Frequently Asked Questions.

Sunlite Group provides renewable energy solutions for homes, businesses and organisations. Our services include solar PV, battery storage, EV charging and solar lighting, as well as guidance on the right solution for each property. Whether a customer is looking to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability or invest in long-term energy resilience, our role is to help them choose a system that is practical, reliable and suited to how the site is actually used.

We work with a wide range of customers, including homeowners, commercial businesses, schools, public sector organisations and community projects. Some clients come to us with a very clear brief, while others are at an earlier stage and want help understanding what is possible. In both cases, the starting point is the same: understanding the property, the energy demand and the long-term goals behind the project.

Sunlite Group proudly delivers renewable energy solutions across the South East and beyond. To see some of the locations we work in, visit our local solar page. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, our team will be happy to help.

Solar energy is generated when solar panels convert daylight into electricity. That electricity can then be used on site to power a property, helping to reduce reliance on electricity imported from the grid. In practical terms, that means solar can help homes and organisations lower their energy costs, make better use of their roof space and move towards a more sustainable way of operating.

Yes. Solar panels do not need bright sunshine to generate electricity — they work using daylight, so they will still produce power on cloudy days. Output is usually lower than it would be in strong sunshine, but well-designed solar systems are built with year-round UK conditions in mind. That is why solar remains a viable option even in a climate that is not consistently sunny.

Solar panels are designed to be long-term assets and can continue generating electricity for decades. As with any technical system, long-term performance depends on product quality, installation standards and ongoing care. For many property owners, that long lifespan is one of the main reasons solar is seen as a worthwhile investment rather than a short-term fix.

In many cases, yes. The main reason is simple: the more electricity you generate and use on site, the less you may need to buy from the grid. The scale of the saving depends on factors such as the size of the system, the property’s energy usage patterns and how much of the generated electricity is used at the right times. A properly designed system should always be based on how the property actually consumes energy, not just how many panels can fit on the roof.

That depends on how the system is set up. In some cases, unused power can be exported back to the grid. In others, it can be stored in a battery for later use. This is why solar is often considered alongside battery storage, because storing excess electricity can improve how much of the generated power a property is able to use itself.

Yes — and for many properties, that is where the biggest long-term opportunity lies. Solar, battery storage and EV charging can complement each other well, allowing a property to generate electricity, store it and then use it more intelligently. Rather than treating them as separate upgrades, it can make sense to consider them as part of one wider energy strategy.

Suitability depends on a number of factors, including the amount of available roof space, roof orientation, shading, structural considerations and energy usage. The property does not need to be perfect to make solar worthwhile, but it does need to be assessed properly. A good survey looks beyond whether panels can physically be installed and focuses on whether the system is likely to deliver meaningful value over time.

Solar lighting systems use solar panels to collect energy during the day and store it in batteries. That stored energy is then used to power the lights when they are needed, typically from dusk onwards. Because the system is self-contained, solar lighting can be especially useful in locations where grid connection is difficult, costly or impractical.

Yes. One of the key strengths of solar lighting is that it can be configured to suit the needs of the location. Different sites may need different operating hours, light levels, pole heights or control settings. That is why solar lighting should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all product. The most effective systems are designed around the actual environment and how the site will be used.

To recommend the right system, we usually need a clear picture of the installation site and how the lighting is expected to perform. That might include the location, expected operating times, the layout of the area, pole height, the width of the road or space being lit, and photos of the site where possible. These details help ensure the system is specified properly and performs reliably in real conditions.

A sun hour is a way of measuring the amount of solar energy a location receives. It does not simply mean one hour of daylight. Instead, it helps estimate how much useful solar energy is available for charging a system. This matters when designing solar lighting because the system needs to generate enough energy during the day to support reliable performance at night.

Solar lighting systems are designed with battery storage so they can continue operating during periods of reduced sunlight. The ability to keep running through poor weather depends on the design of the system, including battery capacity, panel size and the lighting profile. This is why proper specification is so important: the goal is not just for the light to work in ideal conditions, but for it to perform reliably in the conditions the site is actually likely to face.

Most solar lighting systems use built-in controls or sensors that detect changes in ambient light. This allows the lights to switch on automatically when daylight fades and switch off again when it returns. Depending on the project, systems can also be programmed to follow set operating times or dimming profiles to make better use of stored energy.

No. Under normal conditions, the batteries charge automatically through the solar panel. The system is designed to operate independently, without the need for manual charging as part of day-to-day use.

Solar lighting is generally lower maintenance than many traditional alternatives, but that does not mean it should be ignored completely. Periodic cleaning, battery checks, inspections of fittings and general performance reviews all help keep the system working properly. As with any outdoor infrastructure, ongoing reliability is closely linked to how well the system is looked after over time.

Yes. Sunlite Group provides EV charging solutions for a range of residential, commercial and organisational settings. The right setup depends on how the chargers will be used, how many vehicles need to be supported and what capacity is available at the property.

Yes. EV charging and solar can work very effectively together. For many properties, combining the two makes strategic sense because it allows a greater proportion of self-generated electricity to be used on site. That can improve energy efficiency, support sustainability goals and help create a more joined-up approach to energy use.

That depends on several practical factors, including who will be using the chargers, how often they will be used, whether they are intended for staff, visitors, residents or fleet vehicles, and what electrical capacity the site can support. The best place to start is with a proper assessment, because the most suitable solution is not always the one with the most chargers or the highest output. It is the one that matches how the site actually needs to function.

Yes. Ongoing maintenance and aftercare are an important part of protecting the performance, safety and lifespan of a renewable energy system. Installation is only one stage of the process. Over time, professional checks and support can help identify issues early, maintain system efficiency and give customers confidence that their investment continues to deliver as expected.

Warranty cover will vary depending on the type of product, the manufacturer and the installation itself. We can explain what is covered, how long the protection lasts and whether there are any conditions linked to maintaining that cover. This is an important part of any project, because customers should understand not only what they are buying today, but what support sits behind it in the years ahead.

In many cases, yes. While systems such as solar PV are often described as low maintenance, regular servicing still has an important role to play. Inspections and performance checks help ensure the system is operating safely and efficiently, and they can also support warranty compliance where servicing forms part of the agreement.

That depends on the type of maintenance agreement or warranty in place. In some cases, missing a service may affect eligibility for certain types of cover. That is why it is always worth understanding any maintenance requirements from the outset, rather than seeing servicing as an optional extra later on.

The best place to start is with a conversation. We will talk through your property, your objectives and the kind of renewable energy solution you are considering. From there, we can help you understand what is suitable, what the process is likely to involve and what the most sensible next step looks like for your project.

For many projects, yes. A site survey allows us to assess the property properly rather than making assumptions. It helps identify any technical considerations, understand the site layout and build a recommendation around real conditions rather than estimates alone. In most cases, that leads to a better outcome and a more accurate proposal.

There is no single answer, because timescales vary depending on the size, complexity and type of project. A straightforward installation may move far more quickly than a larger or more technical scheme. What matters is that the process is planned properly, expectations are clear and the customer understands each stage before work begins.

There can be, but it often depends on the type of property, where you are based, and whether you are applying as a homeowner, school or business. For example, homeowners may find our guide to Bank Solar Cashback and Support Schemes 2026 useful, while schools can explore Government-Backed Solar Carport Funding for Schools.

In some cases, yes. Support is often regional or scheme-specific rather than universal. For example, eligible SMEs in East Suffolk may benefit from the East Suffolk Efficiency Grant Scheme, while eligible West Midlands businesses can read more in £50,000 Solar Panel Grants for West Midlands Businesses.

Yes, in some cases. If you work in education, our article on Government-Backed Solar Carport Funding for Schools explains the opportunity in more detail and what it could mean for schools looking to cut costs and improve sustainability.