Solar, battery and EV questions from London homeowners.
Questions on terraces, flats, shade, access, ownership and payment. If yours is missing, send details of the property and we will research the answer.
Is a terraced house too small for solar?
Often not a problem. A terrace roof gives less to work with, but a slope facing a good direction with little shade can still carry a useful array, provided the layout is tight.
What about extensions, dormers and loft conversions?
They take space from the slope, so the layout works around them, or uses another face of the roof.
Does shade from nearby buildings rule solar out?
Rarely. We model it through the year and, where it matters, use equipment that lets each panel work independently.
Is a flat roof suitable?
Often, with panels mounted on frames. The roof structure and waterproofing are checked first.
Do I need freeholder permission?
Owners of a freehold house usually decide for themselves, with planning rules still in play. Flats and leasehold homes are different: the lease commonly gives the freeholder a say, so their consent comes first.
Does a conservation area stop me?
Not automatically, but it can change what is allowed, and some have an Article 4 Direction removing the usual rights. We check your address before a survey is booked.
Is a listed building ruled out?
No, but listed building consent is always required.
Can scaffolding or access make the job difficult?
Yes, sometimes. Tight streets, a lack of frontage or a roof only reachable indoors affect the work, and we plan for each at the survey.
How long does installation take?
A day or two as a rule, counting from when scaffolding stands.
What happens after I send my details?
We check whether the roof looks workable and may ask a question or two. A survey follows, then a written design with expected output, warranties and payment routes.
Is a battery useful if I work from home?
It still helps, since the house uses less of its own generation directly on the days you are out. Sizing looks at the whole week.
Is a home charger possible with street parking?
Only where you have private space the cable can safely reach. With on-street parking, public or workplace charging tends to be the sensible choice.
Are there grants for chargers?
Not at present for owners of ordinary houses: the grant now covers only renters, flat owners, leaseholders and landlords fitting for tenants. See the EV charging page.
Do I have to pay upfront?
No. You can buy outright, pay monthly where you qualify, or start with nothing upfront on qualifying routes. Short 0% offers appear on selected products now and then. Finance is subject to status, affordability and lender approval, and the installation team acts as a credit broker, not a lender.
Does asking about payment options affect my credit file?
Asking about payment options is not a finance application and does not affect your credit file.
Ask about your own roof
Drop us a few details and we will deal with your questions as they apply to your property, at no cost and with no obligation.
Free, and no obligation to proceed. Asking about payment options is not a finance application and leaves your credit file alone.
Asking is free and creates no obligation. We might follow up if we need more detail to give a proper answer.