Sustainable Energy
Sustainable Energy | Solar Installation | Electrical | Lancing
Nestled between the South Downs and the sea, HEP brings decades of electrical expertise to every solar installation we complete in Lancing. Our qualified engineers design systems that capture the Sussex sunshine from dawn to dusk, tailoring panel placement, inverter selection, and battery storage to the unique character of your roof or business premises. From the first survey to the final kilowatt-hour exported back to the grid, we handle everything in-house, guaranteeing transparent timelines, tidy workmanship, and paperwork that makes securing grants or SEG tariffs effortless.
Choosing HEP means more than lower bills; it’s an investment in cleaner air for Shoreham Beach, quieter streets around Worthing, and a resilient local grid that benefits the whole community. Whether you’re retrofitting a Victorian terrace or powering a cutting-edge workshop on Lancing Business Park, our friendly team makes the switch to solar smooth, future-proof, and surprisingly affordable. Ready to turn sunlight into savings? Let’s harness the horizon together.
FAQs
Why is Lancing a good location for installing solar panels?
Despite the UK’s temperate climate, West Sussex receives an average of 1,500–1,600 sun-hours a year—enough to make solar photovoltaic (PV) systems highly effective. Lancing’s relatively low shading from high-rise buildings, combined with the area’s south-coast orientation, allows most roofs to capture ample daylight. Modern panels convert not only direct sunlight but also diffused daylight, so even overcast days contribute to energy production. Local grid infrastructure is also well developed, making export of surplus electricity straightforward.
How much does a typical residential solar installation cost in Lancing?
For a three-bedroom home, a 4 kW–4.5 kW system (10–12 panels) is the most common size. Installed prices in 2024 range from £5,500 to £7,500, depending on panel brand, roof type, and whether battery storage is added. A 5 kWh lithium battery adds approximately £3,000–£3,500. We provide a free roof survey and a fixed quotation so you know the exact cost before committing.
What incentives, grants, or financing options are available locally?
Domestic solar is VAT-free until at least 2027, saving 20 % instantly. You can also earn payments through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) by selling surplus power back to suppliers; rates are currently 4–15 p/kWh. West Sussex County Council doesn’t offer direct grants, but interest-free ‘Green Deal’ style loans are available through selected lenders, and some energy suppliers offer solar/battery bundles with low-rate finance. We guide you through all paperwork, including DNO (Distribution Network Operator) applications.
How long does installation take and will it disrupt my home life?
A standard domestic system is usually completed in 1–2 days. Scaffolding goes up the day before and is removed within 48 hours after commissioning. Electricity is switched off for roughly 30–60 minutes while we connect the inverter to your consumer unit. All work is carried out from the roof or loft, so interior disruption is minimal. We adhere to MCS and NICEIC standards and provide a handover pack with all certificates on the same day.
What maintenance do solar panels require on the south coast?
Solar PV is largely maintenance-free: panels have no moving parts and come with 20- to 25-year performance warranties. Rainfall in coastal West Sussex usually keeps modules clean, but we recommend a visual inspection every 12 months and a pro clean every 2–3 years if you notice bird droppings or salt spray build-up. The inverter, which typically lasts 10–12 years, should be kept in a well-ventilated loft or garage; we offer a low-cost monitoring service that alerts you to any performance drop.
How much energy will I generate and how quickly will the system pay for itself?
A 4 kW array in Lancing typically produces 4,000 kWh a year. If you self-consume 60 % of that power and export the rest at 10 p/kWh, you can save about £650–£750 annually at current tariff rates. With installation costs around £6,500, that equates to a simple payback of 8–10 years. Adding a battery can push self-consumption to 85–90 %, shortening payback to 6–8 years. After that, the electricity you generate is effectively free for the remaining 15 + years of the panels’ life, protecting you from future price rises.