Solarfix Frequently Asked Questions

It's a common misconception. The primary reason is often a malfunctioning monitoring app, not actual panel issues. Key points to consider: Monitoring App Dependency: The app relies on the inverter's internet connection. If you've changed routers or experienced internet problems, it may disrupt data flow, but the panels likely still function. Power Off: Check if the power feeding the panels is off at the PV isolator or in your fuse board. Refer to your handover pack or click here for watch for our YouTube video for guidance.

Solar panels work with daylight, not just direct sunlight. Solarfix can find suitable solutions for various roof orientations or even ground mounting.

Contact Solarfix: If the app is online, and all power components are functional, reach out to us for assistance. Our robust support team is dedicated to resolving our customers concerns promptly.

Yes, it's possible but not always financially viable as an off-grid system is expensive. An off-grid is best suited to those who cannot get an affordable mains grid connection due to location etc. Having a grid connection, minimal bills, is often the most cost-effective solution, Solarfix can advise you honestly.

Solar panels in Northern Ireland offer numerous benefits, including reduced energy bills and a lower carbon footprint. Solarfix specializes in providing top-notch solar solutions tailored to Northern Ireland's unique needs.

An on-grid solar system is connected to the mains grid, allowing you to use both solar-generated power (with or without batteries) and grid power as and when required. In contrast, an off-grid system operates independently, relying solely on stored solar energy - without any type of grid connection. Solarfix are specialists in off grid – click here to discuss.

Most domestic systems are completed in a day, with larger installations requiring an additional day for commissioning. Larger commercial systems will take longer but this will be discussed with you at proposal.

Yes, Solarfix values referrals, offering £100 for both the referrer and the referred. Please ensure the referee advises of the referrers name and first line of address on the initial call so your reward can be processed. We offer a lot of partnerships / collaboration opportunities. We offer discount to employees of businesses we fit, discounts to sports clubs member etc. Get in touch with us to discuss a possible partnership or collaboration.

Solar panels require minimal maintenance as they have no moving parts. Regular monitoring ensures optimal performance. If issues arise, you know we at Solarfix, your trusted solar panel installer in Northern Ireland, is here to assist.

Check Handover Pack: Consult your customer handover pack or visit our website/YouTube channel for guidance on reconnecting inverters to the internet. Power Failure: Panels might seem inactive due to accidental or deliberate power failure or grid issues. Follow instructions in the handover pack to rectify.

Solar immersion heater controllers utilize excess solar electricity to heat water, reducing the need for fossil fuels and increasing energy efficiency. Click here for more information on immersion heater solar diverter.

Solar Electric Car EV Chargers use surplus solar electricity to charge electric vehicles, contributing to greener transportation and potentially saving on grid electricity costs. Click here for more information on the EV charger we supply & fit.

Solar Panels require very little maintenance since they lack moving parts, eliminating the need for oil, grease, or regular servicing. Our recommendation is a "light touch" and reactive approach.

Yes, for every 1,000 kWh of solar electricity generated, you save over 200 kg of carbon per year. For an average system that is over 25,000kg during the 25 year panel warranty period.

No, solar panels work on photons, the basic element of daylight, making them effective even on cloudy days.

Solar home storage batteries store excess solar power generated during daylight hours for later use, providing energy during the night or cloudy periods. Click here for more information on batteries we recommend.

Typically, Solar Panels are self-cleaning due to their angled installation and ample rain in Northern Ireland. Most panels remain free from heavy soiling.

Perform a light clean using a soft brush and lukewarm water. Exercise caution by avoiding heavy brushes and chemicals. Ensure safety by steering clear of electronics and cabling , or using a professional contractor who is familiar with solar panel safety. There will be live electrical wires running behind the solar panels - take care and only use professionals who understand and are familiar with solar panels.

Solar PV, or Photovoltaic, refers to solar panels that generate electricity from daylight. It's an electrical system that acts as a secondary power source for your property, offering cleaner and more cost-effective energy.

Yes. Solar panels are one of the cheapest forms of electricity and most customers will at least double their investment within the panel warranty period.

A solar battery allows you to store solar power generated during the day, for use when the sun goes down. This gives you greater flexibility. Solar panels will work without a battery – this means you have to try and use the solar power as it is generated during the daylight hours. When the sun goes down, you are back to buying all your power from the grid. Solarfix will advise you honestly on whether you need a battery.

Primarily based in Northern Ireland, Solarfix offers free consultations in the area. Large-scale commercial work is also undertaken in the South of Ireland and the UK Mainland.

The issue is often related to the monitoring app's dependence on a stable internet connection for data flow. Key points to consider: Internet Connection: If you've changed or moved your router or experienced internet problems, the data flow may be disrupted. However, your solar panels continue to generate power. Monitoring App vs. Panel Functionality: The monitoring app is a tool for data visualization; its malfunction doesn't imply panel malfunction. The panels operate independently of the app.

The cost of solar panels in Northern Ireland varies based on factors like system size and additional components such as batteries. Systems without batteries range from £ 3,950 to £ 6,500. Batteries will add £ 2,000+ depending on their size. Solarfix offers free surveys to provide accurate, no-obligation quotes.

Made from semiconducting materials, solar panels generate an electrical charge when exposed to daylight. The generated direct current (DC) is converted into alternating current (AC) by the solar inverter for use in homes and businesses.

Yes, Solarfix offers a turnkey package, handling all paperwork, NIE requirements, and monitoring.

Follow these steps for a solution: Review Handover Pack: Solarfix customers can refer to the handover pack or visit our website/YouTube channel for guidance on reconnecting inverters to the internet. Check Internet Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection for your inverter/device. Address any changes in routers or internet-related issues. Solar Panels Still Operational: Even if the app/data is not working, your solar panels are likely still generating power. If the problem persists, reach out to Solarfix. We're committed to helping our customers troubleshoot and ensure your monitoring app provides accurate data for a seamless solar experience.

Solar thermal panels heat water using tubes on your roof, but Solarfix primarily focuses on more efficient and cost-effective Solar PV electric solar panels for electricity generation . Which may also be able to heat your water.

While some prefer an annual cleaning routine, most clean reactively when needed, not routinely.

Solarfix handles paperwork, builds monitoring apps, and provides a full handover pack. Ongoing support is always available. We also appreciate a great google review once installed!

Yes, standard G98 approved systems allow for selling excess solar electricity back to the grid. Standard G99 systems require NIE approval and are on a case-by-case basis.

Solar Panel grants in Northern Ireland are infrequent, but the NISEP grant may be available for specific businesses, offering up to 20% of installation costs.

Yes, you own the solar panels outright. Solarfix retains zero ownership.

The financial and ethical argument for grants is weak as solar panels typically pay for themselves within a few years. Solar power makes sense economically and environmentally. Grants, including ROCs, concluded in 2017. In the absence of such schemes, individuals are now proud owners of both their solar panels and the roofs they reside upon. Customers now enjoy the added benefit of full export payments, as the entire system is owned outright by the homeowner.

The payback period varies depending on the size of system installed. Typically, the return on investment for a business is 3-5 years, whilst domestic is 8 – 10 years depending on the size of system and additional products added.

Solar panels provide a solid return on investment, with potential savings and the ability to sell excess electricity back to the grid. Our solar panels are guaranteed for 25 years so you should make more than twice your original investment back if not a lot more.

Solarfix does not charge standard annual fees. Some larger commercial customers may opt for annual inspections, but it is rare.

Free Solar panels are not currently an option and to ensure ownership of the panels / no leasehold of your roof, owning the system outright is the current Solarfix current recommendation.

Most customers purchase the system upfront using savings, loans, or finance arrangements. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are available for large-scale commercial systems.

Solar panels could potentially save over £1,000 per year for domestic systems. Large-scale commercial systems offer even greater savings. Use our contact form here to get a quote and payback calculation.

Solarfix ourselves do not offer finance internally but we can help talk you through the costs and benefits so you can make the best decision for your budget.

Costs vary based on system size and additional components. Solarfix offers a range of options to suit different budgets. Click here to complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch with a free quote.

Solarfix stands out as one of the best solar panel suppliers in Northern Ireland. We’re one of the longest running companies in Northern Ireland. We only use quality products and we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. But don’t just take our word for it, check out our google reviews here, they speak for themselves.

For roof-mounted panels in Northern Ireland, planning permission is generally not required. Exceptions apply for listed building, conservation areas and ground-mounted systems.

Yes, building control approval is recommended for all solar installations. Solarfix can handle this for domestic customers and can assist for commercial customers.

Solar panels have product warranties of 12 to 25 years, with performance warranties guaranteeing efficiency for at least 25 years.

Typically no, as you own the solar panels outright. Unlike leased panels, there is usually no need to inform your mortgage provider.

They can be installed to most roof types and you will need a Solarfix survey to ascertain the correct mounting kit for you. We offer slate, tile, flat roof, metal roof and ground mounted systems. Roof mounted systems are typically fit to the joists of your roof like this – example here.

Solarfix holds various certifications including: MCS - Microgeneration Certification Scheme MCS, or the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, is a quality assurance scheme for microgeneration technologies. Technology which is MCS accredited has been installed to a high standard and will operate both safely and efficiently. RECC - Renewable Energy Consumer Code RECC sets out high consumer protection standards for businesses who are selling or leasing renewable energy generation systems to domestic consumers. ISO 9001 - Quality Standard ISO 9001 is a globally recognized standard for quality management. It helps organizations of all sizes and sectors to improve their performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality. ISO 14001 - Environmental Standard ISO 14001 is the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a framework for organizations to design and implement an EMS, and continually improve their environmental performance. SAFE-T Cert - Health and Safety Standard Safe-T-Cert is a certification scheme designed for certifying the Safety Management Systems of contractors working in the construction industry. 18th Edition - Electrical Standard 18th Edition Wiring Regulations is intended to ensure that practicing electricians comply with the format, content and applications of The Requirements for Electrical Installations BS7671. IWA - Independent Insurance backed guarantees and deposit Provides peace of mind to domestic consumers against deposit payments and against their written guarantee issued by the contractor. Manufacturers - Approved supplier We are the approved or supplier of choice in Ireland for many of the world’s leading brands including Solaredge, Puredrive, Solis, REC.

Solarfix uses Duracell solar batteries and Solaredge Energy Banks. We will confirm which battery is compatible with your system. Brands like BYD, Pylontech, and Fox may also be used depending on the needs of the customer. Click here for more information on the batteries we use.

Solarfix uses tried and tested inverters, such as Solis, Solaredge, SMA and Victron meeting MCS standards for safety and efficiency.

Solarfix uses myenergi Eddi and SolarEdge immersion heater controllers, offering an efficient solution to utilize excess solar power. Click here for more information on immersion heater controllers.

Solarfix uses Myenergi Zappi Car Charger and the Puredrive EV chargers, with Solaredge options for optimized systems. Rolec Chargers have also been used depending on customer needs. Click here for more information on EV chargers.

Solarfix is a certified tesla installer, however the tesla powerwall is not approved for use in northern ireland. Click here to see other options for batteries or Click here to register your interest, when the Tesla powerall becomes available in Northern Ireland we will contact you.

Solarfix uses Tier 1 UK quality Solar Panels, guaranteeing efficiency after 25 years. Brands include JA Solar, Qcells, Canadian Solar, LG, REC, Jinko, Sharp, and Trina.