FAQ

About Solar Panels

Why buy solar panels?

Solar panels help you save on energy costs for your home or business. They are also a great alternative to traditional generators: silent, odourless, and fuel-free.

How many panels do I need?

It depends on your energy needs — your monthly consumption, location, and available roof space. On average, a household needs 15–30 panels to cover 100% of its electricity use.

Do I need constant sunshine for solar panels to work?

No. Solar panels work on cloudy days — just at reduced output. On an overcast day, output typically falls by 20–40% compared to full sun.

Do I need to worry about snow on solar panels?

No. Solar panels are designed to withstand heavy snow loads. Snow usually slides off on its own once the panels warm up.

How long will my solar panels last?

The average lifespan of solar panels is 25–30 years. After that, they will still produce electricity — just at slightly reduced output.

Can solar panels increase the value of my home?

Yes. Installing solar panels can potentially increase home value by up to 4%.

Will my solar system pay for itself?

Yes. The payback period depends on your electricity tariff, available incentives, and system cost. Most residential systems in Europe pay for themselves within 7–12 years and continue generating savings for the remaining 15–20+ years of their lifespan.

How is a solar system going to earn me money?

You save money by consuming your own solar electricity instead of buying it from the grid. In many EU countries, you can also sell surplus energy back to the grid under a feed-in tariff or net metering scheme. The applicable rate depends on your country and utility provider.

My location has frequent overcast weather — does solar still make sense?

Yes. Solar panels perform well in northern and central European climates. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium have significant installed solar capacity despite their climate. Cold and clear days can actually be more productive than hot summer days, as heat reduces panel efficiency.

Ordering & Payment

How much do solar panels cost?

Panel prices depend on the brand, wattage, and order quantity. All prices are shown excluding VAT. VAT is handled separately and will be confirmed at the time of order. B2B customers in EU member states may be eligible for VAT reverse charge.

Is there a minimum order size?

For delivery orders, a minimum quantity may apply depending on the product and destination. There is no minimum for quote requests — contact us to discuss your project.

How can I pay?

We accept credit and debit cards and SEPA transfers.

Do you offer solar financing?

We do not offer financing directly. We recommend contacting your local bank or a green energy financing provider for loan options available in your country.

Why am I asked to complete identity verification (KYC)?

KYC (Know Your Customer) is part of our fraud prevention system. If our system flags a potential issue with a payment, we will ask you to verify your identity. The process is carried out by a third-party service; we do not receive your personal data. If you prefer not to complete KYC, you can pay by bank transfer instead.

Shipping & Delivery

Which countries do you ship to?

We ship to EU member states and other European countries.

How long does delivery take?

We typically prepare your order for dispatch within 48 hours. Delivery to most EU destinations takes 5–10 business days depending on your location. You will receive tracking information once your order ships.

What if I receive damaged goods?

Do not worry — transit damage occasionally happens. If your delivery arrives damaged:

  1. Take photographs of the damaged items before unpacking further.
  2. Note all visible damage on the delivery receipt and inform the carrier at the time of delivery.
  3. Contact us at [email protected] with your order number and photos within 48 hours of delivery.

We will work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Returns & Right of Withdrawal

Can I return my order?

As a consumer purchasing online, you have the right to withdraw from your contract within 14 calendar days of receiving your goods, without giving any reason. See our Right of Withdrawal page for full details on how to exercise this right and the return procedure.

Products that were specially ordered or custom-configured may be exempt from the right of withdrawal. Where an exception applies, it will be clearly noted on the product page before you place your order.

What if my product arrives not as described?

Under EU law, you are entitled to a 2-year statutory conformity guarantee from A1 SolarStore as the seller. If a product does not conform to what was described or agreed at the time of purchase, contact us at [email protected].

Warranty

What guarantees do solar panels come with?

Solar panels typically come with two types of manufacturer warranty: a product (equipment) warranty (commonly 10–30 years) and a performance warranty (commonly 25–30 years).

Please note: some manufacturers may void their warranty if the product was not installed by a certified contractor. Check the manufacturer's warranty conditions before proceeding with installation.

What if equipment breaks down before the warranty expires?

Contact the equipment manufacturer directly. Many manufacturers offer remote diagnostics and technical support. We can supply proof-of-purchase documents to support your claim — contact [email protected].

Solar System Design

How much power will my system produce?

There are two figures to understand: DC power (the combined rated output of all panels) and AC production (the usable electricity after conversion losses). Due to positioning, shading, and conversion inefficiencies, AC production is typically 20–25% lower than the system's DC rating.

Does solar panel efficiency decrease over time?

Yes, gradually. Panel output degrades by approximately 0.5–0.7% per year. Premium panels from some manufacturers degrade as slowly as 0.25% annually.

Can I mix different panels in one system?

It is not recommended. Mixing panels with different specifications causes some to underperform and can lead to technical issues. It may also affect warranty validity and system approval.

Do solar panels work during power outages?

A standard grid-tied inverter shuts down automatically during a power outage — this is a safety requirement. A hybrid inverter with battery storage can switch your home to autonomous operation.

I want to replace a few panels in my existing system. Can you help?

Lower-output panels (below 350W) that match older systems are not always in stock, as manufacturers have largely shifted production to higher-output modules. Contact us at [email protected] with your existing panel specifications and we will advise on the best replacement option.

Can you recommend an installer in my area?

We do not currently have a directory of certified installers in Europe. We recommend checking with your national solar energy association or local authorities for certified professionals in your region.

Do you handle permits?

Solar installation permits are issued by local authorities (municipalities, grid operators, etc.). We do not provide permitting services, but we can supply product documentation that may be required for your permit application.

How long does a solar installation take?

For a professional installer, a standard residential rooftop PV system typically takes one to three days to install.

How much roof space do I need?

It depends on your target energy output and the panels you choose. As a rough guide, a standard 400W panel occupies approximately 2 m². A 6 kW system would require around 30 m² of usable roof space. High-efficiency panels can reduce the space needed.

Can I install solar panels on the ground, or on a boat or caravan?

Yes — solar panels can be installed anywhere that receives adequate sunlight and allows secure mounting. Panels rated between 400–500W are typically designed for residential rooftop use; modules above 500W are generally suited to commercial ground-mounted installations.

Is separate mounting equipment required?

Yes. Panels require mounting frames or brackets appropriate for your roof or installation type. We sell solar panels only — mounting hardware is not included and is sourced separately. Your installer or a specialist supplier can advise on the right mounting system for your roof type.

Which direction should panels face?

In Europe, panels should face true south for maximum annual output. East- or west-facing installations also work well, with a modest reduction in total yield.

Why did my system output drop in summer?

Solar panels lose efficiency in high heat — output decreases by approximately 0.4% per °C above 25°C. On a very hot summer day, a panel may produce around 10% less than its rated output. This is normal.

I connected panels together but the voltage is low. What is wrong?

You may have connected the panels in parallel. In a parallel configuration, voltages remain the same but currents add up. To increase voltage, connect panels in series — in that configuration voltages add up while current remains constant. Consult your inverter's documentation for the correct wiring configuration.

Still have questions?

Email us and our team will be happy to help!

Contact Us