Guides

Browse our helpful guides below.

grants and loans for solar

Solar panel grants for UK businesses: 2026 funding and tax relief 

A commercial install on a large roof and the business is claiming the vat back.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days in the UK?

The short answer is yes, solar panels absolutely work on cloudy days. If you live in the United Kingdom in 2026 and have wondered whether solar panels might be worth it, but find yourself hesitant about having them installed because of the constant grey skies and rainy weather, you’re not alone.
A commercial install on a large roof and the business is claiming the vat back.

Do solar panels work at night? Powering your home after dark

The short answer to this question is no, solar panels don’t generate electricity at night due to the very nature of this technology, so for many people this begs the question: is it worth getting solar panels for my home, especially if I’m normally out during the daytime and only switch on and use most of my electrical devices and appliances in the evening when I return home?
Cleaning solar panels

How to clean solar panels safely (and when not to)

Before going ahead with your solar project and committing to a price that you have been quoted, it’s worth considering the VAT, especially if you are currently considering installing solar panels on your property or adding a battery.
houses looking for planning permission for solar panels

Do you need planning permission for solar panels?

If you have ever thought about getting solar panels installed in your property, then you may have already wondered by now whether planning permission is needed from your local authority before any work can begin.
A commercial install on a large roof and the business is claiming the vat back.

VAT on Solar Panels and Battery Storage: 2026 UK Rules

Before going ahead with your solar project and committing to a price that you have been quoted, it’s worth considering the VAT, especially if you are currently considering installing solar panels on your property or adding a battery.
Solar panels on a house roof with trees to the side creating shade on the house and panels.

Solar Panels and Roof Shading: How to Maximise Output

While it is true that shading can reduce the amount of electricity that your solar panels generate, it doesn’t automatically mean that you need to cancel your plans for going ahead with your solar project just because a large nearby tree with overhanging branches, a dormer window or a chimney covers part of your roof in shade.
a flat roof install and someone counting the solar panels

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need: A UK Sizing Guide

One of the first questions that many people in the UK ask when they are thinking about installing solar panels on their property is how many panels they will need to make a worthwhile difference to their electricity bills.
solar panels with direct sunlight

Do Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight? How UK Weather Affects Output

If you live in the United Kingdom and are considering having solar panels installed on your roof for your energy needs, you may have wondered whether they are even worth it, especially as the weather here is often overcast or rainy. The good news is that direct sunlight isn’t needed for your solar panels to generate electricity.
A roof with solar panels and a spartek employee looking for any damage

Do solar panels damage your roof?

If you have been worrying about having solar panels fitted on your roof and damaging them somehow, you’re not alone. It’s actually quite normal. The last thing you want is cracked tiles that can cause leaks where water comes into your loft, leading to potentially expensive repairs after having your solar panels installed.
House for sale on a street

Do solar panels increase home value in the UK? 

If you've recently considered installing solar panels but also have concerns about what impact they may have on the value of your home, you're not alone.  

Can I get free solar panels, and who qualifies in the UK? 

If you've recently been online and typed "free solar panels" or words to that effect into your preferred search engine, then there's a good chance that you've already been bombarded with countless adverts suggesting that the UK government will pay to install solar panels onto anyone's home for free. 
How much are solar panels in the UK? A 2026 cost guide

How much are solar panels in the UK? A 2026 cost guide 

If you’ve recently been considering installing solar panels on your home, one of the first questions that you may have already asked yourself is how much it is all going to cost to get them installed. You’ve probably also wondered how many panels you’re going to need for the project. For example, will a 12-panel system be sufficient?
Spartek solar panel install in Cambridge

58 panels, one slate roof, 72,664 kWh: a year on at The Cambridge Building Society

The Cambridge Building Society wanted solar on the slate roof of its central Cambridge head office. No shutdowns, no disruption to a working financial institution, no compromise on how the building looked from the street. We installed 258 panels in five weeks.
lots of home with solar panels and an improve EPC rating

Does Solar PV Improve EPC Ratings? A Guide for UK Homeowners

Solar PV can improve your EPC rating by reducing your home’s modelled grid electricity use in the SAP assessment. This guide explains how solar affects EPC scores, whether it can help you move from EPC D to C, and what UK sizing and DNO export rules (G98/G99) mean if you’re considering a larger system.

How to work out your energy usage and calculate kWh costs

Work out your household energy usage in kWh with simple formulas, real examples, and UK benchmarks. Learn the difference between kW and kWh, estimate appliance running costs, and find practical ways to reduce your daily usage including how solar PV and battery storage can help.

The complete guide to workplace EV charging for UK businesses

We look at why adding EV chargers to workplace car parks makes good business sense, how financial support from the government can help firms with the cost, and what it means when it comes to tax. 
Can neighbours object to solar panels?

Can neighbours object to solar panels?  

Find out if neighbours can object to solar panels and if you need planning permission for your home installation.  

A comprehensive guide to finding the right commercial electrical contractor 

More than 400 workplace fires take place every week. Here’s how you can minimise devastating losses by choosing the right commercial electrical contractor.
Spartek and Watton council meet with Ukrainian Delegate and Mayor Oleg Volskyi at Spartek head quarters

Spartek ECS Showcases Solar Innovation During Ukrainian Delegation Visit

Spartek ECS Limited, a Watton-based business, proudly hosted a Ukrainian delegation as part of the Wayland region’s new cooperation agreement with a Ukrainian city.

The importance of choosing an NICEIC accredited electrician 

For safe, compliant electrical work, here’s why you should choose an NICEIC accredited electrician for peace of mind. Spartek is an NICEIC accredited electrical contractor serving East Anglia.

Solar jargon explained, understanding common terms

Solar technology is all well and good, but like most industries, it’s filled with jargon which can leave you in the dark. Here, we demystify some common solar terms to help you get the solar installation that’s right for you. 
Mini Rossie and our Spartek sponsorship

Mini Rossi

16-year-old Izzy has been turning heads in the motorcycle racing world from a remarkably young age. Nicknamed “Mini Rossi” in tribute to her idol, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, Izzy embodies the passion, skill, and determination that Spartek is proud to support.
scaffolding on a roof with solar panels

The cost of scaffolding when fitting solar panels in the UK 

Don’t overlook the cost of scaffolding, a crucial part of a safe and efficient installation. This article explores why scaffolding is needed, what influences the cost, and how much you can expect to pay in the UK. Discover tips to manage expenses and ensure your project meets all health and safety standards.
Spartek employee working hard on a solar install project

Important questions you should ask before buying solar panels 

Installing solar panels on your home or business is a great way to bring down those ever-increasing utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
MCS Certification on a Solar Panel Installation

Why MCS Certification Matters for Solar Panel Installations  

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is a UK-based standards organisation whose role is to maintain and certify the high-quality standards of low-carbon products designed for solar and renewable energy installations in domestic and commercial projects.
solar panels on the roof of a UKI business

Are solar panels worth it for a business?

With some microbusinesses using up to 15,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) of energy each year, the cost of running a business can add up. The good news is that solar power could be a long-term solution to rising energy costs, so why don’t more commercial buildings use solar?
Solar panels on a home with snow.

Do Solar Panels Work in Winter? 

Our guide will help explain how your solar panel will work in the snow and what level of energy you can expect them to produce.
duracell solar battery

A Guide to Solar Panel Battery Storage

To help you work out whether energy storage is right for your home and energy needs, we take a look at what your options are and what you should expect to budget.
a guide to installing solar panels flat roof

A Guide to Solar Panels on a Flat Roof

Our guide helps you to understand the do’s and don’ts when installing solar panels on a flat roof. Flat roofs can be your only option for a solar panel installation and we aim to help guide you through the process.
understanding solar maintennce

Understanding Solar Panel Maintenance

Whether you’re just thinking about installing solar panels or already have them, maintenance is likely to be a key concern. Our guide helps you to understand the factors that contribute to maintaining solar panels.
what is solar thermal energy

What is Solar Thermal Energy?

We enjoy exploring the fascinating world of solar thermal energy and how it works so that our potential customers can gain a better understanding of what they are buying and why.
what is solar pv

What is Solar PV?

In our guide we help explain what Solar PV means, how many panels you might need and if solar panels are worth it.