Question 1

Do I need planning permission to install solar in Sussex?

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 some exceptions to this across Sussex: → Some local councils use Article 4 to remove Permitted Development rights,→ Permitted Development rights don’t apply in the South Downs National Park,→ Homes in conservation areas typically need permission for panels visible from the road,→ Listed buildings need separate consent. We have experience in applying for planning permission for houses in conservation areas, the South Downs and in Article 4 areas so can explain the process and handle it for you once you’ve accepted your quote.

Question 2

Can I install solar if I live in a conservation area in Sussex?

Accepted Answer

In general, yes you can install solar if you live in a conservation area, but the panels can’t face the road or or be visible on a principal or side elevation. However, there are different rules and considerations within different councils, and sometimes you can get permission.We’ve installed solar panels in conservation areas in Sussex so can explain the restrictions your house may face, and how we can either design a system around it or apply for planning permission.

Question 3

How does installing with BHESCO compare to installing with POP directly?

Accepted Answer

The BHESCo project is for specific neighbourhoods (first Preston Park, with more in the pipeline) who get solar fitted at no or a low upfront cost (funded by a community share offer), and pay a reduced rate for the energy generated on their roof. This is a great option at lower upfront cost for households in these areas. Working with POP means you can get a design no matter where in Brighton (or Sussex) you live, you’ll own your system outright,  and can arrange installation on your terms.

Question 4

Will solar work on my home? What if my roof isn't south-facing?

Accepted Answer

Solar works on most homes. East-, west-, or south-facing roofs are all good candidates, so your roof doesn't need to face south to get solar. As solar panel costs have dropped dramatically (a 500W panel is now roughly £100, compared to £800 for an 80W panel in 1999) we can install more panels on slightly less-optimal orientations and still make the numbers work. Flat roofs, or features like dormers, can reduce the available space, and Conservation Areas can be a bit more complicated, but complications don't mean it's impossible: we've installed systems on a wide variety of homes and community buildings where people now import virtually nothing from the grid. Where a roof is more complex, a battery combined with a smart energy tariff can still deliver meaningful savings, even without a full solar array. The best first step is a free design for your home, so you can see what's possible.

Question 5

How is a heat pump better than my boiler?

Accepted Answer

Heat pumps are generally three to four times more efficient than a gas boiler: a gas boiler converts 1 unit of energy into around 0.9 units of heat, while a heat pump converts 1 unit into 3-4 units of heat. Electric heating like panel or immersion heaters sits in between, at around 96-100% efficient, so still less efficient than a heat pump. Heat pumps run on electricity, not gas, so they have lower emissions, though on a standard tariff they can be more expensive to run day-to-day, and much cheaper if you have solar installed too. Boilers have a lower upfront cost, but society is moving towards heat pumps, so it's an investment in the future, and the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant (£9,000 if you use heating oil) helps bring that cost down.

Question 6

Can I run my house on renewable energy during a power outage or blackout?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you get something called islanding (or as one of our customers called it, the zombie switch). Islanding is a piece of hardware that disconnects your house from the grid if there's a power outage: whether that's a tree falling on the wires, or a local blackout. If you have islanding included in your system, you'll be able to operate off your battery, even if the power is down. You can explore what this looks like on your home with an estimate.

Question 7

Would a heat pump work on my home?

Accepted Answer

Generally, heat pumps will work on most homes. As part of the survey process, we run heat loss calculations that help us work out how well a heat pump would warm your home, and whether any other changes (such as new, larger radiators, or increased insulation) are needed for your heat pump to operate optimally. There are currently £7,500 grants (£9,000 if you use heating oil) through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to help with these costs, available until 31 March 2027.

Question 8

How heavy are the panels? Is my roof strong enough?

Accepted Answer

An average panel weighs 18-22 kg, so an average solar array does add some weight to a roof, but it is spread out. As part of our design process, we take a roof survey where we assess how structurally sound your roof is. This is so that we are sure that your roof is strong enough for the system we've designed. We can always change the design to make sure it's suitable after the survey. We will always discuss anything we uncover with you, and work with expert tradespeople including roofers to make sure that any change made to your home brings benefits, not backaches!

Question 9

What are my options for funding a renewables system?

Accepted Answer

There are a few pathways, depending on what works best for you. If you have the means to invest, self-funding is the simplest way to start saving on bills straight away, typically paying back in 4-12 years with savings continuing for 25 years or more. Several mortgage lenders offer financing help too: Nationwide offers interest-free additional borrowing of £5,000-£20,000 over 2 or 5 years for eligible green improvements, Halifax and Lloyds offer £1,000 cashback for solar and battery installations, Barclays offers £500 cashback via the Greener Home Reward, and Skipton, Coventry, Leeds and Co-Operative Bank offer discounted green borrowing. For heat pumps specifically, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 grants (£9,000 if you currently use heating oil), available until 31 March 2027. We're also developing a community subscription model through a locally-owned cooperative, which would let households get a system installed at low or no upfront cost and pay it back monthly over time, with the money staying in a local fund to lend within the community. If your priority is waiting for government subsidies or loans, the Warm Homes Plan's consumer loan scheme and any future street-level programmes could be significant, though timelines aren't yet confirmed. The funding landscape changes frequently, so your best bet is to request an estimate and let our team walk you through what's currently available to you

Solar PV, Battery & Heat Pump Installers in Sussex

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

What renewable technology does POP offer in Sussex?

Solar PV Panels

Heat Pumps

Battery

EV Charger

Why solar works well in Sussex

Where POP Energy has been operating in Sussex

Brighton

Lewes

Forest Row

Ringmer

Hassocks

Steyning

How POP Energy is building community-first energy