FAQs

We want to make sure you have all the information you need - so we’ve put together some of our more frequently asked questions!

If you still need to know more, please just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

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Solar PV Panels

What is a commercial solar PPA?

Solar PV Panels

A power purchase agreement allows a third-party provider to fund and usually own and maintain the solar system. Your business buys the electricity generated at an agreed rate rather than paying the installation cost upfront. PPAs are normally long-term agreements, so the electricity tariff, price increases, roof access, maintenance responsibilities and end-of-term arrangements should be reviewed carefully.

Solar PV Panels

Do I need planning permission to install solar PV panels?

Solar PV Panels

Not always. Many roof-mounted domestic and non-domestic solar installations in England can qualify as permitted development, but limits and conditions apply.

Planning permission or another consent may still be needed for listed buildings, sensitive locations, unusually prominent installations, ground-mounted arrays or sites where permitted development rights have been restricted. Requirements can also differ outside England.

DW Energy will flag likely planning issues during the survey and design process, but the Local Planning Authority decides whether permission or prior approval is required. If there is any doubt, obtain written confirmation before work begins.

Home EV Charging

Why should I have a dedicated EV charge point installed at my home?

Home EV Charging

A dedicated home EV charge point is usually safer, faster and more convenient than relying on a standard three pin plug.

EV charging places a sustained electrical load on a circuit for long periods, so a properly installed charger is designed to handle regular vehicle charging safely. A typical 7kW home charger is also much quicker than a three pin plug and is well suited to overnight charging for many drivers.

A smart charger can also give you more control. Depending on the model, this may include app monitoring, scheduled charging, off peak tariff use, solar integration and load management.

DW Energy will assess your property, electricity supply and vehicle requirements before recommending the right charger.

Commercial Renewables Service & Maintenance

What warranties and commercial solar maintenance do you provide?

Commercial Renewables Service & Maintenance

The applicable product, performance and installation warranties are set out clearly in every proposal because the terms vary by equipment and system design. DW Energy can also provide monitoring and planned commercial solar maintenance to check performance, identify faults and protect long-term output. As an established electrical contractor and Solarwatt Premium Partner, we can continue supporting your system after commissioning.

Commercial Battery Storage

Can we add commercial battery storage later?

Commercial Battery Storage

Yes, in many cases commercial battery storage can be added later, subject to the electrical capacity, grid connection, controls, available space and safety requirements. If battery storage is likely to be needed in future, let us know during the initial design so we can make the solar system as upgrade ready as practical. We can also compare installing both systems together with phasing the investment.

Home EV Charging

Do you install EV chargers in my area?

Home EV Charging

DW Energy installs EV chargers across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire and London for homes, workplaces and commercial sites.

If you are unsure whether we cover your address, send us your postcode and a few details about the property or site. We will confirm availability and let you know what information we need to provide an accurate quote.

Solar PV Panels

How much does commercial solar cost, and what is the typical payback period?

Solar PV Panels

The cost and payback period depend on the size of the system, roof and access requirements, grid connection, battery storage, on-site energy use, electricity tariffs and funding route. We use your available energy data to model the installation cost, forecast generation, projected savings, payback period and long-term value. This provides a more reliable assessment than applying a standard payback figure to every site.

Commercial Battery Storage

How do you decide whether commercial battery storage is suitable and what size it should be?

Commercial Battery Storage

Commercial battery storage is most useful when it solves a defined energy need, such as storing surplus solar generation, reducing imports during higher-cost periods, managing peak demand or supporting EV charging. It is not automatically the right addition for every business.

DW Energy reviews your electricity consumption profile, solar generation, export levels, tariffs, peak demand, electrical infrastructure and future energy plans. We then compare the commercial case with and without storage and size the battery around the energy available to charge it and the demand it needs to serve.

This approach helps avoid paying for capacity that the site is unlikely to use.

Home EV Charging

What is a “Smart” EV charger?

Home EV Charging

A smart EV charger can send and receive information, which allows it to manage charging more efficiently than a basic charger.

Smart features can include app control, scheduled charging, off peak tariff charging, energy usage monitoring, solar integration and load management. This can help you charge when electricity is cheaper, reduce pressure on your home supply and make better use of renewable energy where compatible.

In Great Britain, private domestic and workplace charge points sold for these settings must meet smart charge point regulations, with limited exceptions. DW Energy installs compliant smart chargers and can advise on the best option for your vehicle, property and electricity tariff.

Business EV Charging

Do you provide charger installations for business premises?

Business EV Charging

Yes. DW Energy installs EV charge points for workplaces, staff parking, visitor parking, fleet vehicles and commercial premises.

A business installation can be more complex than a standard domestic charger, so we will look at the number of chargers required, the available electrical capacity, expected usage, load management, parking layout and future expansion plans. This helps us recommend a practical system that suits your site and avoids unnecessary disruption.

Depending on your business and property type, you may also be eligible for an OZEV grant, such as the Workplace Charging Scheme. Grant rules and funding availability can change, so we will help you understand the current position at the time of enquiry.

Commercial Renewables Service & Maintenance

How often should a commercial solar PV system be serviced?

Commercial Renewables Service & Maintenance

For many commercial solar PV systems, an annual professional inspection is a sensible baseline, supported by frequent performance monitoring. The appropriate schedule still depends on system size, equipment, roof conditions, environmental exposure, manufacturer guidance and the site's operational risk.

Maintenance can include reviewing generation data, checking inverters and isolators, inspecting visible cabling, connectors, mounting and labelling, investigating underperformance and advising whether cleaning or remedial work is needed.

DW Energy agrees a practical maintenance schedule around the site and its operating requirements. Fault alerts or an unexpected fall in generation should be investigated rather than waiting for the next planned visit.

Home EV Charging

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Home EV Charging

Charging time depends on the vehicle battery size, the charger power and how much charge is already in the battery.

A typical 7kW home charger is much faster than a standard three pin plug and is designed for convenient overnight charging. Many drivers do not charge from empty to full every time. Instead, they top up regularly when the car is parked at home.

Charging can also be affected by the vehicle’s onboard charger, battery temperature and any charging limits set in the car or charger app. DW Energy can help you choose a charger that suits your vehicle and daily driving pattern.

Solar PV Panels

Do I need a smart meter for my solar PV installation?

Solar PV Panels

You do not always need a smart meter for the solar PV system to generate electricity, but a suitable export meter is usually important if you want to be paid for electricity sent back to the grid.

Smart Export Guarantee payments are based on measured export, and each SEG supplier has its own requirements for the meter readings it will accept. In most homes, a smart meter is the simplest way to provide export readings, but your energy supplier should confirm exactly what is needed.

If export payments are part of your payback plan, we recommend checking your meter setup before installation. DW Energy can explain how export metering works and what questions to ask your electricity supplier.

Solar PV Panels

Do I need a good internet connection for my solar PV system?

Solar PV Panels

A reliable internet connection is recommended because many inverters, batteries and monitoring apps use WiFi or ethernet to report performance, alerts and system data.

Your solar PV system can often still generate electricity without an internet connection, but you may lose access to live monitoring, app data or remote support features. This can make it harder to spot issues quickly or review system performance.

During the survey, DW Energy will advise on connectivity requirements for the products being installed. Where WiFi is weak, there may be alternative options such as ethernet, signal improvement or suitable product specific workarounds.

Home EV Charging

What EV charger speed do I need?

Home EV Charging

The right EV charger speed depends on the vehicle, how long it is normally parked, the available electrical capacity and whether several vehicles need to charge at once.

A 7kW charger is common for overnight home charging. Higher-power AC charging may require a three-phase supply and must also be supported by the vehicle. Businesses and fleets may need a combination of chargers, load management or rapid DC charging where vehicles have shorter parking times.

DW Energy assesses the incoming supply, site demand, parking use, vehicle requirements and future expansion before recommending the charger type and power. Solar PV and battery storage can also be considered as part of the wider energy system.

Solar PV Panels

Does roof orientation affect how much energy my solar PV panels will generate?

Solar PV Panels

Yes. Roof orientation and pitch both affect how much electricity your solar panels generate and when that electricity is produced.

In the UK, south facing roofs often produce the highest annual output, but east and west facing roofs can still work well. An east facing roof will usually generate more electricity earlier in the day, while a west facing roof will usually generate more later in the afternoon. This can be useful if your household uses more electricity at certain times.

The best option depends on your roof, your energy usage and whether you are adding battery storage. DW Energy will model the expected generation during the design stage so you can understand the likely output before going ahead.

Solar PV Panels

Is buying the system outright better than finance?

Solar PV Panels

Buying outright normally provides full ownership from day one and can deliver the strongest lifetime return because there are no finance costs. Finance or leasing may be more suitable when preserving working capital is a priority. The right route depends on your cash flow, tax position, ownership preference and investment horizon.

Solar PV Panels

Can businesses claim tax benefits on commercial solar?

Solar PV Panels

Yes. Businesses purchasing commercial solar can claim applicable capital allowances on qualifying expenditure, subject to their tax position, ownership structure and available allowances. Solar panels are generally treated as special-rate plant and machinery, and the Annual Investment Allowance may provide 100% tax relief on qualifying expenditure. Eligibility should be confirmed with an accountant.

Solar PV Panels

How much will I get paid for exporting solar power to the grid?

Solar PV Panels

Export payments are usually made through a Smart Export Guarantee tariff. These tariffs pay you for eligible electricity exported from your solar PV system back to the grid.

The amount you receive depends on the tariff you choose, your supplier’s terms and how much electricity you export. Rates vary between suppliers, and some tariffs may have specific requirements around metering, contract type or whether your installation is MCS certified.

Because export rates change, we recommend comparing current SEG tariffs before and after installation. DW Energy can help you understand how export payments fit into your overall payback calculation, but your actual earnings will depend on your generation, usage and chosen tariff.

Solar PV Panels

What if our commercial roof is shaded or otherwise unsuitable for solar?

Solar PV Panels

We assess the roof’s condition, structural capacity, available area, shading, access and fire safety requirements before finalising the design. If the proposed roof is unsuitable, we will explain why and explore alternatives such as another roof area, a smaller system, ground-mounted solar or a solar carport where practical.

Business EV Charging

What are the BIK (Benefit-In-Kind) rates for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids?

Business EV Charging

Benefit in Kind is a company car tax based mainly on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions, fuel type, electric range and the tax year.

Fully electric company cars currently have much lower BIK rates than most petrol or diesel vehicles, which can make them attractive for company car drivers and employers. However, the rates are no longer fixed at 2%. GOV.UK lists zero emission company cars at 3% for 2025 to 2026, 4% for 2026 to 2027 and 5% for 2027 to 2028.

Plug in hybrid rates vary depending on CO2 emissions and how far the vehicle can travel on electric power alone. Because tax rules change, we recommend checking the latest GOV.UK tables or speaking to your accountant before choosing a vehicle.

Solar PV Panels

Will I need scaffolding for my solar PV install?

Solar PV Panels

Scaffolding is often needed for roof mounted solar PV installations so the team can work safely at height, especially on two storey properties.

The exact access requirements depend on the height of the building, roof pitch, roof layout, ground conditions and where the panels are being installed. Some lower level or simpler installations may need less extensive access equipment, while more complex roofs may need a more detailed scaffolding setup.

DW Energy will assess access during the survey and confirm what is required before the installation starts. If scaffolding is needed, we can arrange it and include the cost in your quote.

Home EV Charging

Can I charge my EV using my solar panels?

Home EV Charging

Yes. If your solar panels are generating electricity while your EV is plugged in, that electricity can help charge your vehicle.

How much of your charging comes from solar will depend on the size of your solar PV system, the amount of generation at the time, your charger, the vehicle and your household electricity use. For example, charging during the middle of the day will usually make better use of solar generation than charging overnight.

A compatible smart charger can also help prioritise surplus solar energy where supported. If you are often out during the day, adding battery storage may help by storing solar electricity for use later, although the right setup depends on your usage pattern and system size.

Solar PV Panels

What is the VAT rate on solar PV installations?

Solar PV Panels

The installation of eligible energy saving materials, including solar PV, in residential accommodation is currently 0% for VAT until 31 March 2027.

From 1 April 2027, HMRC guidance says the VAT rate will revert to the reduced rate of 5%. The zero rate can also apply to certain related technologies when installed in qualifying residential settings, but eligibility depends on the nature of the work and property.

Commercial installations are generally subject to the standard VAT rate. VAT registered businesses may be able to recover VAT depending on their circumstances, but this should be confirmed with an accountant or tax adviser.

DW Energy will apply the correct VAT treatment based on the project details at the time of quotation.

Home EV Charging

Will an electric car increase my electricity bill?

Home EV Charging

Yes, charging an electric car at home will increase your electricity use, but many drivers still spend less overall than they would on petrol or diesel.

The actual cost depends on your annual mileage, the efficiency of your vehicle, your electricity tariff and when you charge. For example, charging overnight on a suitable off peak tariff can cost significantly less than charging during peak periods.

A smart charger can help you schedule charging around cheaper tariff windows, and solar PV or battery storage may reduce your reliance on grid electricity. DW Energy can advise on charger options that work with your home, vehicle and energy setup.

The Zappi charger from myenergi can even charge your car directly from your solar panels!

Solar PV Panels

How do I choose a commercial solar installer?

Solar PV Panels

Choose a commercial solar installer with relevant project experience, appropriate insurance, recognised electrical and solar credentials and the capability to manage the whole project, not just fit the panels.

Ask how the installer will assess your electricity use, roof, structural and fire-safety requirements, existing electrical infrastructure, DNO application and future plans for battery storage or EV charging. A credible proposal should explain the design, expected generation, assumptions, warranties, installation programme, commissioning, monitoring and aftercare.

Relevant credentials may include NICEIC or ECA membership and MCS certification where applicable. DW Energy combines commercial electrical contracting capability with solar design, installation and long-term maintenance.

Solar PV Panels

Are there any grants available for commercial PV installs?

Solar PV Panels

Some commercial solar PV projects may be eligible for funding, tax relief, grants or local support, depending on the type of business, the site, the location and the scheme available at the time.

Because commercial funding changes regularly, there is no single answer that applies to every project. Some businesses may be able to access local authority support, sector specific funding, finance products or tax incentives linked to energy efficiency and capital investment.

DW Energy can review the basic details of your project and, where suitable, introduce you to a funding specialist or trusted partner who can advise on eligibility. We recommend checking available support early in the process, as grant rules, deadlines and funding windows can change.

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Solar PV Panels

Can DW Energy help us compare commercial solar funding options?

Solar PV Panels

Yes. We can compare capital investment, finance, leasing and PPA options using the same site and energy data. We consider the upfront commitment, projected electricity savings, scheduled payments, ownership, maintenance responsibilities and long-term value. This provides a clear basis for choosing the option that best supports your commercial objectives.

Solar PV Panels

Can finance repayments be lower than our electricity bill savings?

Solar PV Panels

Yes, they can. On a well-matched commercial solar project, the forecast reduction in electricity costs can be greater than the scheduled finance repayments, creating positive cash flow from early in the term. This will depend on the system's output, on-site consumption, electricity prices and finance terms. DW Energy will model the projected savings and repayments clearly within the proposal.

Solar PV Panels

Do you manage DNO applications and G99 approval?

Solar PV Panels

Yes. We assess the grid connection requirements, prepare and submit the relevant DNO or G99 application, respond to technical queries and coordinate any connection conditions with the system design. Approval and timescales remain with the local Distribution Network Operator. If export limitations or network upgrades are required, we will explain the implications before installation proceeds.

Solar PV Panels

How long does a commercial solar installation take, and will it disrupt our operations?

Solar PV Panels

The installation programme depends on the system size, roof layout, access requirements and any associated electrical work. We will confirm the expected schedule before work begins. Commercial installations are planned around your working hours, deliveries, trading and site safety so the business can often remain operational. If an electrical isolation, restricted access or temporary shutdown is required, this will be identified and agreed in advance.

Solar PV Panels

What size commercial solar PV system does my business need?

Solar PV Panels

The right commercial solar PV system size depends on how much electricity your business uses, when it uses it, the available roof or ground area, the site's electrical infrastructure and any grid connection limits.

A larger roof does not automatically mean that the largest possible system will provide the best commercial return. DW Energy reviews electricity bills and, where available, half-hourly consumption data alongside roof layout, shading, access and future plans such as battery storage or EV charging.

We then model expected generation, on-site use, savings and payback before recommending a system size. This provides a site-specific proposal based on how your business actually uses energy.

Solar PV Panels

Can commercial solar be installed without paying upfront?

Solar PV Panels

Yes. Commercial solar can be installed without a large upfront payment through options such as asset finance, leasing or a power purchase agreement. These routes can reduce or remove the initial capital requirement, although ownership, maintenance responsibilities, contract length and overall return will vary. Funding remains subject to provider approval and terms.

Solar PV Panels

How long do commercial solar panels last?

Solar PV Panels

A well-designed commercial solar installation can generate electricity for decades. Its long-term performance depends on panel quality, installation standards, site conditions and ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

Solar panel output reduces gradually over time, so check the applicable product and performance warranties rather than relying on a general lifespan claim. As a Solarwatt Premium Partner, DW Energy can specify glass-glass panels with 30-year product and performance warranties. Inverters and other components have their own warranty and maintenance requirements.

Performance monitoring and planned inspections help identify faults or underperformance early and protect the system's long-term output.

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Saving money. Living sustainably. Staying up to date with technology. Whatever your reasoning, get in touch to see how easy going solar, or fitting an EV charger is.

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FAQs

We want to make sure you have all the information you need - so we’ve put together some of our more frequently asked questions! If you still need to know more, please just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

Keep up to date with our latest news with our newsletter.

Saving money. Living sustainably. Staying up to date with technology. Whatever your reasoning, get in touch to see how easy going solar, or fitting an EV charger is.

We want to make sure you have all the information you need - so we’ve put together some of our more frequently asked questions!

If you still need to know more, please just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.