Green Streets
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical issues
Q: How do I know if my roof is suitable for solar panels?
A: Most roofs are suitable for solar panels but some are better than others. For instance if your roof is over-shadowed or north facing it might not generate much energy. We will do a design survey beforehand, at no cost, which can tell you what the potential is.
Q: Who are Stokey Energy, and are you profiting from all this?
A: Stokey Energy is a local community energy group, set up in 2019 to help the neighbourhood transition to net zero. We have installed solar panels and done other green energy projects with numerous schools, cultural venues and community centres in Hackney. We are a community benefit society, and so a not-for-profit organisation.
Q: How many solar panels am I likely to fit on my roof?
A: We will do a survey and design to work it out precisely, but for most houses in the area it is likely to be between 8-14 panels.
Q: Will my roof leak after solar panels have been installed?
A: Solar panels are relatively light and, unless there is a pre-existing structural fault in your roof, then they should not cause leaks or any other damage. All roofs are checked prior to installation to ensure that there will not be a problem. If there is any damage caused during the works then it will be covered on the installers insurance and fixed.
Q: How long does it take for the work to be done?
A: We can normally install solar panels on a house in a couple of days, and with minimal disruption, but allow a week including snagging etc.. You should be without electricity for no more than an hour or so.
Q: Do I need to be with a specific energy company to benefit from solar panels?
A: No, you can be with any electricity supplier. Although some companies will offer a better rate to buy the excess energy your panels produce - we can advise on this.
Q: What else can I do in addition to having solar panels to reduce my electricity costs?
A: Solar panels are a great start! A battery as part of your system could make a big difference. After that you could consider further measures such as improving your insulation, or installing an air source heat pump.
Q: What kind of guarantee will I get on the solar panel installation?
A: All of the materials are subject to warranties - the panels are usually guaranteed for 25 years, the inverter and other electrical components for 12 years.
Q: Who actually does the installation work, is that Stokey Energy?
A: Not directly. We work with a couple of locally based installers who we have done lots of projects with. Stokey Energy will oversee the works and provide the quality assurance.
Q: Do I need planning permission to have solar panels on my roof?
A: No, there is no approval required for panels on a residential property, unless your house is listed or subject to specific planning constraints.
Q: Can I get a council or government grant to help pay for solar panels?
A: As far as we know, there are no grants currently available for solar panels on privately owned residential properties.
Q: How will I be able to monitor how well my panels are performing?
A: As part of the installation you will be given a monitoring software app so that you can check up on your energy generation and usage in real time on your smart phone or other device. But be warned - it can get quite addictive!
Price and cost
Q: How much is it likely to cost to have solar panels installed? What is the group discount on offer?
A: Cost of installs without discount is between £7-10k without batteries and £10-13k with batteries.
4+ houses = 5% discount
8+ houses = 10%
12+ houses = 15%
Q: What’s the rough payback time for the cost of installation?
A: Depending on the size of your scheme and your levels and patterns of energy use, a solar panel installation usually takes 5-7 years to pay for itself.
Q: Will the electricity from solar panels cover all my electricity consumption and cost? A: No, but it should make a significant saving. Depending on your scheme, it should reduce your electricity bills by 30% a year.
Q: Can I still get a “feed in” tariff to earn money from my solar generated electricity that I am not able to use?
A: Whilst the last government scrapped the tariff scheme, you can still earn money from your unused solar energy via export schemes. We can advise you on how to do this and which energy companies offer the best rate. For example, Octopus Energy currently offers 15p per KWH sent back to the electricity grid from your solar panels.
Technical
Q: How long do solar panels last?
A: The ‘technical lifetime’ of panels is 25 years. They don’t stop working at that point, but by that time they have usually lost some (perhaps 20%) of their efficiency.
Q: Is it worth also getting a battery at the same time as solar panels? What size battery?
A: It often is worth getting a battery but this will depend on the number of panels you have and your pattern of energy usage. This will be considered as part of the quote you are provided. Batteries can always be installed separately at a later date and after your PV system has been running and generating data so you have a better idea.
Q: Roughly how much are batteries?
A: approximately £1800 for a 5KWH battery. You can have just one, or add on extra batteries later
Q: What is an inverter, and where does it go?
A: The inverter is a key element of a PV system, converting the DC energy generated from the panels into usable, AC energy for household electrics. It is a small box that usually sits alongside your switchboard.
Climate
Q: How is having solar panels helping to fight climate change?
A: Solar panels are one of the most effective ways in which you can reduce your carbon footprint, by generating and using energy that comes directly from the sun, rather than anything that has been extracted and then transported to your home.
