Sirius Solar Blog

In this guide, we'll explain what DNO approval is, why it's sometimes required, and what it means for your solar installation.

Modern mounting systems mean solar panels can be installed safely and efficiently on many flat roofs, making them a great choice for homes, extensions, garages, commercial buildings and apartment blocks across the UK.

With energy prices remaining a major concern for households across the UK, many homeowners wonder whether financial support is available before investing in solar panels.

Thanks to the UK's regular rainfall, many solar panel systems naturally stay relatively clean throughout the year. That said, certain conditions can lead to a build-up of dirt, bird droppings, moss or leaves, which may reduce your system's efficiency if left unchecked.

Many homeowners installed solar panels years ago, before home battery storage became widely available or affordable. If that sounds familiar, you may be wondering: "Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels?" The good news is yes—in most cases, you can. Adding battery storage is one of the most popular upgrades homeowners make to their existing solar system. It allows you to store excess electricity generated during the day and use it later, helping you rely less on the

The space beneath roof-mounted solar panels provides warmth, protection from the weather and an ideal nesting location—particularly for pigeons. While this may seem harmless at first, bird activity around your solar panels can lead to noise, mess and even damage if left unchecked.

One of the biggest misconceptions about solar panels is that they'll continue powering your home during a power cut. It seems logical, if your solar panels are producing electricity, surely your lights should stay on? Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple.

One of the biggest advantages of installing solar panels is that you don't have to use every unit of electricity as it's generated. If your solar panels produce more electricity than your home needs, the excess energy doesn't have to go to waste. Instead, it can be exported back to the National Grid, and in many cases, you can be paid for it. This is made possible through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). In this guide, we'll explain how the Smart Export Guarantee works, who

Most domestic solar panel installations in the UK fall under Permitted Development Rights, meaning you can install them without submitting a planning application. However, there are several important exceptions that every homeowner should understand before proceeding.

When considering solar panels, many homeowners focus on reducing their electricity bills. However, there's another major benefit that's often overlooked: the potential to increase your property's value.

For many homeowners, one of the biggest concerns about switching to solar energy is simply not knowing what the installation process actually involves. Questions like: How long does solar installation take? Will the roof be damaged? What happens inside the house? Do I need scaffolding? How does battery storage get connected? …are extremely common. The good news is that modern solar panel installation is usually far more straightforward than many people expect. In this guide,

Commercial solar installation is growing rapidly across the UK as businesses look for ways to reduce electricity costs, improve energy efficiency, and gain greater control over long term operating expenses. Warehouses, farms, and industrial units are particularly well suited to commercial solar because they often have: Large roof spaces High daytime electricity usage Significant operational energy demands Long term property ownership Strong return on investment potential As e

As battery storage technology continues growing across the UK, more homeowners are now looking beyond the Tesla Powerwall when researching solar battery systems. While Tesla remains one of the most recognised names within renewable energy, many homeowners are discovering that there are several excellent alternatives available that may better suit their property, energy usage, budget, or installation goals. Battery storage has become one of the biggest developments within the

As energy prices continue rising across the UK, more homeowners and developers are looking at ways to make properties more energy efficient from the very beginning. This is one of the main reasons solar panels are becoming increasingly common on new build homes throughout the UK. Modern buyers are no longer just looking at kitchens, flooring, and layout when purchasing a property. Energy efficiency, long term running costs, and EPC ratings are now becoming major decision maki

One of the biggest questions homeowners ask before investing in solar energy is how long the system will actually last. After all, solar panels and battery storage are long term investments. People want to know whether the savings, efficiency, and performance will continue well into the future. The good news is that modern solar technology is designed to operate for many years when installed correctly and maintained properly. Most solar panel systems continue generating elect

One of the most common questions homeowners ask before investing in solar panels is whether their roof is actually suitable for solar installation. The good news is that many UK properties are suitable for solar panels, even if the roof is not considered “perfect”. Advances in solar technology and installation methods mean systems can now work effectively across a wide range of roof types and property styles. However, some roofs naturally perform better than others when it co

As electricity prices continue rising across the UK, more homeowners are starting to ask the same question: Can you realistically run a house mostly off grid using solar panels and battery storage? The answer is yes, to a certain extent. While completely disconnecting from the National Grid is still difficult for most UK homes, modern solar panel systems combined with battery storage can dramatically reduce reliance on external electricity suppliers. For many households, the

With electricity prices remaining unpredictable across the UK, more homeowners in Doncaster are now seriously considering solar panel installation as a long-term investment rather than just an environmental decision. But one of the biggest questions people still ask is simple: Are solar panels actually worth it in Doncaster? The short answer is yes, for many homes, solar panels can significantly reduce electricity bills, improve energy independence, and provide long-term fina

Solar panels have become a popular choice for UK homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. But how do the costs and savings really add up over the next 10 years? This post explores the financial impact of installing solar panels compared to not having them, helping you understand what you might pay or save in the long run.

Solar panels are often associated with sunny summer days, but many homeowners in the UK wonder if they still work effectively during the colder, darker winter months. Understanding how solar panels perform in winter is essential for anyone considering solar energy or already using it. This post explores how solar panels generate power in UK winters, what factors affect their output, and what you can realistically expect from their performance.