Green Home Energy Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Solar Panels
Do solar panels require any maintenance?
Yes, but solar panels require minimal maintenance to keep them working efficiently. Domestically, MCS recommends a PV service every 10 years to ensure your system is operating at its best. For rented properties, public buildings and commercial properties the recommendation servicing is more regular, contact us for more information. This service includes checking the inverter, wiring, and overall system performance.
Additionally, if you live where dirt, dust, bird droppings, or debris build up on your panels, we suggest having them cleaned as needed. Dirty panels can reduce efficiency, so occasional cleaning helps maintain maximum energy generation. MCS also recommend checking the wiring on the panels after 15 years. We offer both PV servicing and panel cleaning to keep your system in top condition and performing optimally.
What can I do with my excess energy?
If your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, you have a few options for that excess energy. One common solution is to store it in a battery storage system, allowing you to use the power later when the sun isn’t shining. Alternatively, you can export the surplus electricity back to the grid.
Many utility companies offer payments for this through Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs, with rates averaging around 15p per kilowatt-hour. This means you can earn money by feeding your excess energy into the grid, helping to offset your electricity costs. It’s worth checking with your energy provider to see what rates and terms they offer; you could get a better rate by swapping providers.
What tariff should I be on?
When considering solar panel installations in the UK, selecting the right energy tariff can enhance your financial benefits. For exporting surplus energy, E.ON Next offers the ‘Next Export Exclusive’ tariff, providing 16.5p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity fed back into the grid. Similarly, ScottishPower’s ‘SmartGen’ tariff offers 12p per kWh for exported energy.
Regarding import tariffs, Tomato Energy’s ‘Lifestyle’ tariff features a 12-month fixed rate with a daily standing charge of 40.82p and an overnight rate of 5p per kWh between midnight and 6 am, ideal for charging batteries during off-peak hours. While Octopus Energy’s ‘Intelligent Octopus Flux’ tariff offers up to 30.31p per kWh for exported energy, it requires specific equipment compatibility. Evaluating these tariffs based on energy consumption and export patterns can help maximize your savings. Information taken as of February 2025.
Battery Storage
What battery storage solutions do we offer?
We offer different types of battery storage systems: Tesla Powerwall 3, Fox, and Duracell batteries, to name a few, each with their own features and benefits.
Tesla Powerwall 3 – A high-capacity, all-in-one battery with an integrated inverter, making installation simpler. It offers seamless backup power and integrates well with solar and home energy management systems. This battery is scalable to meet most domestic & commercial needs.
Fox Battery – A modular and scalable battery system, meaning you can start with a smaller capacity and expand if needed. It’s a flexible option suitable for various energy storage needs.
Duracell – A strong brand name for those looking at cost-effective storage solutions. Each battery has unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your energy needs and budget.
Where can I put my battery?
Your battery storage unit can be installed in several locations, but we generally recommend placing it outside, as most batteries are weatherproof and it’s the safest option. A garage or outbuilding is also a great choice, providing shelter while keeping the unit out of your main living space. They must always be placed on the ground floor. They are too heavy for lofts or upper floors, so it’s important to choose a stable, accessible location.
Can I solely charge the battery of my solar panels?
No, as well as charging your battery from solar panels, you can also charge it from the grid, which can be especially beneficial if you have a time-of-use tariff. This allows you to charge your battery during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower and then use that stored energy when rates are higher, helping you save on your energy bills. It’s a great way to maximize your savings and make the most of your battery system. Some tariffs & batteries will allow you to export back to the grid at a greater price than you bought the energy for.
Wood Pellets
Where do your pellets come from?
The place or origin can change, but it is mostly from Europe and occasionally the UK. For every blown delivery, we pay to have a tree planted in the Forest of Marsden. We are on the Biomass Suppliers list, so if you claim the RHI, you can use the BSL number on your invoice.
What’s the smallest amount you deliver?
We can deliver 1 tonne of blown pellets if required. Or up to about 18.5 tonnes in one delivery. Many companies won’t deliver fewer than 3 tonnes, but we know many homes have smaller fuel stores than 3 tonnes, so we don’t like to leave anyone stranded. We also have different-sized lorries to suit most properties. Our smallest lorry holds just under 8 tonnes, and we haven’t found anywhere we can’t deliver to yet based on access.
Do you clean fuel stores?
Yes, we have a lorry specifically designed for this purpose. It will suck out any residue in the fuel store into one of the lorry compartments, and then immediately afterwards we can fill up from other compartments with new fresh pellets so that you have no downtime. Then we take away and dispose of what we have extracted. We prefer to do this job in the summer months. We recommend you have your fuel store cleaned regularly to ensure your boiler is always as efficient as it can be.
Do you sell pellets in bags?
We sell bagged pellets in our local area, so it depends on your postcode. We deliver in a small van and unload and stack in your fuel store to save you from doing this yourself from a pallet left at the end of your drive. We deliver either 32 x 15kg bags which is almost half a tonne, or 65 x 15kg bags which is almost a tonne. if you keep hold of the plastic bags, we will also take them away and recycle them for you.
What do you mean by Antidust?
Our pellets have 10 times less dust than the industry standard. We begin with the top-quality pellet - ENA1plus standard. Then we bring it back to our facility where we put the pellets through our systems to extract the dust, which we then dispose of, so it doesn’t go into your fuel store and through your boiler. This is why engineers recommend us.
Speak To The Team
Take the first step towards a sustainable future today! Enquire now to find out which tailored renewable technology solutions are right for you or check out our informative pages on our services we provide to find out more.
