Question 1

Is POP a community energy company? How does POP work with community energy companies?

Accepted Answer

Community energy organisations generally focus on large shared assets (solar on schools, community centres, places of worship, or bigger: wind turbines, solar farms) that generate income for a co-operative through share offers. POP develops renewable projects with homes, street by street, so the benefits are immediate and personal: lower bills, increased energy security and building community wealth. We do work with community energy partners, like our Preston Park project with BHESCo, where a community-funded share offer gave households low-to-no-upfront cost solar.

Question 2

Why is the community-first approach more effective than a standard solar installer?

Accepted Answer

Most installers reach customers one by one through paid advertising (spending an average of £200-800 per household). Each installation is then a standalone project with separate surveys, orders, logistics and timelines. POP cuts marketing costs through connecting, community-building, and working with trusted messengers like Street Power Champions. Our street-by-street approach is also more efficient from consultation through surveying to installation. We pass these savings on to our customers.

Question 3

Do I need planning permission to install solar panels or a heat pump?

Accepted Answer

For most homes, solar panels on a standard residential roof generally don't require planning permission under Permitted Development rights, as long as the panels don't protrude more than 200mm from the roof surface and aren't installed above the highest point of the roof. There are a few exceptions worth knowing about: some local councils use Article 4 directions to remove Permitted Development rights, and homes in conservation areas or listed buildings typically need permission if panels would be visible from the road, or separate consent altogether. We're experienced in applying for planning permission where it's needed, and can talk you through the process and handle it on your behalf once you've accepted your quote.

Question 4

How does POP design a system for my home?

Accepted Answer

We can quickly and easily work out what technology will work best on your home. For solar, we start with a digital assessment to produce a design, recommending the right number of solar panels based on your roof space and energy needs, then match that with a battery to optimise the system. For heat pumps, the process is similar: we use your existing EPC data to generate a digital estimate and recommend a suitable system and running temperature, then (if it looks viable) do an assessment of your home's heat loss.

Question 5

How long is the installation process?

Accepted Answer

Solar and battery: generally two days. Most of the work happens outside on the roof, and inside we just need to connect into your main consumer unit - not very disruptive. Heat pumps: more involved, and can take up to a week, possibly including a cylinder swap, loft work, or new radiators depending on your current setup.

Question 6

What if something goes wrong? What's the warranty and aftercare process?

Accepted Answer

Each part of your system comes with an individual warranty: 25-year product warranty & 30-year performance warranty on your JA Solar panels; 10-year warranty on your Fox ESS EP5 Battery (5 years plus a 5-year extension included in the price); 10-year warranty on your Fox ESS H1 Inverter; 25-year warranty on your Schletter Roof Hooks (mounting system); and a 2-year Workmanship Warranty covering the installer's work, backed by an Insurance Backed Guarantee - meaning if the business were to go out of business, the warranty is maintained by the insurance provider. The installation work itself is covered under MCS standards, which POP is accredited to. We work with a network of trained local tradespeople who know these systems, and we take responsibility for making things right.

Question 7

Who installs my renewable energy system?

Accepted Answer

We are creating a movement that empowers and upskills local communities whilst making them greener. To do this, we mentor and train local tradespeople (electricians, roofers, plumbers) to develop the necessary skills to carry out home energy transformations. We then provide all the essential certificates (MCS, RECC, NAPIT) and ensure quality control of any system delivered.

Question 8

Do I have to manage my system actively?

Accepted Answer

No. You can be as hands-on or hands-off as you like - the system runs automatically. Some technically-minded customers actively manage import/export to maximise earnings, but most people set it and forget it. We help configure it for your household and are developing digital tools to maximise earnings on your behalf.

Question 9

Is POP only for homeowners? Can I get solar if I don't own my home?

Accepted Answer

Our current focus is owner-occupied homes, but that doesn't rule everything out. If you rent, the direct route of owning your own system isn't available without your landlord's involvement. The best first step is talking to your landlord, since there are financial incentives for them too, including EPC improvements. We're also open to discussing other kinds of projects, from community buildings and schools to flat blocks, as we think homes are the most impactful place to start while policy catches up.

How POP works

From design to switch-on

How does POP do things differently? Street by street

The POP Difference

Trusted installers: MCS accredited, certified B Corp

Flexible & friendly: people-first design for all homes

Survey to switch-on in as little as two weeks

How POP Energy is building community-first energy

What we do

Where we work

Frequently Asked Questions