Frequently Asked Questions

Clear Answers to Your Home Energy Questions

Welcome to our comprehensive home energy FAQ. Everything you need to know about upgrading your property with solar power, smart batteries, heat pumps, air conditioning, and EV chargers. Clear, jargon-free advice to help you make informed decisions across London, Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, and Kent.

General Questions

What services does Pure Grid Energy provide?

Pure Grid Energy specialises in the design, supply, and installation of home solar panels, battery storage systems, heat pumps, air conditioning, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. We provide tailored energy solutions to help homeowners reduce their energy bills and improve energy efficiency.

Which areas do you cover?

We serve homeowners across our coverage area. Contact us to check whether we install in your location.

Do you offer free quotations?

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation consultations and quotations. We’ll assess your property, discuss your energy needs, and recommend the most suitable solution for your home.

How do I get started?

Simply get in touch to arrange your free consultation. We’ll discuss your requirements, survey your property if needed, and provide a tailored recommendation with a no-obligation quotation.

Solar PV & Battery Storage Solutions

Is solar energy a good solution for the UK?

Yes. Despite the UK climate, solar panels remain an effective way to reduce electricity costs and increase energy independence. Modern systems generate power year-round, including on cloudy days and during winter, although output is higher in brighter months. With energy prices remaining elevated, many homeowners and businesses are using solar to reduce reliance on the grid. Adding battery storage can further increase savings by allowing more self-generated energy to be used when needed, providing greater control over future energy costs.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight rather than direct sunlight, so they continue to produce energy even on cloudy days, although output will be lower than during bright sunshine.

How much could I save with solar panels?

Savings depend on factors such as your property’s location, roof size, energy usage, and the size of your solar system. Most homeowners can significantly reduce their electricity bills by generating their own renewable energy.

How long do solar panels last?

Most high-quality solar panels have a lifespan of 25–30 years or more, with many continuing to generate electricity beyond this period.

Do I need battery storage?

Battery storage isn’t essential, but it allows you to store excess electricity generated during the day for use in the evening or during power outages (where compatible), helping you maximise your solar investment.

Is battery storage worth the additional cost?

For many households, battery storage is a valuable addition to solar systems. Instead of exporting excess daytime energy, a battery stores it for use when solar generation is lower or electricity prices are higher. This can increase savings, improve energy independence, and provide backup power when combined with a suitable hybrid system. Battery storage is also ideal for homeowners planning future additions such as EV chargers, heat pumps, or other high-energy appliances.

Can I make money from excess electricity?

Yes. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), homeowners and businesses can earn payments for surplus electricity exported to the grid. Rates vary by energy supplier and tariff. While export payments provide an added benefit, the greatest savings usually come from using more of your own generated energy. Pure Grid Energy can support you with SEG registration and ensure your system meets export requirements.

Heating & Cooling Solutions

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a highly efficient heating system that extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it into your home, providing heating and hot water while using significantly less electricity than traditional electric heating.

Can a heat pump replace my gas boiler?

In many homes, yes. Whether a heat pump is suitable depends on your property’s insulation, heating system, and heat demand. We’ll carry out a full assessment before making any recommendations.

Are heat pumps expensive to run?

Heat pumps are designed to be highly energy efficient and can be much cheaper to operate than older heating systems, particularly in well-insulated homes.

Do heat pumps work in winter?

Yes. Modern air source heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently even in low outdoor temperatures.

Can air conditioning also heat my home?

Yes. Modern air conditioning systems are heat pumps, meaning they can provide both cooling in summer and efficient heating during colder months.

Is air conditioning energy efficient?

Modern inverter air conditioning systems are extremely energy efficient and can provide economical heating and cooling throughout the year.

Is air conditioning noisy?

No. Today’s systems are designed to operate very quietly, with indoor units producing minimal noise during normal operation.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers

Can I charge any electric vehicle at home?

Yes. Most home EV chargers are compatible with all major electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle manufacturers.

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Charging times vary depending on your vehicle, battery size, and charger output. A typical 7kW home charger can fully charge many EVs overnight.

Can I schedule charging overnight?

Yes. Most smart EV chargers allow you to schedule charging during off-peak electricity tariffs, helping reduce charging costs.

Will an EV charger increase my electricity bill?

Charging an EV will increase your electricity usage, but charging at home is usually much cheaper than using public charging stations. Pairing your EV charger with solar panels can reduce charging costs even further.

Installation Process & Planning Regulations

Are your installers fully qualified?

Absolutely. Our installations are carried out by trained, experienced professionals who follow the latest industry standards and regulations, ensuring every installation is completed safely and to a high standard.

What is included in a free solar survey and quotation?

A free solar survey assesses your property, roof condition, energy usage, available installation space, and potential energy generation. You’ll then receive a detailed quotation with a recommended system design, estimated performance, savings, installation costs, warranties, and payment options. The survey also gives you the opportunity to discuss battery storage, EV charging, backup power, and Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) options, helping you make an informed decision.

What happens during a solar installation?

Every project starts with a free site survey to assess your property, roof condition, energy usage, and installation requirements. We then design your system and submit the required application to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), which is often the longest stage of the process. Once approved, we schedule the installation.

Installation begins with scaffolding for safe roof access, followed by fitting the solar panels, cabling, inverter, and any battery storage. Once installed, the system is fully tested and commissioned. We then complete a full site clean-up and remove any installation materials, either the same day or shortly afterwards.

Most residential solar installations are completed within a few days, with minimal disruption to your home.

How long does installation take?

Installation times vary depending on the system. Many EV chargers and air conditioning units can be installed within a day, while larger solar or heat pump projects may take several days.

Will solar panels damage my roof?

When installed correctly by experienced professionals, solar panels should not damage your roof. In many cases, they can actually help protect the roof beneath them from weather exposure.

Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?

In most cases, solar panels can be installed on residential properties in England under Permitted Development Rights, so planning permission is not required. However, listed buildings, properties in conservation areas, and installations requiring significant structural changes may need additional approvals. Commercial properties and larger projects may also require further assessments. During your initial survey, we’ll assess your property and advise on any permissions or approvals needed before installation.

Will I need planning permission for a heat pump?

Most domestic heat pump installations fall under permitted development rights, although there are some exceptions. We’ll advise you if any permissions are required.

System Monitoring, Maintenance & Warranties

How can I tell if my solar system is working correctly?

The easiest way to monitor your system is with the manufacturer app, which provides real-time data on solar generation, battery charging and discharging, household energy use, and electricity imported from or exported to the grid. Monitoring helps identify performance issues quickly, as unexpected changes or reduced generation may indicate a fault. Regular use of the app helps ensure your system continues to perform efficiently and maximise your return on investment.

Can faults be diagnosed remotely?

Yes. Our monitoring platform allows our technical team to remotely diagnose many inverter and battery issues, including system alerts, communication faults, performance concerns, and configuration problems. Many issues can be resolved remotely, reducing downtime and avoiding unnecessary site visits. If a physical inspection is needed, such as for solar panels, roof-mounted equipment, or external cabling, we’ll arrange a site visit.

Do solar panels require regular maintenance?

Solar panels require minimal maintenance and are designed to provide reliable performance for many years. Rainfall typically keeps panels clean, but occasional inspections may be beneficial, especially for properties near trees, construction areas, or high levels of airborne debris. System monitoring can help identify potential issues early, ensuring maximum energy production and long-term efficiency.

Do batteries and inverters require maintenance?

How often should my air conditioning be serviced?

We recommend having your system professionally serviced once a year to maintain efficiency, reliability, and manufacturer warranty requirements.

Are maintenance visits included in the warranty?

Our equipment is built for long-term reliability and is supported by comprehensive warranties, including up to 25 years for solar panels, 10 years for batteries, and 5+5 years for inverters. If a covered fault occurs, we will provide the necessary support in line with the warranty terms. Many issues can be diagnosed remotely before arranging a site visit, helping minimise disruption and keep your system operating safely and efficiently.

Do your products come with warranties?

Yes. The products we install are supplied with manufacturer warranties, and we also stand behind the quality of our installation work.

Do you provide aftercare and support?

Yes. We continue to support our customers after installation with servicing, maintenance advice, and ongoing technical support.