Question 1

Is the suitability check really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Solar Sidekick suitability check is completely free, with no obligation to proceed with solar, finance or an installation.

Question 2

Does Solar Sidekick install solar panels?

Accepted Answer

No. Solar Sidekick is not an installer. We help you understand whether solar could be suitable for your home and, if you choose to continue, can introduce you to a selected installation partner.

Question 3

Will my details be passed to an installer straight away?

Accepted Answer

No. We’ll first speak with you about your property and options. We only introduce you to a selected installation partner if you agree to the introduction.

Question 4

How quickly will you be in touch?

Accepted Answer

If your home looks like it could be suitable, we’ll get in touch for a quick 5-minute chat to confirm your details and talk through your options. We’ll aim to contact you as soon as we can during our working hours.

Question 5

How does Solar Sidekick get paid?

Accepted Answer

Solar Sidekick may receive a fee from a selected installation partner if you attend an arranged consultation or go ahead with an installation. This does not add to the price you pay.

Question 6

Who are the installation partners?

Accepted Answer

We work with selected solar installation partners who meet the standards we require. They are responsible for carrying out the consultation, providing a system proposal and, if you choose to proceed, installing your solar system.

Question 7

Who can use the check?

Accepted Answer

The check is currently designed for homeowners, joint owners, leaseholders and shared owners of houses and bungalows in mainland England and Wales, including detached, semi-detached and terraced homes and new builds.

Question 8

Can tenants apply?

Accepted Answer

The check is currently intended for people who own, jointly own, or have an eligible ownership interest in their home. If you're a tenant, you’ll need to speak with your landlord about whether solar is an option for the property.

Question 9

What about flats, park homes, listed buildings or thatched roofs?

Accepted Answer

Some property types may require additional considerations or may not be suitable for a standard solar installation. The suitability check will help determine whether your property can be considered.

Question 10

I already have solar. Can I still enquire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Let us know about your existing system during the check. Depending on your current installation and what you're looking to achieve, we can explain whether a new system or additional equipment may be an option.

Question 11

How much will I save?

Accepted Answer

There’s no single answer because it depends on your home, electricity usage, solar system and how much of your generated electricity you use yourself. The selected installation partner can provide a more detailed estimate based on your property.

Question 12

Do I need a battery?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. A battery can store excess solar electricity for use later, but whether one makes sense depends on your home, energy usage and system design.

Question 13

Can I get paid for electricity I export?

Accepted Answer

If you're eligible, you may be able to receive payments for electricity you export to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee. The amount depends on your chosen supplier and tariff.

Question 14

What do you do with my information?

Accepted Answer

We use the information you provide to carry out the suitability check, contact you about your enquiry and, where you agree, arrange an introduction to a selected installation partner. We explain how your information is used in our Privacy Policy.

Question 15

How do I ask you to stop contacting me?

Accepted Answer

You can ask us to stop contacting you at any time. Simply let us know that you no longer want to be contacted and we’ll process your request in line with our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

About the service

Eligibility

Solar and batteries

Your data

Could solar work for your home?