Your home 
energy questions answered 

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not only direct sunshine. The amount generated will vary throughout the year, but a properly designed system can still produce valuable clean electricity in Northern Ireland.

Many homes are suitable, including properties with east- or west-facing roofs. Roof space, condition, orientation and shading affect the design, as does your electricity use. We will assess your property before recommending a system.

Potential savings depend on your electricity use, system size, generation and how much of the electricity you use within your home. Battery storage and EV charging can also affect how much generated energy is used onsite.

Solar panels can be installed without a battery. However, storage may help you use more of your generated electricity at times when the panels are producing less. We will assess whether a battery is appropriate for your household.

In many cases, yes. The existing system and proposed battery will need to be assessed for compatibility before a recommendation can be made.

Yes. A suitable home energy system can allow some of the electricity generated by your solar panels to support EV charging. Actual availability will depend on generation and wider household demand.

A standard residential solar installation typically takes 1-2 days on site once work begins. Battery storage, EV charging, roof complexity or additional electrical work may extend this. On-site installation time is separate from the overall lead time for survey, design, scheduling and any approvals. We will confirm the expected timetable for your property before work starts.

The mounting system will be selected for your roof type and installed by experienced personnel. Roof condition and suitability will be considered during the assessment.

Most standard grid-connected solar and battery systems automatically shut down during a power cut for safety. Backup capability requires specific compatible equipment and system design. Tell us if backup power is one of your priorities.

We will commission the system, explain how it works and provide access to relevant monitoring. You will also have access to Solmatix support and aftercare.

As an indicative guide, our residential solar PV installations typically cost £6,000 – £8,000 approx. This includes battery storage, panels, inverter, mounting, installation, scaffolding, commissioning and applicable VAT. It excludes, EV charging, roof repairs, grid charges and other exclusions. Every home is different, and we will provide a bespoke quote based on your property and chosen equipment. Estimated savings depend on generation, how much electricity you use on site and your tariff; they are not guaranteed.

Your proposal will set out the warranties for each component and our installation work. Panel product warranties cover manufacturing defects, while panel performance warranties specify the manufacturer’s warranted output over time under its stated conditions. They do not guarantee a particular household saving. Warranty periods vary by manufacturer and model, and batteries may also have cycle, throughput or retained-capacity conditions.

Many domestic rooftop solar installations can proceed without a planning application where the applicable permitted development conditions are met. This depends on the location, property and proposed design. Listed buildings, conservation areas, planning restrictions and some installation types may require additional permissions or consent. We will flag potential requirements during the assessment; your local planning office can confirm the position for your home.

In Northern Ireland, grid-connected solar PV and battery systems must follow the relevant NIE Networks connection process. The proposed equipment and capacity determine the notification or application route, and some systems need approval before connection. Your proposal will explain the applicable steps. For homes elsewhere, the requirements of the relevant network operator apply.

You may be able to receive payment for surplus electricity sent to the grid, subject to an available export arrangement and its eligibility, metering and documentation requirements. In Northern Ireland, the Smart Export Guarantee does not apply, so you should check the terms of available export offers rather than assume an automatic entitlement. In England, Scotland and Wales, eligible installations may qualify for a Smart Export Guarantee tariff. Rates and terms vary, and export income should not be treated as guaranteed. We can explain the installation documents you may need when discussing an export arrangement.

Homeowners can spread the cost through with 0% finance options available and more information available on request.

Your postcode and a recent electricity bill or annual consumption figure are a useful starting point. If available, share photos of your roof and meter location, and tell us about roof age, shading, existing solar or battery equipment and any planned changes to electricity use. Let us know if you want battery storage or EV charging, already own an electric vehicle, or know of any planning restrictions. You can still enquire if you do not have all this information.

Support schemes and incentives vary by location, property and applicant eligibility, and can change. We can help you identify relevant options to check, explain what installation information may be needed and clarify whether approval is required before work begins. Eligibility and funding decisions rest with the scheme administrator, and a grant should not be assumed.

At present no grants or incentives are available in Northern Ireland.

Residential customers in Ireland can avail of SSEI grants. More information available via: https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants

Yes. Solmatix can consider solar PV, battery storage and home EV charging together, based on your household’s current needs and future plans. We will explain the suitability and cost of each option as part of your proposal.