How much can I save with solar panels and a battery?

A typical home in the South of England can save between £800 and £1,200 annually by combining solar with battery storage.

Can I charge my electric car (EV) with solar?

Absolutely. We can install an integrated EV charger (like Zappi) that diverts excess solar power directly into your car.

How do I monitor my generation?

All our systems come with a smartphone app (e.g., GivEnergy, Tesla, SolarEdge) allowing you to track generation and battery levels in real-time.

Slash Your Energy Bills in Hampshire & Dorset

Q: Do I need planning permission for solar panels in Hampshire?

In 99% of cases, no. Solar panels are considered Permitted Development. Exceptions apply for Listed Buildings.

Q: Do solar panels work in the winter?

Yes. Solar panels run on daylight, not heat. While output is lower in December than June, a battery helps store cheap overnight grid energy to compensate.

Q: How long does installation take?

Most residential installations in Dorset and Hampshire take just 1-2 days. Scaffolding may stay up slightly longer.

Q: What happens if there is a power cut?

Standard solar systems shut down for safety. However, if you install a battery with 'Gateway' or backup functionality (like Tesla Powerwall), you can keep the lights on.

Q: Will solar panels damage my roof?

No. Our structural survey ensures your roof is strong enough. The panels actually protect the tiles underneath from weather weathering.

Q: Do I need to clean my solar panels?

In the UK, rain does a good job of self-cleaning. However, we recommend a professional clean every 2-3 years to maintain 100% efficiency.

Q: What happens if I move house?

Solar panels typically increase property value and EPC ratings, making your home more attractive to buyers.

A Homeowner's Guide to Solar & Battery Savings

Key Takeaways for Homeowners

High ROI: Most Hampshire homeowners see a return on investment within 6-9 years.
Max Savings: Combining Solar + Battery can offset up to 87% of electricity bills.
Local Grants: 0% VAT on battery & solar installations until 2027.
Ideal Weather: The South Coast (Ringwood, Fareham, Poole) has some of the best solar irradiance in the UK.

Thinking about solar panels for your home? Excellent choice.

You're not alone. Homeowners across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire are turning to solar energy to combat rising electricity costs. But the big question we get asked in Ringwood, Fordingbridge, and Fareham is: How much can I actually save?

Chart illustrating solar system performance with monthly energy generation and consumption data, highlighting 301% energy contribution from solar panels.

Factors Influencing Your Savings

Energy Consumption: Working from home? Using appliances during the day increases your potential savings immediately.
Roof Suitability: South-facing is gold standard, but East/West split systems work brilliantly in the UK to capture morning and evening sun.
System Size: A standard 4kW system is common, but we tailor this to your specific usage.

Crunching the Numbers (Example)

Let's look at a typical scenario for a detached home in Hampshire:

Annual Usage: 4,000 kWh
Solar Generation: ~3,500 kWh (4kWp system)
Grid Price: ~30p per kWh

Without Solar: £1,200 / year

With Solar (Assuming 87% offset via battery): £156 / year

Potential Saving: £1,044 per year*

*Estimates vary based on usage and weather. We don't give concrete prices without a survey because every home is bespoke.

The Truth About Solar in UK Weather

A common myth we hear is, "Solar panels won't work because it's always cloudy in England." This couldn't be further from the truth.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity from daylight, not heat. This means they are working even on those grey, overcast days in November. In fact, solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures than in extreme heat.

While production is naturally lower in winter, this is where your Battery Storage becomes the hero. By charging your battery overnight with cheap off-peak grid electricity (often 75% cheaper than day rates), you can power your home through the dark winter evenings without breaking the bank.

Supercharge with Battery Storage

Solar panels generate energy during the day, but you likely use most power in the evening. That’s where battery storage installation changes the game.

Tesla app interface displaying home energy usage, solar panel output, and battery storage levels for optimizing solar energy management.

Future-Proof Your Home: EV Integration

If you own an electric vehicle, or plan to get one, your roof can become your personal petrol station. By integrating an EV Charger with your solar array, you can divert excess solar energy directly into your car.

Imagine driving on sunshine for free. We install smart chargers like the Myenergi Zappi that seamlessly communicate with your solar inverter to ensure you aren't drawing expensive power from the grid to charge your car unless you want to.

Compare Top Battery Brands

At Starks Solar, we prioritize safety. Many installs happen in garages or lofts, so we only use batteries with built-in heat pads (for winter efficiency) and fire suppression systems.

Our Trusted Technology:

Sigenergy SigenStor: AI-optimised, Heat pads + Fire Suppression.
EcoFlow: Portable heritage, Heat pads + Fire Suppression.
Tesla Powerwall: Market leader, Heat pads included.

Protecting Your Investment: Why Bird Proofing Matters

One detail often overlooked by national installers is pigeons. Solar panels provide a warm, sheltered environment that birds love to nest under. This can lead to damaged wiring, reduced efficiency, and a lot of mess.

At Starks Solar, we don't believe in hidden costs. That is why we include Free Bird Proofing (worth over £300) with every residential installation. We install a robust mesh guard around the perimeter of your array, ensuring your system stays pest-free and efficient for decades.

Why Choose Starks Solar?

We aren't a national call center. We are your local neighbors in Ringwood. When you choose us, you get:

Free Bird Proofing

Worth £300, included with every install to protect your investment from pests.

No Subcontractors

Our in-house local team handles everything. No random vans turning up at your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission in Hampshire?

In most cases, no. Solar panels are considered "Permitted Development." Exceptions apply for listed buildings or conservation areas in towns like Wimborne or Fordingbridge. We handle these checks for you.

How long does installation take?

Most residential installations are completed within 1 to 2 days. Our in-house team handles the scaffolding, roofing, and electrical work efficiently. We aim to minimize disruption to your home.

Do solar panels work in the winter?

Yes. While days are shorter, panels still generate electricity from daylight. This is why we recommend battery storage—to store cheap overnight grid energy to use during winter days when solar generation is lower.

Can I charge my Electric Vehicle (EV) with solar?

Absolutely. We can install smart EV chargers (like Zappi) that divert your excess solar energy into your car. It’s the cheapest way to drive!

What happens if there is a power cut?

Standard solar systems turn off during a power cut for safety reasons. However, if you install a battery with "Gateway" functionality (like the Tesla Powerwall), you can keep your lights and essentials running off-grid.

Will solar panels damage my roof?

No. In fact, they often protect the tiles underneath from weathering. We conduct a full structural survey before installation to ensure your roof can support the weight.

Do I need to clean my solar panels?

In the UK, our frequent rain does a great job of keeping panels relatively clean. However, we recommend a professional clean every 2-3 years to ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency.

What happens if I move house?

Solar panels are a fixed asset that typically increases property value and improves your EPC rating, making your home more attractive to prospective buyers.

How long is the warranty?

We offer a market-leading 30-Year Workmanship Guarantee. We stand by our quality. Most panels also come with a 25-year performance warranty from the manufacturer.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

The SEG allows you to get paid for any excess electricity you export back to the grid. It turns your roof into a mini power plant.

Areas We Serve

We are proud to provide Solar Panel Installation in Dorset and Hampshire, as well as Wiltshire and surrounding areas. Our local teams operate across the South Coast:

What Homeowners Are Saying About Our Solar Installations

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