Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy | Solar Installation | Electrical | Bristol
Imagine harnessing the power of the South-West sun to lower your bills, cut carbon, and future-proof your property—all handled by Bristol’s trusted electricians. HEP’s team designs, supplies, and fits high-performance panels and smart inverters that slot seamlessly onto homes, offices, and commercial sites. From the first roof survey to the final switch-on, we keep everything in-house, so you enjoy honest advice, tidy workmanship, and a clear timeline with no surprises.
Whether you want to achieve net-zero, beat rising energy costs, or add value to your building, our solar installation experts tailor every system to your roof angle, energy goals, and budget. Join the growing community of Bristol residents who are already generating their own clean power—and let HEP turn sunshine into savings for decades to come.
FAQs
Is Bristol sunny enough for solar panels and how much electricity could I generate?
Yes. The South-West is one of the UK’s best regions for solar, averaging 950–1,050 kWh of electricity per installed kilowatt (kWp) each year. A typical 4 kWp domestic array on an unshaded south-facing roof in Bristol will therefore generate roughly 3,800–4,200 kWh annually—often covering 60-80 % of a household’s daytime demand and cutting CO₂ emissions by around 1 tonne a year.
What incentives, grants or tariffs are currently available for solar installations in Bristol?
While the Feed-in Tariff closed in 2019, households can still earn from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). All major electricity suppliers must pay you for every surplus kWh you export to the grid; current rates in 2024 range from 4p to 20p per kWh depending on supplier. In addition, VAT on domestic solar and battery installations is zero-rated until March 2027, saving 20 % on upfront costs. Bristol City Council also runs occasional Green Homes Grants for low-income households—ask us for the latest local funding options.
How long does a typical solar installation take and will it disrupt my home?
A standard domestic system (10–12 panels plus inverter) is usually installed in 1–2 days. Scaffolding goes up the day before and is removed within a week. Electrical work is confined to the loft, garage or utility area; we’ll need your power off for about 30 minutes while we connect the inverter to your consumer unit. All work is carried out by our MCS-certified and NICEIC-approved electricians, and we handle Building Control notifications, DNO approval and the final MCS certificate so you can claim SEG payments immediately.
What maintenance do solar panels require and how long do they last?
Solar PV systems are largely maintenance-free because they have no moving parts. In Bristol’s climate, rainfall keeps panels clear of dust, but we recommend a visual inspection and performance check every 2–3 years and a professional clean if output drops noticeably. Manufacturers’ warranties guarantee panels will still produce at least 80–85 % of their original power after 25 years, and many arrays continue working for 30 years or more. Inverters typically last 10–15 years; we fit models with extended warranties and remote monitoring so you can track their health.
Will my panels work on cloudy days and should I add battery storage?
Solar PV generates electricity from daylight, not heat, so it still works under cloud—just at reduced output (10–40 % of peak). Because household demand often peaks in the evening, many Bristol customers now pair panels with lithium-ion batteries. A 5 kWh battery lets you store excess daytime generation for evening use, raising on-site consumption of solar power from ~40 % to 70 % and improving payback. Batteries also enable time-of-use tariffs: you can top up overnight at cheap rates and use or export during the day.
What does a solar installation cost in Bristol and how soon will it pay for itself?
Prices have fallen by more than 60 % in the past decade. In 2024, a typical 4 kWp system (≈10 panels) costs £5,000-£6,000 installed, or £8,500-£9,500 with a 5 kWh battery—VAT-free. Based on current electricity prices (~30p / kWh) and modest SEG payments, annual savings are £600-£800 without a battery and £900-£1,100 with one, yielding a simple payback of 6-10 years. With panels guaranteed for 25 years, that leaves 15-20 years of low-cost, low-carbon electricity and attractive returns even if energy prices fall.