Your Solar Questions, Answered By Capital Solar
Planning a solar installation can raise plenty of questions. We have brought together clear answers to some of the things homeowners, businesses, developers and existing solar customers most often want to know about our services, installations and ongoing support.
Solar Panels And Our Services
What Solar Services Do You Offer?
We provide a range of renewable energy services, including domestic solar panel installations, commercial solar, off-grid solar systems, battery storage, EV charging, solar maintenance and solar panel bird proofing. We also work with developers and new-build projects requiring tailored renewable energy solutions.
You can explore our complete range of options on our solar services page.
Do You Install Solar Panels For Homes?
Yes. Domestic solar is one of our core services. We design solar PV systems around the property, household energy requirements and the customer’s longer-term plans rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Learn more about our domestic solar installations.
Do You Install Solar Panels For Businesses?
Yes. We provide commercial solar solutions for businesses and commercial properties looking to generate more of their own electricity and reduce reliance on grid-supplied energy.
Our commercial solar service explains the options in more detail.
Do You Work With Developers And New-Build Projects?
Yes. We work with developers, builders, self-build customers and residential projects that want to integrate solar and renewable energy systems during the construction process.
Planning solar during the build can also make it easier to consider battery storage, future EV charging requirements and other energy infrastructure from the outset.
Do You Provide Off-Grid Solar Systems?
Yes. We provide off-grid solar solutions for properties and locations where connection to the National Grid is unavailable or unsuitable.
The right system depends on expected electricity demand, available generation and storage requirements, so the design needs to be assessed individually.
Can You Install EV Charging Alongside Solar Panels?
Yes. EV charging is one of the services offered by Capital Solar, and it can be considered alongside solar generation and battery storage when planning a wider home energy system.
The most appropriate setup will depend on your property, vehicle charging requirements and existing electrical installation.
Solar Suitability And Performance
Are Solar Panels Suitable For Every Home?
No. Solar suitability varies from property to property. Factors such as roof space, orientation, shading, structural considerations and household electricity use can all affect the system that makes sense for you.
We assess the property and your energy requirements before recommending an appropriate solution.
Do Solar Panels Work On Cloudy Days?
Yes. Solar panels can still generate electricity in cloudy and overcast conditions, although output is generally lower than it would be during stronger sunlight.
Solar PV systems are designed to generate across changing UK weather conditions rather than relying solely on direct sunshine.
Can Solar Panels Reduce My Electricity Bills?
Yes. Generating your own electricity can reduce the amount of energy you need to purchase from the grid.
The actual saving varies significantly according to your system size, electricity consumption, when you use electricity, solar generation and whether battery storage is installed. We would not recommend relying on a generic savings figure for your property.
How Much Electricity Will My Solar Panels Generate?
There is no single figure that applies to every property. Generation depends on factors including the size and specification of the system, roof orientation, shading and local conditions.
We assess these factors when recommending a solar setup so you can understand the expected performance before making a decision.
Can I Add Battery Storage To My Solar Panels?
Yes. Battery storage can be installed alongside a new solar PV system, and many existing installations can also be upgraded with a compatible battery solution.
A battery allows surplus electricity to be stored for later use rather than requiring all generated electricity to be used immediately. Visit our battery storage page for more information.
Can I Have Battery Storage Without Solar Panels?
Yes. Battery storage can be used independently of solar panels in some situations, including systems designed to charge from the grid.
Whether this is worthwhile for your property depends on your electricity usage, tariff and wider energy goals, so we recommend assessing the individual case first.
Quotes, Assessments And Installation
How Do I Get A Solar Quote From Capital Solar?
Start by getting in touch with us and providing some information about your property and energy requirements. We can then assess your requirements and recommend an appropriate solution before preparing a tailored quotation.
You can contact Capital Solar here to get started.
Do You Offer Free Solar Quotes?
Yes. Capital Solar currently offers free, no-obligation consultations and quotations for customers considering a solar installation.
Because systems are designed around individual properties and requirements, we recommend obtaining a tailored quote rather than comparing installations using headline prices alone.
How Much Does A Solar Panel Installation Cost?
Solar installation costs vary according to the size and specification of the system, property requirements, battery storage choices and the work involved.
We do not have a verified fixed price that applies to every project. Contact us for a quotation based on your property and requirements.
How Long Does A Domestic Solar Installation Take?
Most domestic installations are stated on our website as taking around one to three days, depending on the size and complexity of the system and conditions at the property.
Any timescale provided before installation remains project-specific, so we will confirm the expected schedule for your particular system.
How Soon Can You Install My Solar Panels?
Our installation schedule varies according to current demand and the requirements of each project.
Please contact our team for current availability rather than relying on historic lead times.
Areas And Availability
Which Areas Do You Cover?
We are based in Abingdon and serve customers throughout Oxford and the wider Oxfordshire area.
Our published service areas include Abingdon, Oxford, Didcot, Wantage, Wallingford, Henley and a number of surrounding Oxfordshire towns and villages. If your location is not listed, contact us and we can confirm whether we can help.
Do You Only Install Solar Panels In Abingdon?
No. Although we are based in Abingdon, we work across Oxford and wider Oxfordshire.
The exact areas we can cover may depend on the project, so please get in touch if you are unsure whether your property falls within our service area.
What Are Your Opening Hours?
Our published opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm. We are currently listed as closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
You can still use our contact page to send an enquiry when the office is closed.
Experience, Accreditation And Aftercare
Are You An MCS-Certified Solar Installer?
Yes. Capital Solar states that it is a fully MCS-certified installer.
MCS certification is an important consideration when choosing a renewable energy installer because it demonstrates that the business works within recognised standards for certified small-scale renewable energy installations.
How Much Experience Does Capital Solar Have?
Capital Solar is owner-led by Dan Reed, who has more than 18 years of experience in the electrical industry.
The business originally operated as an electrical company before developing its specialist focus on solar and renewable energy systems.
Are You A Gary Does Solar Approved Installer?
Yes. Capital Solar is listed as a Gary Does Solar Approved Installer.
We combine this independent recognition with an owner-led approach focused on technical advice, installation quality and long-term customer support.
Do You Provide Support After My Solar Installation?
Yes. Ongoing support is an important part of our approach, and Capital Solar has created the Capital Club to provide customers with a clearer route to aftercare, renewable energy advice and future upgrade planning.
This can include guidance around system performance, battery storage, changing energy requirements and potential future improvements.
What Is The Capital Club?
The Capital Club is Capital Solar’s aftercare and loyalty offering for customers who want continued support after their renewable energy installation.
It is designed to provide ongoing advice, help customers consider future battery or system upgrades and create a longer-term relationship with the team rather than treating installation as the end of the process.
You can read more about the Capital Club solar aftercare programme.
Can You Add A Battery To My System Later?
Yes. Many solar installations can be planned or upgraded to incorporate battery storage later.
The right approach depends on your existing system, energy use and equipment compatibility. If you are already a Capital Solar customer, our Capital Club can also provide guidance when you are considering future battery upgrades.
What Happens If I Need To Cancel Or Reschedule An Appointment?
Please contact us directly as soon as possible if you need to change an arranged appointment.
Can’t Find The Answer You Need?
Every property, energy requirement and renewable energy project is different, so some questions are best answered after we understand exactly what you need.
Whether you are considering solar panels for your home, exploring battery storage, planning a commercial or new-build project, or simply want straightforward advice about your options, speak to the Capital Solar team. We can discuss your requirements and help you understand the most appropriate next step.
Email Us At Dan@capitalsolar.co.uk
Call Us On 07931 957447