Industry Experience
Industry Experience | Solar Installation | Electrical | Winchester
From bustling business parks to heritage rooftops, HEP brings over 30 years of electrical expertise to every solar installation in Winchester. Our engineers handle everything—from meticulous site surveys and planning consent to the final flick of the switch—so your organisation can start harvesting clean energy without the headaches. Each project is tailored for maximum output and minimal disruption, ensuring your panels work seamlessly with existing infrastructure and the historic character of our city.
What sets us apart is a deep commitment to long-term performance. We offer real-time monitoring, proactive maintenance plans, and future-proof upgrades like battery storage and EV-charger integration, all delivered by the same trusted team that designed your system. When you choose HEP, you gain a partner focused on lowering your operating costs and your carbon footprint in one decisive step toward a greener Winchester.
FAQs
What qualifications and certifications do your Winchester-based solar electricians hold?
All of our solar installation engineers are NICEIC-approved electricians and MCS-certified solar installers. This means we meet strict national standards for electrical safety and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme requirements for renewable technologies. In addition, our team holds City & Guilds qualifications in solar PV design and installation and undergoes regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to stay current with the latest regulations and technologies.
How long does a typical residential solar installation take in Winchester?
For an average 10–12 panel residential array, the entire process—scaffolding, panel mounting, electrical connection, and system commissioning—usually takes 1–2 days on site. Prior to that, we handle system design, DNO (Distribution Network Operator) approval, and equipment ordering, which can add 2–3 weeks. Larger or more complex roofs may extend the on-site work to 3 days. We schedule all work to minimize disruption and will provide an exact timeline after the initial survey.
Do I need planning permission to install solar panels on my property in Winchester?
In most cases, rooftop solar panels fall under ‘permitted development rights’ and do not require planning permission within Winchester or the wider Hampshire area, provided they do not protrude more than 200 mm from the roof plane and are not installed on a listed building or in certain conservation areas. If your property is listed or located in a protected zone such as the Winchester Conservation Area or South Downs National Park, we will guide you through the application process and supply all technical drawings needed for the local planning authority.
What financial benefits can I expect from installing solar PV in Winchester?
Typical households in Winchester save £500–£900 per year on electricity bills, depending on array size and usage patterns. With the current Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can also earn 5–15 p per kWh for surplus electricity exported back to the grid. Combined with the VAT-free incentive on domestic solar (0 % VAT until 2027) and rising energy prices, most customers achieve payback in 6–9 years and enjoy 20+ years of largely free electricity thereafter.
How do you ensure system performance given Winchester’s weather conditions?
Although Winchester receives fewer peak-sun hours than southern Europe, modern high-efficiency panels and optimised system design maximise output even on overcast days. We use PV*SOL and SAP software to model shading, orientation, and historical Met Office irradiation data specific to Winchester. Panels are installed at an optimal 30–40° tilt, and we offer micro-inverters or power optimisers for shaded roofs. Annual performance ratios typically range from 80–85 %, yielding 850–950 kWh per installed kilowatt each year.
What warranties and after-sales support do you provide?
All panels come with a 25-year performance warranty (80–88 % rated output at year 25) and a 12–15-year product warranty, while inverters carry 10-year extendable cover. Our workmanship is guaranteed for 5 years, underwritten by an insurance-backed guarantee for complete peace of mind. We offer annual or bi-annual maintenance packages that include system health checks, remote monitoring, panel cleaning advice, and rapid response call-outs for any fault detected.