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Does My Consumer Unit Need Upgrading for Solar Panels? Does My Consumer Unit Need Upgrading for Solar Panels?ElectricalLatest NewsRenewables

Does My Consumer Unit Need Upgrading for Solar Panels?

If you are considering solar PV, you might be wondering whether your existing fuse box is suitable. A consumer unit upgrade for solar panels is not automatically required. However, your electrical installation does need to be assessed before solar PV is connected. The condition, age and configuration of your existing consumer unit can all affect what work is needed. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we are both electrical contractors and renewable energy installers. Therefore, we can look at the complete electrical installation rather than considering the solar panels in isolation. Some properties are already suitable for solar PV. Others…
Westcoast Electrical
October 21, 2026
Can I Add Battery Storage to Solar Panels on a new-build home? Can I Add Battery Storage to Solar Panels on a new-build home?Latest NewsRenewables

Can I Add Battery Storage to Solar Panels on a new-build home?

If you have moved into a new-build property with solar panels already installed, you may be wondering whether you can add a battery. Battery storage for new-build solar is becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners who want to make greater use of the electricity their existing solar PV system generates. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we carry out battery only installations on new build properties where solar PV is already in place. In some homes, the existing solar array provides a suitable starting point for adding battery storage. However, other properties may also have unused roof space that…
Westcoast Electrical
October 19, 2026
Can I Charge a Home Battery on a Cheap Overnight Tariff? https://westcoastelectrical.uk/ev-charger-installers-blackpoolLatest NewsRenewables

Can I Charge a Home Battery on a Cheap Overnight Tariff?

Yes, you can charge a home battery overnight if you have a compatible battery system and electricity tariff. In fact, home battery storage is no longer just about storing electricity generated by solar panels. Many households now use their battery alongside a time-of-use tariff to take advantage of cheaper electricity at certain times of the day. The basic idea is simple. Your battery charges when electricity is cheaper, often overnight. Then, when electricity becomes more expensive, your home can use energy stored in the battery instead of drawing as much electricity from the grid. However, there is more to consider…
Westcoast Electrical
October 16, 2026
How Do I Know If My Solar Panels Are Working Properly? How Do I Know If My Solar Panels Are Working Properly?Latest NewsRenewables

How Do I Know If My Solar Panels Are Working Properly?

If you already have solar panels, you may occasionally wonder whether they are generating as much energy as they should. Solar panel performance naturally changes throughout the day and across the seasons. Therefore, seeing lower generation does not automatically mean there is a problem. However, knowing what to look for can help you spot unusual changes early. Your monitoring app, inverter and electricity usage can all provide useful information about how your system is performing. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we install solar PV and battery storage systems across Blackpool, Poulton le Fylde, Thornton Cleveleys, Lytham St Annes, Preston…
Westcoast Electrical
October 12, 2026
Should You Get the Electrics Checked Before Buying a House? Should You Get the Electrics Checked Before Buying a House?Latest NewsRenewables

Should You Get the Electrics Checked Before Buying a House?

Buying a house is a big investment, so it makes sense to understand the condition of the property before you commit. However, one area that can sometimes get overlooked is the electrical installation. Should you get the electrics checked before buying a house? While an electrical inspection is not always a requirement when purchasing a property, it can give you useful information about the condition and safety of the electrical system. This can be particularly relevant when buying an older property. Across Blackpool, Poulton le Fylde, Thornton Cleveleys, Lytham St Annes and the surrounding Lancashire areas, there are many homes…
Westcoast Electrical
October 7, 2026
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