General
A solar installation is a straightforward process with minimal disruption to your home.
The main work takes place on the roof, where panels are securely mounted, and inside your home, where the inverter and optional battery storage are installed. Our expert team works efficiently to ensure a smooth process, keeping any disturbance to a minimum.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we handle everything from planning to installation with precision and care, ensuring your transition to solar is as seamless as possible.
Yes, your solar system can generate enough energy to power your home and charge your EV.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we design systems that maximise energy production, ensuring you can run household appliances while also having enough power for your electric vehicle.
Using solar to charge your EV is a smart way to increase your return on investment. Not only can you reduce your home energy bills, but you could also power your car with free, renewable energy.
For even greater flexibility, adding a battery storage system allows you to store excess solar energy during the day and charge your EV overnight—helping you make the most of every kilowatt your system generates.
High-quality solar panels are built to last. At Cobolt Blue Energy, we install like those from Meyer Burger panels, which come with a class-leading 25-year warranty, extendable to 30 years.
However, solar panels typically outlive their warranties, as they have no moving parts and require minimal maintenance.
With the right system in place, you can expect decades of reliable clean energy.
No, solar panels need daylight to be able produce energy from the sun.
No, solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to generate electricity.
Modern panels are highly efficient and can produce energy from daylight, even on cloudy or overcast days.
As long as there’s light, your system will continue to generate power. If you can see your panels, they’re working!
Yes, there are grants available for solar panels in the UK, though government support has reduced compared to previous years. Funding options vary based on eligibility, location, and the type of installation.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we stay up to date with the latest grant schemes and financial incentives, helping you maximise any available funding to make your transition to solar as cost-effective as possible.
While all solar panels generate clean energy, some are far more sustainable than others.
Factors like how and where they’re made, their efficiency, and the materials used all impact their overall environmental footprint.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we go beyond just providing solar panels, we ensure they align with a genuine sustainability agenda.
That’s why we’ve carefully chosen manufacturers committed to ethical sourcing, renewable-powered production, and long-lasting efficiency.
Solar panel efficiency measures how much sunlight is converted into usable electricity, usually expressed as a percentage. The higher the efficiency, the more power your system generates. Several factors influence this:
- Roof Orientation: A south-facing roof captures the most sunlight, maximising energy production.
- Panel Quality: Some panels are more efficient than others, with high-performance models reaching up to 23% efficiency and 700W power ratings.
- Photovoltaic Cell Type: Panels with higher-quality IBC cells offer superior energy conversion.
- Inverter Performance: A high-quality inverter improves energy conversion, ensuring you get the most from every ray of sunshine.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we help you select the most efficient system for your home, maximising energy output and long-term savings.
No, solar energy systems must be installed by qualified experts with the right accreditations.
Working at height comes with risks, and a professional installer ensures your system is not only safely fitted but also optimised for maximum energy production and storage.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we carefully select the best installation team for your project, ensuring every system meets the highest safety and performance standards.
The cost depends on how many panels you need, but it’s not just about price. Efficiency, durability, and warranty length all impact long-term value.
If your roof isn’t south-facing, you may need extra panels to maximise energy generation. Your system will also require an inverter and installation and adding a battery lets you store excess energy for even greater savings.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we provide a clear cost breakdown and ROI estimate, so you know exactly what to expect before making a decision.
Solar panels capture energy from the sun’s rays in the form of Direct Current (DC) electricity through an array of photovoltaic (PV) cells. This raw energy is then converted by an inverter into Alternate Current (AC) electricity, the type used to power your home.
Once converted, this clean energy is distributed through your electrical panel, allowing you to run any mains-powered device using renewable solar power.
Residential
Yes, solar batteries now make it possible to store excess energy for use when you need it, rather than relying on the grid.
Previously, solar power had to be used immediately, meaning high-powered appliances had to run during daylight hours. With a solar battery, you can store energy for later, reducing waste and increasing self-sufficiency.
This is especially valuable as selling energy back to the grid is now less profitable. Some solar batteries still allow you to sell surplus energy while ensuring you always have power when you need it.
Yes, but Cobolt Blue Energy takes care of the process for you. As expert project managers, we guide you through all legislation and compliance requirements, ensuring your system is properly registered. From initial consultation to final paperwork, we’re here to make the transition to solar seamless and stress-free.
Yes, installing solar panels can increase your home’s value.
A modern solar system provides long-term energy savings, making your property more attractive to buyers. Solar panels are now commonly highlighted in property listings and can improve your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, making your home more energy-efficient and desirable.
Absolutely. Solar panels don’t need direct sunlight.
They generate energy from daylight, meaning they work efficiently even in the UK’s climate. With rising energy costs and improved solar technology, installing solar panels remains a smart investment for both homes and businesses.
Yes, thanks to advances in solar panel efficiency and battery storage, a well-designed system can generate all the electricity your home needs. However, solar won’t replace appliances that run on gas, such as cookers, gas hobs, and boilers.
Switching to electric alternatives, like induction hobs and heat pumps, can help you move closer to full energy independence.
The number of solar panels you need depends on two key factors:
- Your Energy Usage – Larger homes with more occupants typically require more power, and if you have an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll need additional capacity to cover charging needs.
- Energy Storage – If you want to store excess energy for use at night or on cloudy days, your system will need to generate enough power to charge a battery as well.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we assess your specific energy requirements to design a system that’s perfectly sized for your home and lifestyle.
Commercial
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global objectives set by the United Nations in 2015 to help businesses and organisations work towards ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible practices.
Many SDGs focus on climate action, clean energy, and responsible consumption, making them highly relevant to businesses investing in renewable energy.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we can help you understand how aligning with SDGs can strengthen your corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Learn more about SDGs here.
In most cases, planning permission isn’t required for commercial solar installations, thanks to Permitted Development Rights, which support the installation of roof-mounted solar panels. However, there may be exceptions based on building type, location, or system size.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we manage the entire process, ensuring full compliance with regulations and handling any planning considerations on your behalf. If you have questions about legislation or permissions, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Beyond reducing energy costs, installing solar panels can enhance your business’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) score.
A strong ESG rating improves your marketability, strengthens customer trust, and makes your business more attractive to investors.
By increasing your use of renewable energy and cutting your carbon footprint, you demonstrate a commitment to sustainability that can set your business apart in a competitive market.
For commercial solar installations, efficiency and durability take priority over aesthetics.
Since appearance is less of a concern than with residential systems, businesses can focus on high-output panels that maximise energy production while being built for long-term reliability.
Choosing robust, high-efficiency panels ensures the best return on investment and long-term performance for commercial operations.
On average, commercial solar energy costs around 5p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to generate.
This can be up to three times cheaper than purchasing energy from suppliers, offering significant long-term savings for businesses looking to reduce operational costs and reliance on the grid.
Yes, grants are available to help offset the cost of commercial solar panels, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. Funding is often managed regionally, so the level of support may depend on your location.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we stay up to date with the latest grant schemes and incentives. Get in touch, and we’ll guide you through the options available to your business.
Your business’s carbon footprint depends on several factors, including energy consumption, fleet emissions and location. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy are key steps toward sustainability.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we provide expert consultancy to help you map out a sustainability strategy, with solar power at its core, delivering long-term savings while reducing your environmental impact.
The cost of solar panels depends on how many you need, which is influenced by the size of your home, energy usage, and available space. Larger homes with more devices typically require more panels to meet demand, while the amount of direct sunlight your property receives also plays a role.
Roof space is a key consideration, but if needed, ground-mounted panels can also be installed in your garden or outdoor areas, provided they are positioned safely for maximum efficiency.
At Cobolt Blue Energy, we assess your home’s unique requirements to design a system that delivers the best performance and value.
Technical
Round Trip Efficiency measures how effectively your solar system stores and delivers energy. It compares the amount of energy your system captures from the sun to the amount of usable energy that remains after storage and conversion.
A higher percentage means better efficiency, with anything above 80% considered a strong benchmark. The more efficient your system, the less energy is lost, ensuring you get the most out of your solar investment.
Solar batteries store excess energy generated by your solar panels, allowing you to use it when needed, whether at night, on cloudy days, dull days or during peak energy demand. They are especially beneficial in winter months and for EV owners, enabling greater energy independence.
There are two main types of solar batteries available in the UK: lead-acid and lithium-ion. Lithium-ion batteries are the newer technology, offering higher efficiency, longer lifespan, and better performance.
Battery capacity varies based on how much energy they can store, and prices are continually falling, making them an increasingly affordable and valuable addition to any solar system.
The mains components of a solar system are as follows:
Solar Panels themselves, also known as PV units
The visible part of the system that is used to harvest solar energy.
Inverter
The inverter converts DC energy into usable AC energy.
Power Optimiser
A power optimiser will help maximise the amount of energy your system is capable of producing.
Battery
Batteries are an optional extra in a solar system, but provide a solution to the storing of energy, thus maximising the flexibility of your system and your reliance on the national grid.
Software
Any system will include user interface software that enables your system to be controlled and managed via an app. Software will not only inform you of the amount of energy being harvested, but also of any faults that may occur in your system.