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Solar guides and news
These guides answer the questions homeowners ask before they buy solar. Each one links to its sources. Because we are an independent guide, not an installer, we have nothing to sell you.
What the blog covers
The posts cover the topics that trip people up. Some explain grid connection under G98 and G99, planning permission or VAT on solar, while others cover the Smart Export Guarantee and batteries. Additionally, there are posts on how many panels a home needs and how output differs between UK cities.
Each post opens with a short answer, then explains the detail. Therefore you can stop after the first paragraph, or read on for the reasoning. We keep sentences short and avoid sales language.
New posts appear on a schedule, so the list below grows over time. While older posts keep their original dates, we update a post when a rule changes.
How posts are sourced
Every figure comes from a named source, because a claim you cannot check is not worth much. We use government pages, Ofgem, MCS, the European Commission's PVGIS tool and similar bodies. Where a source could not be read, we say so instead of guessing, since a gap is better than a guess.
However, rules change often. England updated its solar planning rules in August 2026, and VAT on solar changes in April 2027. For that reason, check the date on a post and follow its links for the latest wording.
If you spot a mistake, tell us through the contact page. We fix errors in place, because readers should always see the latest fact. Our editorial policy explains the process.
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Are Solar Batteries Worth It in the UK?
Are solar batteries worth it? See when storage pays off, how to size a battery in kWh and kW, how VAT and grid rules apply, and how to judge a quote fairly.
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Do You Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?
Do solar panels need planning permission? The rules for England, Scotland and Wales, plus conservation areas, listed buildings, flats and the 2026 change.
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G98 vs G99: Connecting Solar Panels to the Grid
G98 or G99? Learn how solar panels and batteries connect to the grid, why combined output matters, and how your installer tells your network operator.
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How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Home?
How many solar panels do you need? Work out your size from yearly use, local PVGIS output and panel rating, then check roof space, cost and your quotes.
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MCS certified solar installers: what it means and how to check
MCS certification is the UK quality mark for solar installs and a condition for Smart Export payments. Learn what it covers and how to check an installer.
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Solar Panel Output in 24 UK Cities: PVGIS Yield Table
How much power solar panels make in 24 UK towns, from PVGIS data. See the yield per kWp in each town, why it varies, and how to use the figures in a quote.
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The Smart Export Guarantee Explained: How SEG Works
How the Smart Export Guarantee pays you for surplus solar power. Learn who can claim, what an export meter is, and how to compare SEG tariffs from suppliers.
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VAT on solar panels and batteries: 0% until 31 March 2027
Solar panels and batteries installed in your home carry 0% VAT until 31 March 2027, then 5%. See what qualifies, what changes and how to check your quote.