THE HELP CENTER

Get Answers to Your Questions

If you’re looking for some clear answers about Jax Sun Services and the kind of work we do, then look no further! Check out the most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section below. Feel free to contact us if you have a question that didn’t appear in our section, and we’ll be happy to personally address it.

Q. Does changing my inverter affect my FIT payment?

A. Changing your inverter will not change your Feed in Tariff rate. You don’t need to let your energy company know either. However, we suggest on the day of the change, contact your energy company, explain your inverter is being changed and the current reading on the total generation is XYZ.

Q. What is the new VAT policy on battery storage units?

From the 1st Feb 2024, the UK Government have implemented a new policy that reduces the Value Added Tax (VAT) on battery storage systems to 0%

Q. Can I have a battery installed in my loft?

Yes. Unlike the older batteries, which were too heavy, the new ones are much lighter and can be placed in a loft.

Q. Do I need a South facing roof for a solar system?

On average a battery is similar in size to carry-on hand luggage which you'd take on holiday.

Q. What is the size of a battery storage unit?

No, Solar PV Panels work on all roofs that have light shining on them. Many customers have fitted east/west facing systems and typically generate 86% of an equivalent south facing roof.

Q. Do storage batteries come with warranties?

We would never use or install a brand of home battery that doesn’t come with a warranty. All of the major manufacturers of these systems offer a warranty, usually around 10 years in length, although there are some restrictions and caveats on usage for some products. If you choose Jax Sun Services to install your home battery system, we can match the best type of system, with a warranty that you’re comfortable with, to your home

Q. What are the different DNO applications?

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DNO APPLICATIONS FOR SOLAR PANELS

The size of your solar PV system will determine the type of DNO application you will have to apply for. It is worth noting that the size of your PV system is based on the AC inverter rating, rather than the peak DC rating of the panels. The main two types of DNO applications are “connect and notify” or “apply to connect”.

DNO G98 APPLICATIONS

In order to count as a small-scale system, the system size must be under 16A per phase, which is the equivalent of 3.68kWp for a single phase supply or 11.04kWp for a three phase supply.

If the electricity supply is adequate, we can install your solar panels without any prior permission from the DNO. However, your DNO must be notified within 28 days of commissioning the solar system. This is because a small-scale system is unlikely to cause any load issues on your current local grid infrastructure. If your current supply is not suitable, you may need to upgrade your electricity supply in order to go ahead with the solar panel installation.

DNO G99 APPLICATIONS

If you are installing a large-scale solar system, greater than 16A per phase, we will need to apply for DNO approval prior to installation. This is because the grid needs to determine whether your local distributor can handle the extra load. The process of the DNO reviewing your application can take between 8 to 20 weeks currently due to high demand. If you are installing Distributed Generation equipment rated at 50kW or higher, you will need to complete a Standard Application Form (SAF).

DNO G100 APPLICATIONS

If your G99 application comes back and your system’s export needs to be limited, a G100 application is required. Applying for a G100 DNO will cost an additional £250-£700 for the application, and increase your lead and installation time, as an extra device will need to be installed along with your system.

THE OUTCOMES OF A DNO APPLICATION

After your DNO application has been assessed, you will usually be sent a connect offer. This includes the maximum specification of the connection and if there are any connection charges. There are usually three outcomes of a DNO application.

Your application is accepted, and your DNO is happy with the size of the system you have requested to install. This means you can proceed with your installation, with no extra charges or amendments.
The system size is capped at a given kWp AC rating, and an export limitation is required. Sometimes a small fee is charged for a witness test, where your provider ensures a limitation has been put in place.
Your supply size needs to be upgraded from a single phase to a three-phase system in order to go ahead with your solar panel installation. This additional charge can be pricey depending on the site.

If the DNO declines your application to connect, it could be necessary to install an export power management system to limit the electricity from the PV system to the grid.

Q. How much energy can I store with batteries?

Solar battery systems for the home come in many different capacities.
The capacity is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). 1kWh is a 1000 Watts used for 1 hour. So, in theory, a 1kWh battery would run 20 LED bulbs for around 9 hours, or a typical modern fridge for around 6 hours continuous running.
Many battery systems have a fixed storage capacity starting at around 2kWh to 14kWh but there are also systems that allow you to add capacity by building extra battery modules on to the system to increase the energy storage.

Q. Do I need solar panels for a solar battery?

Solar batteries can also work to store electricity bought from the grid without installing solar panels. You might be wondering why you need to do this, but it may be useful in the future when time-of-use tariffs become more widely available in the UK. This is where energy providers try to encourage its users to use more electricity at off-peak hours than peak hours with a cheaper price. Your solar battery can take store electricity from off-peak hours to use at peak hours in this instance.

Q. Does adding a battery to my solar system affect my feeding tariff?

No adding a battery is commonly added to existing systems and will not affect the FIT payment (feed in Tariff)

Q. How safe are solar batteries in my home?

Modern battery storage systems are designed with multiple safety measures and are generally very safe for home use. It’s essential, however, to ensure proper installation by professionals and to follow manufacturer guidelines for operation and maintenance.