Frequently Asked Questions

Solar panels are photovoltaic (PV) devices that absorb energy from light and convert it into electricity. They are made up of many solar cells, typically silicon-based, that generate direct current (DC) electricity when exposed to sunlight.

Solar panels absorb photons from light, which knocks electrons loose from atoms within the silicon cells. This creates a flow of electricity. An inverter then converts this DC electricity into AC electricity that can power your home or business. They work most efficiently in direct sunlight, but they'll also work just fine in overcast conditions.

Yes! Solar panels work most efficiently in direct sunlight, but they will also work in overcast conditions. While output is reduced on cloudy days, modern panels are designed to capture diffused light effectively. The UK receives enough sunlight throughout the year to make solar a worthwhile investment.

An inverter converts the DC (direct current) electricity generated by your solar panels into AC (alternating current) electricity that your home uses. While panels have warrantied lives of 25 years, inverters typically have shorter lifespans and may need replacement. We offer SolarEdge inverters with individual panel optimisers for maximum efficiency.

Our complete customer care service covers every aspect: specification and design, planning and approvals, energy saving consultation, remedial building work advice, working with your energy provider to get the best deal, and quality installation from experienced professional tradesmen.

A typical residential installation can be completed in one to two days, depending on the size of the system. Commercial installations may take longer. We always aim to minimise disruption and complete work efficiently.

Most domestic solar installations fall under permitted development and don't require planning permission. However, there are exceptions (listed buildings, conservation areas, etc.). We handle all planning and approvals on your behalf as part of our complete service.

Savings vary depending on your system size, energy usage, and roof orientation. One of our customers saw their electricity bills nearly halve, with cash savings of approximately £2,500 per year. Their payback time for the PV installation was less than three years.

Yes. The Government, through BEIS and in partnership with SALIX, offers interest-free loans for schools, universities and higher education establishments to purchase Solar PV. GreenCap Energy can help with the entire SALIX application process.

Yes, we offer free quotes and design services with no obligation. We'll visit your property, assess your needs, and provide a clear, transparent quote for the recommended system.

Yes, we install battery storage systems for both homes and businesses. We advise on optimal battery size and location to maximise the value of your solar energy, storing excess energy for use when the sun isn't shining.

Absolutely! GreenCap Energy can connect your EV charge station to one or more solar panels to provide a low-cost, renewable energy source to power your electric vehicle. This maximises the benefit of your solar investment.

SolarEdge makes an inverter that works with a small box called an optimiser, fitted to every panel. These optimisers allow each panel to work independently, so partial shading on one panel won't reduce the output of the whole system. The result is a more efficient system with the added benefit of being able to monitor each panel on your computer.

Solar panels have warrantied lives of 25 years, though many continue producing energy well beyond this. However, other components such as inverters have considerably shorter lifespans and may need replacement during the life of the system.

We offer a comprehensive range of services including: PV installation, PV maintenance, PV replacement, battery installation, inverter replacement, bird guard installation and repair, hot water inverter installation, and EV charger installation. We repair and maintain any sized solar system.

Birds, particularly pigeons, can nest under solar panels which may cause damage. We install bird guards to prevent this, and can repair or replace guards that have been pulled out. As one customer noted, when their bird guard was pulled out by pigeons, we came straight over to sort it out.

We are MCS Accredited (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), RECC Members (Renewable Energy Consumer Code), HEIS Assurance Scheme Members, TrustMark Registered, REAL Assurance Scheme Members, and listed on Checkatrade. We are certified for Battery Storage and Solar PV technologies.

For domestic installations, we cover Surrey and surrounding areas including London, Middlesex, and the wider South East of England. For commercial installations, we operate nationwide across the UK.