We assess every property in person and discuss your usage, energy tariffs, and budget before recommending the right renewable or clean energy system for your needs. The systems we install are all tried-and-tested and come with product and labour guarantees.
A typical 4kW domestic system generates around 3,000-4,000 kWh of electricity a year, enough to power most of your home’s requirements. However, the amount of energy generated depends on a number of variables, including its size/total wattage (kWp), location, panel efficiency, and the weather.
If your property is in the South of England it will generate more energy than the North because the region gets more sunlight than the North – but modern solar panels work throughout the UK. The roof angle and direction, as well as shading (eg from overhanging trees) may also impact efficiency, although smart systems can mitigate losses.
Clear, sunny days maximise output, but solar panels work all year round, in cloudy and overcast weather, and in winter too!
Solar panels: once scaffolding is up, it usually takes around 1-2 days to install domestic solar panels, depending on the size and type of the system, the roof elevations, and access to the roof. Commercial solar energy systems are assessed individually. In all cases we will discuss the installation with you in advance and arrange times and dates at your convenience.
EV chargers: these typically take around 4 hours to install (per charger), although more complicated supply routes can take longer to fit.
There is a range of grants and financial support available for homeowners having renewable energy products installed, with the main options including:
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) for homeowners living in England and Wales who are replacing a fossil fuel heating system. This is currently a grant of up to £7,500 towards the cost and fitting of an air source heat pump, biomass boiler (up to £5,00), or heat battery system (up to £2,500). Installers must be MCS-certified and a member an approved consumer code such as the Renewable Energy Consumer Code.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs, which ensures people living in England, Scotland, Wales who generate renewable electricity (eg solar panels) are paid for the electricity they feed back into the National Grid. You’ll need to apply directly to an energy supplier that offers SEG tariffs (it doesn’t have to be the same supplier that provides your energy). Ofgem has a list of SEG suppliers and at Barton Knight Energy we are happy to help you find the right option for your circumstances.
Some larger energy suppliers may also offer support for low-income households (who must meet certain criteria) with funding towards insulation, boiler upgrades, and solar panels.
Your local council may offer regional grants for low carbon heating options and more, depending on your eligibility. If you live in South or West London or the Home Counties, we are happy to help you find the right support.
We recommended annual servicing – just as you would with a gas boiler system – for all renewable technologies to ensure the best performance, safety and durability.
All our work has a 1-year no-quibble warranty on defective parts; on EV charger installations, parts and labour are guaranteed for 3 years.
The NICEIC insurance-backed warranty covers work undertaken by contractors registered with the NICEIC Installer Scheme.
All our quotes are free, with no obligation to buy. For most domestic renewable or clean energy solutions, we will discuss your current energy usage, suppliers and tariffs, the system we are replacing (if relevant), the type of property, timescales, and any low-carbon goals you might have.
For more significant installations (eg home heating, battery energy storage, solar panels), we may need to visit your property to assess its suitability for various options – size, access, age, insulation, proximity to other buildings etc. These factors will influence our recommendation and help us give you an accurate quotation.
Our electricians are all NICEIC-qualified, Health & Safety certified, with Advanced DRB/CBS checks.
Domestic solar panels and EV chargers, home heating systems and small, residential battery storage units typically fall under ‘permitted development’ so you do not usually need to apply for planning consent.
However, these installations must meet certain conditions in terms of size, use (private, not commercial), location, noise, and property type etc. Listed buildings or properties in conservation areas may have restrictions.
Any system must be fitted by a qualified installer in accordance with building and electrical regulations.
We can advise on what is required – call us on 0800 005 1005 to discuss any concerns you may have.
If you’re having a system installed that connects to the grid – such as solar panels or battery energy storage – then you need to notify your District Network Operator (DNO), which operates the local electricity cables.
G98 applications are for systems below 16A per phase/3.68kW, and just requires your installer to notify the DNO within 28 days after completing the project.
If your system is larger than this or includes battery storage, you will need a G99 application approved (approx 4-8 weeks) before installation starts
You may need to show your G98 or G99 certificates if you export electricity to the grid, switch energy suppliers, or sell your home.
We help you through all the processes and can advise on what is required – call us on 0800 005 1005 to discuss any concerns you may have.
