FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Clear Advice. Helpful Information. Confidence in Your Decisions.
At Quinn Energy Limited, we understand that choosing a new energy system for your home can raise plenty of questions.
Whether you're considering Solar PV, exploring battery storage or replacing your gas boiler, we're here to help you understand your options.
We've answered some of the questions homeowners ask us most frequently.
If you can't find the information you're looking for, our friendly team will be happy to help.
SOLAR PV — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BATTERY STORAGE — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GAS BOILER INSTALLATIONS — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do solar panels work in Scotland?
Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight rather than relying entirely on direct sunshine.
They can produce electricity on cloudy days, although generation will vary depending on weather conditions, daylight hours and the time of year.
Solar generation is typically higher during spring and summer and lower during winter.
Will solar panels reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can help reduce the amount of electricity you purchase from the grid by generating electricity for your home.
Your actual savings will depend on your system size, electricity consumption, generation levels, electricity tariff and how much solar electricity you use.
Quinn Energy can provide personalised generation and estimated electricity savings information as part of your quotation.
How many solar panels will I need?
The number of panels depends on your electricity consumption, available roof space, roof orientation and the capacity of the proposed system.
We assess your property and energy requirements before recommending a suitable installation.
Do I need a south-facing roof?
No. Although south-facing roofs often provide strong annual generation, east- and west-facing roofs can also be suitable.
Your roof orientation, pitch and shading will influence the system design and expected generation.
Can solar panels generate electricity in winter?
Yes. Solar panels continue generating electricity during winter daylight hours.
However, shorter days and lower sunlight levels mean winter generation is generally lower than summer generation.
Will I still need electricity from the grid?
Most homes with Solar PV remain connected to the electricity grid.
You can continue purchasing electricity when your panels aren't generating enough to meet your household's needs.
What happens to electricity I don't use?
Surplus solar electricity can be stored in a compatible battery or exported to the electricity grid.
Depending on your eligibility and electricity supplier, you may be able to receive payments through an export tariff.
How long do solar panels last?
Many modern solar panels are designed to operate for 25 years or longer, although their output can gradually decrease over time.
Product warranties and performance guarantees vary by manufacturer.
Do solar panels need maintenance?
Solar PV systems generally require relatively little routine maintenance.
However, periodic checks and appropriate maintenance can help identify potential issues and keep the system operating safely and effectively.
Can I monitor how much electricity my panels generate?
Many modern systems include monitoring technology that allows you to view electricity generation and, depending on the equipment, household energy consumption through an app or online platform.
What is home battery storage?
Home battery storage allows electricity to be stored for use at a later time.
When connected to a compatible Solar PV system, a battery can store some of the surplus electricity generated during daylight hours.
This stored electricity can then be used when your solar panels aren't producing enough to meet your home's needs.
Do I need a battery with solar panels?
No. Solar panels can operate without battery storage.
However, a battery can help you make greater use of the electricity your system generates by storing surplus energy for later.
Can I install a battery without solar panels?
Yes. Some battery storage systems can operate independently of Solar PV.
Depending on your electricity tariff and equipment, you may be able to charge your battery using lower-cost grid electricity and use that stored electricity later.
Will battery storage reduce my electricity bills?
Battery storage may help reduce electricity costs by allowing you to use more self-generated solar electricity or, where appropriate, take advantage of different electricity tariff periods.
Actual savings depend on your system, electricity usage, tariffs and charging arrangements.
How long will a home battery power my property?
This depends on the battery's usable storage capacity and the amount of electricity your home is consuming.
For example, a home using several high-powered appliances at once will use stored electricity more quickly than a home with relatively low electricity demand.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels?
In many cases, yes.
Battery storage can often be added to an existing Solar PV installation, although compatibility with your current equipment and electrical arrangements must be assessed.
Can a battery provide electricity during a power cut?
Some battery storage systems can provide backup electricity during a power cut, but this is not a standard feature of every installation.
Backup capability requires suitable equipment and specific electrical arrangements.
We can discuss available options when designing your system.
Where can a home battery be installed?
The appropriate battery location depends on the equipment, property layout, manufacturer requirements and relevant electrical and fire safety guidance.
We assess suitable installation locations before recommending a system.
How long do home batteries last?
Battery lifespan varies depending on the manufacturer, battery technology, operating conditions and charging cycles.
Many manufacturers offer warranties covering a specified number of years or usage conditions.
Can I monitor my battery's performance?
Many modern battery systems offer app-based monitoring.
Depending on the system, you may be able to view stored energy levels, charging activity, electricity consumption and solar generation.
How do I know if my boiler needs replacing?
Signs that your boiler may need attention include frequent breakdowns, unreliable heating, unusual noises, leaks or difficulty maintaining a consistent temperature.
An older boiler may also be less efficient than a suitable modern replacement.
A qualified heating engineer can assess whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
How much does a new gas boiler cost?
The cost depends on the boiler type, property size, installation requirements and whether changes to your existing heating system are needed.
Quinn Energy provides individual quotations based on your property's requirements.
How long does a boiler installation take?
A straightforward boiler replacement may be completed in one day, although some installations take longer.
Moving a boiler, changing the boiler type or modifying pipework can increase the installation time.
We'll explain the anticipated timescale before work begins.
What type of boiler is best for my home?
The most suitable boiler depends on your property, hot water requirements, number of bathrooms and existing heating system.
Common options include combi boilers, system boilers and regular boilers.
We can discuss the available options and recommend a suitable solution.
What is a combi boiler?
A combination boiler, commonly called a combi boiler, provides central heating and heats domestic hot water on demand without needing a separate hot water storage cylinder.
Combi boilers can be suitable for many homes, although the best choice depends on the property's requirements.
Will a new boiler reduce my gas bills?
Replacing an older, less efficient boiler with a suitable modern model may help reduce gas consumption.
However, actual savings depend on your existing boiler, heating controls, household usage, property insulation and gas tariff.
Do new boilers come with a warranty?
New boilers generally come with a manufacturer's warranty, although the length and conditions vary by manufacturer and model.
We'll explain the applicable warranty arrangements as part of your quotation.
Can I control my boiler from my phone?
Many modern heating systems can be paired with compatible smart thermostats.
Depending on the equipment, these may allow you to adjust temperatures, manage schedules and control heating remotely.
Do you install smart heating controls?
Compatible heating controls can be discussed as part of your boiler installation quotation, including programmable thermostats and smart control options where suitable.
Are your boiler installations carried out by Gas Safe registered engineers?
All gas installation work must be carried out by appropriately qualified, Gas Safe registered engineers.
Do you offer finance for boiler installations?
Finance options may be available depending on the arrangements offered at the time of your enquiry.
Any finance offer would be subject to the relevant lender's eligibility criteria, status and affordability checks.
Do you cover Glasgow, Paisley and Renfrewshire?
Yes. Quinn Energy provides boiler installation services across Glasgow, Paisley, Renfrewshire and surrounding areas, subject to availability.
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT QUINN ENERGY
Can I get a free quotation?
Yes. Contact Quinn Energy to arrange a free, no-obligation quotation for Solar PV, Battery Storage or a Gas Boiler Installation.
Which areas do you cover?
We support homeowners across Glasgow, Paisley, Renfrewshire and surrounding areas.
For properties further afield, please contact us to discuss availability.
Can you help me decide which energy solution is suitable?
Yes. We can discuss your property, existing energy arrangements and what you'd like to achieve before recommending appropriate options.
What happens after I request a quote?
Our team will discuss your requirements and arrange any necessary property assessment.
We'll then provide information about suitable options and a quotation outlining the proposed installation.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
WE'RE HERE TO HELP.
Choosing the right energy solution for your home is an important decision.
At Quinn Energy, we believe in providing clear information, professional advice and straightforward quotations so you can make an informed choice.
Whether you're interested in generating your own electricity, storing energy or upgrading your heating system, our team is ready to help.