 Oct 2026)
- EU Joint Research Centre PVGIS 5.3 (Telford, 52.678N 2.445W, 1kWp, 35° pitch, 14% losses) (run 25 Oct 2026)
- Ofgem: Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (1 Oct to 31 Dec 2026; checked 25 Oct 2026)
- Checkatrade: Solar battery storage cost (updated June 2026; checked 25 Oct 2026)
- HMRC VAT Notice 708/6: energy-saving materials (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee for generators (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- Ofgem: SEG supplier list (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- GOV.UK: Extending the ECO4 end date, government response (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- Ofgem: Great British Insulation Scheme (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- GOV.UK: Apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- National Grid Electricity Distribution: Micro generation (G98) (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- MCS: Find an installer (checked 25 Oct 2026)
- Planning Portal: Solar equipment on a house (rules updated 27 Aug 2026) (checked 25 Oct 2026)
Figures change. We review this page regularly; if you spot something out of date, tell us through the form.
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