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All-black solar panels installed on a Yorkshire stone home
Solar FAQs

Clear answers for your solar journey.

Start with the question on your mind. We explain the practical choices around your roof, AIKO panels, Hanchu storage, installation and support without the jargon.

Survey-led designClear package guidanceFinal layout confirmed at survey

Six useful solar topics, in one place.

Choose a topic for the questions most likely to matter at your stage, then open only the answers you need.

Homeowner exploring the HEG solar quote tool on a laptop
Topic 1

Getting started with solar

A plain-English starting point for homeowners who are still working out whether solar is right for them.

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How do solar panels work?

Solar cells turn daylight into direct-current electricity. A solar inverter converts that electricity for use in your home, while any unused electricity can be stored in a compatible battery or exported to the grid.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes. Solar panels can generate from daylight, although output is usually lower than in strong direct sunshine. A good design considers annual generation rather than a single day’s weather.

Is solar right for my home?

Many homes can be suitable, but roof condition, usable area, orientation, shading, access and household electricity use all matter. Our online tool is a useful start; a survey confirms the final design.

How do I begin a solar quote with HEG?

You can use the online solar quote tool to explore your roof and indicative package choices, or speak to the HEG team. There is no obligation, and the final recommendation is confirmed through survey.

All-black solar panels installed on a Yorkshire stone home
Topic 2

Your roof, layout and planning

The questions that help explain why every HEG solar system is designed around the individual property.

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Does my roof need to face south?

A south-facing roof can be favourable, but east- and west-facing roofs may also be suitable. HEG considers the roof faces, shading, usable area and how you use electricity before suggesting a layout.

Can panels go on more than one roof face?

Sometimes. The online tool lets you explore suitable roof faces, and the final layout is confirmed through survey. HEG does not include north-facing roof faces in its initial domestic design.

What if my roof is shaded?

Nearby trees, chimneys and buildings can affect generation. We look at shading as part of the design process and explain how it changes the practical options for your property.

Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Many domestic installations can be permitted development, but restrictions can apply, for example for listed buildings, conservation areas or other local planning conditions. It is always sensible to check the position for your property.

Can solar panels be fitted to a flat roof?

Potentially, yes. Flat-roof designs need appropriate assessment of the roof construction, fixing or ballast method, layout, drainage and access. A survey is essential before a final recommendation is made.

AIKO all-black solar panel used in HEG home solar systems
Topic 3

AIKO solar panels explained

Understand the role of the all-black AIKO panels used in HEG home-solar proposals.

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Why does HEG use AIKO solar panels?

AIKO all-black panels are selected for their clean roofline and their role in a modern HEG solar system. The final equipment choice is always set out in your proposal and confirmed for your property.

How many AIKO panels will fit on my roof?

The number depends on usable roof area, roof features, safe edge margins, orientation, shading and the final survey. The online tool provides a useful initial estimate rather than a final layout.

Do AIKO panels come with a warranty?

The selected AIKO panels are supplied with their applicable manufacturer warranty and performance terms. Your proposal and handover documents confirm the exact product information for your installation.

Are all-black panels suitable for every roof?

They can provide a clean, modern appearance on many roofs, but the final design is based on the roof itself. We assess the layout, condition and practical installation requirements before confirming the system.

Hanchu ESS home battery for solar energy storage
Topic 4

Hanchu batteries, inverters and backup

A simple guide to the Hanchu ESS equipment that can form part of an HEG solar-and-storage system.

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What does a Hanchu hybrid inverter do?

The hybrid inverter manages solar generation and, where selected, works with the Hanchu battery. It is an important part of how your panels, home use, storage and monitoring work together.

Do I need a battery with solar panels?

No. Solar can work without a battery. A battery is an optional way to keep more generated electricity available for later use, and the right choice depends on your household use, budget and goals.

Which Hanchu battery size is right for me?

HEG’s quote tool offers 5.12kWh, 9.4kWh and 16kWh starting options. The practical choice depends on your electricity use, solar design, available installation space and what you want the system to do.

Can Hanchu equipment provide whole-home backup?

Whole-home backup is an optional feature that needs compatible equipment, a suitable design and appropriate battery capacity. We explain whether it can be considered as part of a survey-led proposal.

What Hanchu warranty applies?

Hanchu equipment selected through HEG is supplied with the applicable manufacturer terms. Hanchu ESS equipment is described with a 12-year manufacturer warranty in HEG product information; your proposal confirms the cover for the selected system.

HEG solar installation paperwork with MCS compliance and insurance-backed guarantee documents
Topic 5

Survey, installation and paperwork

Know what happens before, during and after installation, including the documents you should receive.

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Why is a survey needed after the online quote?

A survey checks the roof, access, electrical arrangements, scaffolding needs, panel layout and product locations. It is how the online starting point becomes a design that is suitable for the actual property.

How long does a solar installation take?

The programme depends on the agreed system and property. HEG explains the expected sequence for scaffolding, installation, electrical work, testing and handover before work begins.

What is MCS paperwork?

MCS documentation records the installed system and is an important part of the handover. Your HEG handover pack brings the relevant installation and product documents together.

Will I need a DNO notification or application?

Grid-notification or application requirements depend on the system design and export arrangement. HEG explains the relevant process for your proposal; any third-party or DNO requirements are confirmed before installation.

What protection is included with an HEG installation?

HEG includes a five-year insurance-backed guarantee alongside the relevant installation documentation. The terms, cover and any product-specific manufacturer warranties are set out in your paperwork.

Hanchu AI SMART 360 monitoring platform showing a connected solar home
Topic 6

Monitoring, maintenance and support

Helpful answers for living with your solar system after it has been installed and handed over.

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What can I see in the monitoring app?

The Hanchu app and online monitoring help you view relevant solar generation, battery and system information. HEG also provides a customer portal for your key handover documents.

Do solar panels need regular maintenance?

Solar systems have no moving parts, but you should follow the handover guidance, keep an eye on system monitoring and address obvious shading or debris where appropriate. HEG offers support and maintenance options if you need help.

Do solar panels work in winter?

They can generate throughout the year when there is daylight, although generation changes with the season and weather. Your system design and monitoring help you understand the pattern for your own home.

What should I do if I think there is a problem?

Start by checking the monitoring information and your handover guidance. If you need technical help, use the HEG support resources or submit a report through the Report an Issue page so the team has the right details.

Hanchu AI SMART 360 home energy monitoring illustration

See the whole system in context.

Your solar system is more than panels on a roof. Monitoring brings the panels, Hanchu inverter, battery option and home use together, while your HEG handover pack keeps the important documents within reach.

Practical, survey-led advice

Ready to see what could work on your roof?

Our online tool gives you an indicative starting point; the HEG survey confirms the real-world layout, equipment and final proposal.

Hanchu ESS video library

See the Hanchu ESS features in action

Short product overviews to help you understand compatible solar and battery features before you request a tailored HEG proposal.

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Video preview: Hanchu ESS battery safety features

Battery safety overview

Hanchu ESS battery safety features

See the safety features presented for a Hanchu ESS home battery, including BMS monitoring, fire-safety detection and the internal protection measures shown in this overview.

Video preview: Weather Optimise in the Hanchu ESS app

Smarter charging settings

Weather Optimise in the Hanchu ESS app

See how compatible systems can use a chosen charge window and weather-condition-specific state-of-charge targets. Settings and outcomes depend on the system, tariff and weather forecast.

Video preview: Hanchu ESS Shadow Scan

Solar generation feature

Hanchu ESS Shadow Scan

Watch how Hanchu ESS shadow management scans the PV voltage range to help identify the best available operating point when partial shading creates multiple power points.

Works with Octopus compatibility mark for Hanchu ESS equipment
Works with Octopus

A Hanchu hybrid solar-and-storage design can be planned around compatible Octopus time-of-use tariffs. Octopus confirms current tariff availability and enrolment.

See Octopus tariff guidance
Ongoing care is optional

Explore planned HEG Care memberships for eligible solar systems. Membership is separate from your installation price, warranty and any repair work.

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