Solar Panel Installers
serving Dorset & Hampshire
Alpha are Dorset-based independent solar panel and renewables experts
Solar panels offer an answer to rising energy costs by harnessing free energy from the sun — it's clean, and it pays for itself!
Our customers can expect neat work, fair pricing and professional service.
We care about efficiency, a lot. You'll get optimal solar performance and the best return on your investment.
We're MCS certified solar installers serving Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding areas.
Solar's positives have never been so clear
Lower energy bills
Reduced carbon footprint
Increased property value
Stored power when you need it
Qualified to install the latest generation solar and battery storage systems
We continually evaluate the latest solutions so that we can confidently install systems that offer the highest returns.
Fully certified electricians and renewables experts
Alpha have two decades of experience working on residential and commercial projects.
As independent installers, you can rely on Alpha to look after your renewables project from start to finish.
Our solar installations
We're experienced solar installers, not middlemen.
That means we take the utmost pride in the neatness and efficiency of every solar project we install, so you can have total confidence appointing us.
Being independent also means that our prices aren't inflated by a sales network, and when you'd like to talk we're easy to reach.
- High performance
- Neat and tidy
- Fairly priced
Is my house well suited for solar panels?
When considering solar panels, it's clearly essential to know if your home is a good candidate. The easiest way to find out is to ask us, but here's a simple guide to help you determine if your property might be well-suited for installing solar panels.
Orientation and Roof Angle
The ideal position for solar panels in the UK is on a roof that faces south as this orientation catches the most sunlight throughout the day. East and west-facing roofs can also be viable, albeit with slightly less efficiency. The optimal roof angle is between 30 to 40 degrees, but solar panels can still perform well on roofs angled anywhere from 10 to 60 degrees.
Shade-Free Area
Solar panels need direct exposure to sunlight to generate power effectively. Check if your roof is free from shade for most of the day. Common shade sources include tall trees, chimneys, and nearby buildings.
Roof Condition
Before investing in solar panels, it makes sense to check your roof is in good condition. Solar PV systems are designed to last for 25 years or more, so it's wise to make repairs or upgrades beforehand.
Local Climate and Geography
While the UK might not be known for its sunny weather, solar panels can still produce a significant amount of energy, even on cloudy days. Fortunately Dorset and the south coast receive more sunlight on average compared to the rest of the country.
Planning Permission
In the vast majority of cases, installing solar panels in the UK falls under "permitted development", meaning you don't need specific planning permission. However there can be exceptions if you live in a listed building or a conservation area.
Considering these factors will give you a starting idea as to whether a solar PV system could be a wise investment for your home.
As part of our free property survey we'll tell you what the most suitable solar system would be and what return you can expect.
Frequently Asked Questions with Solar Panels
Does the UK get enough sun to justify installing solar panels?
Yes, the UK does get enough sun to justify installing solar panels, but the amount of sun you receive will vary depending on your location. Fortunately the south of England receives the most sun and the biggest solar benefit.
On average, the UK receives around 1,500 hours of sunshine per year. This is not as much as some other countries, but it is still enough to generate a significant amount of solar power. In fact, the UK has one of the highest rates of solar panel installations in Europe.
What components does a solar PV system require to be fitted?
A solar PV system requires the following components to be fitted:
- Solar panels: These are the most important component of a solar PV system. They convert sunlight into electricity.
- Inverter: The inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of electricity that your home uses.
- Mounting system: The mounting system holds the solar panels in place on your roof or other location.
- Wiring: The wiring connects the solar panels to the inverter and to the rest of your electrical system.
- Safety devices: Safety devices protect your solar PV system from damage and prevent electric shock.
- Monitoring system: A monitoring system allows you to track the performance of your solar PV system.
Solar PV systems can optionally include a battery bank, which stores excess electricity generated by the solar panels for use at night or during times of low sunlight.
The cost of a solar PV system will vary depending on the size of the system, the type of solar panels, and the cost of installation. However, solar PV systems are becoming more affordable, and they can save you money on your energy bills over the long term.
Do I need a battery?
You don't need a battery, but it can help you in a few ways.
- Backup power during outages: If you have a battery, you can use it to power your home during a power outage. This can be a lifesaver if you live in an area that is prone to outages.
- Self-consumption: If you have a battery, you can store the excess electricity that your solar panels generate during the day and use it at night or during times of low sunlight. This can help you reduce your reliance on the grid and save money on your energy bills.
- Time-of-use metering: Some utilities offer time-of-use metering, which means that you pay different rates for electricity depending on when you use it. If you have a battery, you can store electricity during off-peak hours when rates are low and use it during peak hours when rates are high. This can save you money on your energy bills.
Ultimately, whether or not you need a battery to get the most from your solar panels depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you are concerned about backup power or self-consumption, then a battery may be a good investment for you.
What happens when I don’t use the electricity being generated?
There are a few things that can happen to the electricity being generated by your solar panels if you don't use it:
- It can be sent back to the grid: If you are connected to the grid, any excess electricity generated by your solar panels will be sent back to the grid. This is known as net metering. In most cases, you will be credited for the electricity you send back to the grid, which can help you reduce your energy bills.
- It can be stored in a battery: If you have a battery installed, any excess electricity generated by your solar panels can be stored in the battery for later use. This can be helpful if you have a power outage or if you want to use your solar panels to power your home at night.
- It can be wasted: If you don't have a battery and you are not connected to the grid, any excess electricity generated by your solar panels will be wasted. This is because solar panels can only generate electricity when there is sunlight, so if you don't use the electricity immediately, it will be lost.
The best way to deal with excess electricity from your solar panels depends on your individual circumstances. If you are connected to the grid, net metering is a great way to reduce your energy bills. If you have a battery, you can store the excess electricity for later use. And if you don't have a battery and you are not connected to the grid, you may want to consider installing one to avoid wasting excess electricity.
Will solar panels be able to charge my electric car?
Yes, solar panels can be used to charge electric cars. In fact, this is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills.
There are a few different ways to charge an electric car with solar panels:
- Direct charging: This is the most straightforward way to charge an electric car with solar panels. You simply install a solar panel system on your home or business, and then connect the car to the solar panels using a charging cable.
- Battery storage: If you have a battery storage system, you can use the excess electricity generated by your solar panels to charge your car at night or during times of low sunlight.
- Net metering: If your utility company offers net metering, you can send excess electricity generated by your solar panels back to the grid and get credits for it. These credits can then be used to offset the cost of charging your car.
The amount of electricity that you can generate with solar panels to charge your electric car will depend on the size of your solar panel system, the amount of sunlight in your area, and the efficiency of your car's charger. However, even a small solar panel system can generate enough electricity to charge an electric car for a few hours.
If you are considering charging your electric car with solar panels, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The size of your solar panel system: The size of your solar panel system will determine how much electricity you can generate. If you want to be able to charge your car completely with solar power, you will need a larger solar panel system.
- The amount of sunlight in your area: The amount of sunlight in your area will also affect how much electricity you can generate with your solar panel system. If you live in an area with a lot of cloudy days, you will not be able to generate as much electricity as someone who lives in an area with a lot of sunny days.
- The efficiency of your car's charger: The efficiency of your car's charger will also affect how much electricity you can use to charge your car. If you have a charger with a high efficiency, you will be able to use more of the electricity generated by your solar panel system to charge your car.
Overall, solar panels are a great way to charge electric cars. They are a clean, renewable source of energy that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills.
What grants could I get?
There are currently no government grants available in the UK for solar panels. However, there are a number of other schemes and incentives that can help you save money on solar panel installation. These include:
- The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): The SEG is a government scheme that pays you for the excess electricity that your solar panels generate and send back to the grid.
- Zero-VAT on solar panels: The UK government currently offers a zero-VAT rate on solar panels, which can save you money on the upfront cost of installation.
- Green Deal loans: The Green Deal is a government-backed loan scheme that can help you finance the cost of solar panel installation.
- Local authority grants: Some local authorities offer grants to help people install solar panels. You can check with your local authority to see if they offer any grants.
Be part of the solution
From renewables to rewires
Alpha offers a complete range of residential electrical services.
With over two decades' experience, we're happy to quote on any work you may need, whether it's a new fit-out, solar project, or an extra power socket.
