Solar panels convert daylight into electricity that you can use in your home or business. Any unused electricity can sometimes be exported back to the grid.

Yes. Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days because they work using daylight, not direct sunshine.

Not completely in most cases, but they can significantly reduce it. Savings depend on your energy usage, system size and whether you add battery storage.

That depends on your electricity usage, roof size and your goals. Some people want maximum savings, while others want partial energy independence.

Solar can be installed on most roof types including tiled, slate, metal and flat roofs.

No — when installed correctly by qualified professionals. We assess roof condition before installation to ensure suitability.

Most domestic solar installations fall under permitted development rights, but there are exceptions for listed buildings and conservation areas.

Standard solar systems usually switch off during a power cut for safety reasons. Some battery systems can provide backup power depending on setup.

Most solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more.

Very little. Rain often helps keep panels clean, but occasional inspections are recommended to ensure everything is performing properly.

Usually yes, depending on your inverter capacity and available roof space.

In many cases, yes. Bird guards can help prevent nesting underneath the panels which may cause mess or damage over time.

Battery storage allows you to store unused electricity generated by your solar panels so you can use it later, such as during the evening or overnight.

Not necessarily, but batteries help you use more of the electricity you generate yourself, which can improve savings.

Yes. Many customers add battery storage after their original solar installation.

Most batteries are designed to last around 10–15 years depending on usage and manufacturer.

That depends on the battery size and your electricity demand. Some systems can support essential circuits during outages.

Yes. Modern battery systems include multiple safety protections and monitoring systems.

For many customers, yes. Batteries can reduce the amount of electricity you buy from the grid, especially during peak-rate periods.

Some systems can charge using cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs, depending on setup and supplier compatibility.

Yes. We install EV charging solutions for homes and businesses.

We install a range of trusted chargers depending on your vehicle, budget and charging requirements.

Charging time depends on the vehicle, charger type and battery size. Most home chargers can fully charge a vehicle overnight.

Yes. Many systems can prioritise solar energy to charge your vehicle, helping reduce charging costs.

Most homes do not require major upgrades, but we always assess your existing electrical setup before installation.

Yes. Home EV chargers are designed for outdoor use and are weather resistant.

Yes. We provide charging solutions for workplaces, fleets and commercial sites.

We assess your roof, electrical system, energy usage and installation requirements. This helps us design the right system for your property.

Most residential solar installations take one to two days, depending on system size and complexity.

Usually only briefly while electrical work is completed.

In most cases, yes. Safety is always a priority.

We aim to keep disruption to a minimum and leave your property tidy once work is complete.

Yes. Our teams are fully trained and certified to carry out renewable energy installations safely and professionally.

Where required, we work with trusted partners and qualified specialists who meet our standards.

Savings vary depending on energy usage, electricity prices system size and whether or not you choose to install Sentinel™ (an intelligent, automated service that maximises savings by charging and deploying your battery and importing and exporting energy autonomously). We provide estimated savings as part of your quote.

Renewable energy systems can make properties more attractive to buyers, especially with rising energy costs.

Finance options may be available depending on the project and eligibility.

SEG allows some homeowners and businesses to earn money by exporting unused electricity back to the grid through participating energy suppliers.

This varies, but many systems pay for themselves over several years through reduced electricity bills and export payments.

Yes. Most systems include monitoring apps so you can track generation, usage and savings in real time.

Contact our support team and we'll help diagnose the issue.

Yes. We provide ongoing support after installation.

Yes. Products and workmanship are covered by manufacturer and installation warranties.

We'll help identify the problem and advise on repair or replacement options.

Solar systems generally require minimal servicing, but occasional inspections can help maintain performance.

Yes. Many businesses use solar to reduce overheads and improve long-term energy stability.

Often yes. Large roof spaces can make commercial buildings ideal for solar installations.

Potential incentives and tax benefits may be available depending on current government schemes and your circumstances.

We work to minimise disruption and can often schedule work around operational requirements.

Yes. We support businesses with single-site and multi-site renewable projects.

An inverter converts the electricity generated by solar panels into usable electricity for your property.

Usually in a garage, loft, utility room or another suitable location with ventilation.

Yes. Solar systems work independently from your electricity supplier.

Off-grid systems are possible, but they require careful planning and significant battery capacity.

Unused electricity may either charge your battery or be exported back to the grid.

Not directly from the panels, but battery storage can supply stored energy overnight.

Yes. We work to recognised industry standards and certifications.

We use trusted manufacturers and carefully selected products designed for long-term reliability.

Yes. We can provide case studies, photos and examples of completed projects.

Yes. Our installation work is covered by workmanship guarantees.

We focus on honest advice, quality installations and long-term customer support. We believe renewable energy should feel straightforward, not overwhelming.

Solar systems stay with the property, but they can add value and appeal for future buyers.

Yes. Renewable technologies help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

Yes. Solar is often an excellent option for new builds and renovation projects.

Yes. Solar can help improve energy efficiency and reduce running costs for tenants.

Yes. Every property and customer is different, so we tailor recommendations around your needs.

Just contact our team. We'll guide you through the process step by step and answer any questions along the way.

Sentinel is HSEnergy’s intelligent energy management platform. It helps you monitor, control and optimise how your property uses energy in real time.

Sentinel brings your energy systems together into one smart platform. It can monitor solar generation, battery storage, grid usage and EV charging to help improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Sentinel can support both residential and commercial customers. It’s particularly useful for properties looking to better manage energy usage, reduce costs and gain more visibility over performance.

Yes. By helping you understand when and how energy is being used, Sentinel can optimise consumption and reduce unnecessary grid reliance.

Yes. Sentinel is designed to work alongside solar systems and can help you make better use of the electricity you generate.

Yes. Sentinel can intelligently control battery charging and discharging to maximise efficiency and savings.

Yes. Sentinel can help manage EV charging alongside your wider energy usage, including prioritising renewable energy where possible.

That’s the idea. Sentinel provides a central view of your energy systems so you can track performance, usage and savings more easily.

Many functions can be automated based on your energy habits, tariffs or system setup. This helps your property use energy more intelligently without constant manual adjustments.

Yes. Sentinel can help reduce reliance on expensive peak-rate electricity by managing stored energy and system behaviour more efficiently.

Absolutely. Businesses can use Sentinel to monitor energy performance across sites, reduce operational costs and improve energy visibility.

Yes. Sentinel is designed to work as part of a wider smart energy ecosystem, making it easier to integrate additional technologies over time.

No. Sentinel is designed to be simple and user-friendly, with clear monitoring and controls that are easy to understand.

Yes. Depending on your setup, Sentinel can usually be accessed remotely through connected monitoring platforms or apps.

Yes. Protecting customer data and system security is a key part of the platform design.

Yes. We’ll guide you through setup, configuration and how to get the most from the platform.

In many cases, yes. Compatibility depends on your current equipment and setup.

Sentinel is designed to make energy management feel straightforward. Instead of separate systems working independently, it helps everything work together more intelligently and efficiently.

Systems can get disconnected from the internet for many reasons! Most commonly being that you have installed a new Wi-Fi hub, but even if not, some loggers need a refresher of what network they should be connected to. There are guides below that are tailored to your system’s needs. If you are struggling to follow any of these steps for whatever reason please feel free to contact our technical support team on 01444 708252 or email TSA@hsenergy.co.uk for further support.

Guide for SoFar inverters:

Guide for Solis inverters:

Guide for FOXESS inverters: Download guide (PDF)

Guide for Growatt inverters:

Guide for SolarEdge inverters:

Guide for EcoFlow inverters: View guide

If your system has detected an alarm within the battery then we always recommend a reset procedure to get the batteries working again or to help diagnose further faults. We often find that batteries struggle in the winter months when there is limited sunshine and high usage which will often take the battery past its limits and often run it down until it’s unable to charge again when the sunshine is better. We find that a really good way to combat this is to set charging times up throughout the night/cheap rates that you may be eligible for. Please check this with your electricity provider before programming charging times on your inverter. Please find instructions for charging and discharging times on our other FAQs.

Battery reset procedure for SoFar inverters: Download guide (PDF)

Battery reset procedure for Solis inverters: Download guide (PDF)

Battery reset procedure for FOXESS inverters: Download guide (PDF)

There is usually no need to clean your solar panels. Due to the natural tilt on all roofs, including flat roofs, surface run-off should occur causing the panels to clean from rainfall. Of course, there is the issue of stubborn stains such as bird droppings etc. If your panels remain visibly dirty for a long time then there’s no harm in getting them cleaned. Unfortunately, at this moment in time, we do not provide a cleaning service but this is something we are looking into in the future. We do not have any personal recommendations for cleaners but you can always use the link below for trusted cleaners in your area:

Find a trusted solar panel cleaner on Checkatrade

If you plan to clean your solar panels by yourself then please use rubber gloves, water only and a soft brush to not damage the panels.

Unfortunately, solar panels will always be producing live DC current and can give small shocks when interacting with water. If you have to clean your panels for whatever reason we would always suggest using rubber gloves and non-conductive cleaning apparatus. Do not use any chemical products on the panels as this can damage their silicone coating.

Battery Charging Guide for Solis inverters:

Battery Charging Guide for SoFar inverters: Download guide (PDF)

Battery Charging Guide for FOXESS inverters: Download guide (PDF)

Battery Charging Guide for EcoFlow inverters: Download guide (PDF)

In case of an emergency please turn off your red AC isolator switch and, if visible, turn the system off at the fuseboard. Please then call our team on 01444 708252 for further assistance.

Check the screen on your power diverter to see if it gives an error message. If the message says “lost signal to sender unit”, then follow the procedure below. If there is no apparent reason for the fault then please send pictures of your power diverter to TSA@hsenergy.co.uk for further assistance.

Your power diverter runs off excess solar energy to power your hot water. The system requires a “sender unit” which will be in your electrical meter cupboard, which reads the excess solar generation in order for the power diverter to work. Unfortunately, these sender units cannot be hard-wired in and run off two AA batteries that may need to be replaced. The cover should pop off and the batteries should be easy to switch out. After this is done you can check the display on the main unit to see if it has paired. If it hasn’t then press and hold the button on both the sender unit and the display button on the main unit to pair. You may need two people to do this or be quick on your feet!

If the system still doesn’t pair or you need further assistance then please call or email the technical team.

Unfortunately, we are not able to assist much in this department and would recommend reaching out to the manufacturer of your system. We are more than happy to do this on your behalf, but if you have the time to email them with your serial number (which can be found on the side of your system’s inverter) then they are able to help reset your password / login details.

Email for Solis: eu.service@solisinverters.com

Email for SoFar: uk.service@sofarsolar.com

Email for FOXESS: service.uk@fox-ess.com

Email for EcoFlow: solutionservice.eu@ecoflow.com