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What Happens to Solar Power You Don’t Use? What Happens to Solar Power You Don’t Use?Latest NewsRenewables

What Happens to Solar Power You Don’t Use?

If you are considering solar panels, you might wonder what happens when your panels generate more electricity than your home needs. Does that extra solar power simply disappear, or can you make use of it later? The good news is that unused solar power does not necessarily have to go to waste. Depending on your setup, surplus electricity can charge a battery or export to the electricity grid. Understanding where your solar energy goes can help you decide whether solar panels alone are right for you or whether adding battery storage could make your system more flexible. At West Coast…
Westcoast Electrical
September 28, 2026
What Is a G99 Application? G98, G99 and Fast Track Explained What Is a G99 Application? G98, G99 and Fast Track ExplainedLatest NewsRenewables

What Is a G99 Application? G98, G99 and Fast Track Explained

If you are planning solar panels or battery storage, you may have heard your installer mention a G99 application. You might also have come across G98, G100, DNO approval, Fast Track or commissioning documents. It can quickly become confusing. A G99 application is part of the process for connecting certain electricity generating equipment to the electricity distribution network. In many cases, the application must be submitted and accepted before the installation can go ahead. However, not every solar or battery installation needs the same application. Some smaller systems can follow G98. Certain systems may qualify for G99 Fast Track, while…
Westcoast Electrical
September 25, 2026
Is It Worth Getting Solar Panels Before Winter? Is It Worth Getting Solar Panels Before Winter?Latest NewsRenewables

Is It Worth Getting Solar Panels Before Winter?

As autumn arrives, you might wonder whether it is worth getting solar panels before winter, or whether you should wait until spring. After all, the days are getting shorter, the weather is changing and solar generation will naturally be lower during the winter months. However, solar panels are a long term home energy investment. Therefore, it makes more sense to look at expected generation across the whole year rather than judging a solar PV system by its winter performance alone. Installing solar panels during autumn can also mean your system is already generating electricity before spring and summer arrive. So,…
Westcoast Electrical
September 21, 2026
Is Your Home Ready for an EV Charger? Is Your Home Ready for an EV Charger?Latest NewsRenewables

Is Your Home Ready for an EV Charger?

If you are considering a home EV charger installation, you may be wondering whether your property is actually ready for one. Do you need a new consumer unit? Is your electrical supply large enough? Where will the cable go? These are all common questions we receive from customers before they book an installation. The good news is that many UK homes can accommodate an EV charger. However, every property is different. Therefore, we carry out the appropriate checks before installation to make sure the proposed charger and electrical work are suitable for your home. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables,…
Westcoast Electrical
September 18, 2026
Do Solar Panels Need Servicing? Do Solar Panels Need Servicing?Latest NewsRenewables

Do Solar Panels Need Servicing?

Do solar panels need servicing? Not in the same way as a boiler, car or air-source heat pump. There is no annual oil change, filter replacement or traditional service required for the panels themselves. In fact, solar panels are relatively simple pieces of equipment with no moving parts. However, that does not mean a solar PV system should be installed and completely forgotten about. The panels are only one part of the installation. Your inverter, isolators, cabling, mounting system and, where installed, battery storage all form part of the wider system. Therefore, while the panels themselves need very little attention,…
Westcoast Electrical
September 14, 2026
Are Plug In Solar Panels Safe? What UK Homeowners Need to Know Are Plug In Solar Panels Safe? What UK Homeowners Need to KnowLatest NewsRenewables

Are Plug In Solar Panels Safe? What UK Homeowners Need to Know

Plug in solar panels are now legal to buy and use in the UK, giving more households an opportunity to generate some of their own electricity. However, if you have seen these lower cost systems advertised, you may be wondering: are plug in solar panels safe, and how do they compare with professionally installed rooftop solar? For some households, plug in solar could be a useful option. In particular, it may appeal to renters, people living in flats or those without suitable roof space. However, homeowners with a suitable roof should understand the significant differences between an 800W plug in…
Westcoast Electrical
September 7, 2026
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for a 3 Bedroom House? How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for a 3 Bedroom House?Latest NewsRenewables

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for a 3 Bedroom House?

If you are wondering how many solar panels do I need for a 3-bedroom house, you might expect there to be a standard number. In reality, the number of bedrooms only tells us a small part of the story. Two three bedroom homes can use very different amounts of electricity. For example, one property might have two people who are out at work during the day. Another could have a family of four, an electric vehicle, an air source heat pump and somebody working from home. Therefore, at West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we look at your actual electricity consumption,…
Westcoast Electrical
September 4, 2026
How Do I Know If My House Needs Rewiring? How Do I Know If My House Needs Rewiring?Latest NewsRenewables

How Do I Know If My House Needs Rewiring?

If you are asking, does my house need rewiring, there may already be something about your electrics that has caught your attention. Perhaps your property has an older fuse box, you have noticed damaged sockets, or you simply do not know when the wiring was last updated. Whatever the reason, understanding the condition of your electrical installation is important. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we carry out electrical testing, fault finding and house rewires across Blackpool and the surrounding areas. Every property is different. Therefore, rather than judging an electrical installation on age alone, we look at its condition,…
Westcoast Electrical
September 2, 2026
Why Your Electricity Usage Matters More Than the Number of Solar Panels Why Your Electricity Usage Matters More Than the Number of Solar PanelsLatest NewsRenewables

Why Your Electricity Usage Matters More Than the Number of Solar Panels

When people start looking into solar panels, one of the first questions they often ask is, “How many solar panels do I need?” It sounds like the obvious place to start. However, the number of panels on your roof only tells part of the story. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we look closely at your electricity usage before designing a solar PV system. How much electricity you use, when you use it and how your energy needs could change in the future can all influence the system that suits your home. Two similar houses could have completely different energy…
Westcoast Electrical
August 31, 2026
Can I Add More Solar Panels to a New Build Home? Can I Add More Solar Panels to a New Build Home?Latest NewsRenewables

Can I Add More Solar Panels to a New Build Home?

If you have bought a new build with solar already installed, you may be wondering whether the original system is enough for your household. Many new homes now include solar PV as part of their energy efficient design. However, the system installed by the developer may not always reflect the amount of electricity your family will actually use. So, can you add more solar panels to a new build home? In many cases, yes. Depending on the existing system, available roof space and electrical setup, you may be able to increase your solar capacity. You could also consider battery storage,…
Westcoast Electrical
August 28, 2026