Yorkshire’s highest rated solar energy specialists
ASK has built a business on quality and reliability for every customer
A company who pride themselves on delivering QUALITY every time
Efficient, effective, value for money, process from quotation to following up
A modern technical business with old fashioned values
ASK Renewables specialises in personalised sustainable energy solutions, offering expertise from a dedicated team including technical experts and customer service champions. We focus on understanding your needs, ensuring a perfect fit for your home with expert guidance towards a greener future. Our approach replaces salespeople with expert surveyors, guaranteeing satisfaction and support in your journey to energy independence. Choose us for a trusted, rewarding transition to clean power.
Take charge of your own power. Contact ASK for a quote now.
Highly Recommended - couldn't be better
Ask Renewables was the 3rd company that we approached to fit solar panels on our house and I am so glad that we choose them after 2 failed attempts with other contractors. I can’t praise them enough. They checked what we wanted and what we needed; they listened before drawing up a plan. The plan was excellent and exceptionally well-priced. The installation was smooth and timely, they literally worked around a garden full of honeybees. I couldn’t quite believe that after more than two years of trying we had solar panels and an effective battery system. The system links with our current energy providers solar tariff and we have already seen our electricity bills cut by a good 70%. On the few sunny days since the installation in February we have seen our 9Kwh battery full before midday and even on the frequent dull days the power has covered most of our household usage. The real bonus is that our system contributes to the grid, every bit helps to make the UK greener! The company deserves its “Which Best Trader” listing. It is rare to find such kindness, efficiency and competitiveness all in one company.
Quality products efficiently installed with great advice and ongoing support
I have had a 14 panel system fitted with 2 batteries and 6 optimisers. In addition I have had bird guards fitted on the panels as well as some plug points to the batteries. The service has been brilliant. I got a personal visit to my property for a proper assessment of what would be best and loads of time spent with me. I was not chased too much for a sale and took a few weeks to discuss, research and get the best set up and deal for me. Install was quick and efficient and the help from the ASK team on everything including tariffs and operating the system has been first class.
Solar panel installation
I have recently had solar panels, batteries and and inverter installed by Ask renewables, and would highly recommend them to anyone. They were very professional throughout and I am extremely happy with the system they installed. The process went through very smoothly, and felt the advice offered at each step, including checking if I had any issues and advice about how to get the most out of the system, was very useful.
7kw Lux Hybrid Inverter, 3x 9.4kw Hanchu Batteries & 22 Solar panel install
After being quoted by a few different companies for Tesla, GivEnergy and Sunsync products, we decided to go with Tom Matthews at Ask Renewables & the Luxpower system. Tom/Ask Renewables were the only company that came well prepared to answer questions (with datasheets, etc), carry out a roof inspection and a shading analysis. Tom designed a system to our specific requirements which was a high kw inverter that could do a full house back-up during a power cut. After taking a couple of months for our DNO to be approved by Northern PowerGrid, Ask Renewables were quick to come and fit our system once we got the go-ahead. The site installers, Dino and Liam, came and did a neat and tidy job. The system has not disappointed at all. By strange coincidence we have had 2 3-hour power cuts since the install date and we were able to carry on as normal during these outages. We are taking advantage of charging the batteries during the Octopus Flux cheap rate and discharging them during the Octopus Flux peak rate. I want to thank the team at Ask Renewables (Tom, Samantha, Karyn, Dino & Liam) for supplying the system. Also, special thanks to Ed who has supported us after installation and has quickly dealt with any issues we have had.
Solar Install Update - 6 months later
Having obtained three quotes to install solar panels on the south facing roof of our bungalow, plus battery storage, I feel compelled to give an update for those considering their options/installers. One of the companies we spoke with shone (no pun) from the start – Ask Renewables. Their first contact was great, the surveyor actually knew his stuff (unlike one company that used Google Earth to quote…) and their price was competitive. The only thing they got wrong was their calculation for Return on Investment – it was way too pessimistic! We are currently in winter, heating on (heat pump installation in the pipeline), and our Direct Debit to Octopus Energy is £1 per month having built up a large export credit during the summer. We are still exploring energy on the sunnier days, and with smart tariffs we can earn more than we pay. Did I mention we also run an EV? The point of this review is to give a big shout out to the team at Ask Renewables Ltd, they guided us on our solar journey without any sales pressure (unlike the other companies we spoke with) and, as someone with experience with tradesmen, their team were polite, skilled and efficient. I’m utterly confident that, in the unlikely event we have an issue, Ask Renewables will be there. I should point out that our system consisted of 20 x 400w panels on a south facing roof which, for our three bedroom bungalow is a lot, hence our amazing results. My tip? Fit as many panels as you can from the start.
Great Company
I had 13 solar panels fitted and a 9.6kWh battery. Ask Renewables were competitive on price and every aspect of their customer service was superb, whether pre-installation, the actual installation or post-installation. Everything was done to budget and on time or sooner. Any time I have had cause to contact them since installation their response has been immediate and has solved my query or problem. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Excellent service - highly recommended
I contacted Ask Renewables for a quotation for solar panels, plus battery storage because of its “Which? Trusted Traders” status. I wasn’t disappointed. Every aspect of the service provided was top class: initial email/telephone communication; quality of advice during the initial survey; follow-up communication; efficiency of installation (10 panels plus battery storage all in one day); after-sales support (I had a few technical questions about the app). I was so impressed with my initial contact, survey and quote that I didn’t even bother to get a quotation from another company. 8 months on I’m really happy with the installation. There have been no problems and I’m saving a significant amount of money in terms of electricity costs. I wish I’d done it years ago. I’ve arranged for additional battery storage to be added later this month so that my savings will be even greater this year. TIP: Pay extra for micro-inverters and go for the maximum battery storage.
Friendly , professional and efficient
After researching solar panels and providers I opted for South Yorkshire based company ASK Renewables. Not the cheapest but excellent reviews. Also they did not use Tesla batteries ( I refuse to buy from that company due to its founder!) From the initial phone call to the final follow up the service from ASK has been exemplary. My main contact, Tom, is knowledgeable and explains things well. He is easy to contact and I felt reassured at every stage. I have waited 9 months to review to make sure everything was working well; it is. Tom has been a great help after installation in helping me to get the most out of the panels and how I utilise them. Very time a date was given for survey, scaffolding or installation they were here on time. The installation crew were great. They were friendly and tidy. I was amazed at Liam’s agility and skill doing all the roof work. Dino who was the electrician who installs the inverter and batteries explained everything well and did a very tidy job. He set the system up as well as helping me to sort out the LuX Power App. Ask also have the ability to see how the units are working which was reassuring. I then changed easily to a power company that provides an excellent tariff for exploring any excess electricity. Having just compared my Nov-Jan usage for last 3 years our import of electricity, even in these winter months was down 25% . In Summer it was much higher and I had a net gain on my electricity bills; in peak 2 months, using 90% solar.
Frequently ASKed Questions
Do I need to tell my electricity supplier?
While you don’t need to tell your electricity supplier about your solar panels, informing your electricity supplier can lead to adjustments in your direct debit due to reduced grid electricity usage, access to preferential tariffs for solar PV owners, and eligibility for an export tariff or Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) for surplus electricity generated. A smart metre installation by your supplier may be required for the export tariff.
Who do I need to tell about my solar panels?
Your District Network Operator (DNO) should be informed. For systems with an inverter size of 3.68kw or less, a G98 notification is sufficient and we’ll handle this under a fit and inform basis meaning we can install in as little as 10 days from receiving a signed order from you. Systems with inverters over 3.68kw require a G99 application, which can take up to 45 working days to process. Your installer will manage this process, but please note you should wait for the DNO response before installing your PV system.
Do solar panels need planning consent?
In most cases, solar panels fall under permitted development so you do not need to make a
planning application. There are exceptions, if you live in a listed building, an area of
outstanding natural beauty, a conservation area or a World Heritage site you may need
planning consent, you should make these enquiries before agreeing to an installation.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels are designed for durability and longevity, with top-tier, monocrystalline solar panels often coming with manufacturer warranties that guarantee their product for 15 to 20 years or more. This assurance reflects the robustness of solar panels, which, thanks to having no moving parts, are remarkably long lasting. However, it is natural for solar panels to experience a slight decrease in efficiency over their lifespan.
An exemplary testament to the durability of solar panels is a PV system installed by the SUPSI PV Lab in Switzerland in 1982, which remains operational and continues to generate electricity effectively to this day. For more insights into their long-standing research and achievements in solar energy, visit SUPSI PV Lab.
When investing in a solar PV system, consider it a commitment of at least twenty years. During this period, it’s likely that the inverter, a key component of the system, will need to be replaced to maintain optimal functionality and efficiency.
Is a solar panel installation disruptive?
The installation of a solar panel system is generally not considered to be disruptive. This perspective is supported by feedback from readers of Which? Magazine, where 94% of those who had a PV system installed in the last decade reported the process to be minimally intrusive.
The installation process does require some preparation and infrastructure, such as the erection of scaffolding a few days prior to the installation. However, the actual installation of the solar panels typically concludes within a single day. Following the installation, the scaffolding is usually removed within 7 to 10 days. This efficient and streamlined process ensures that homeowners can transition to solar energy with minimal impact on their daily lives, making the switch to renewable energy both convenient and straightforward.
What are the initial costs involved in installing solar panels?
When considering the installation of solar panels, it’s important to understand the associated initial costs. A key point to note is that a reputable and established solar panel installer typically does not request upfront payments for standard installations, except under specific circumstances that involve considerable preparatory work. Such scenarios might include necessary ground works for laying cables before the actual installation can commence.
For domestic, residential solar panel systems, the process should begin with a comprehensive assessment of your property. This involves an in-person survey conducted by the installer to evaluate your home’s suitability for solar panels and to identify the optimal setup for your energy needs. Following this evaluation, the installer should provide you with a detailed, bespoke quote tailored to your specific situation. Importantly, this initial survey and the quotation process are offered free of charge by reputable service providers. This approach ensures transparency and allows homeowners to make informed decisions without the pressure of upfront financial commitments.
Can I benefit from government grants or incentives for solar panel installation?
Yes, you can benefit from government grants or incentives for installing solar panels through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The SEG requires energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers to offer export tariffs to households in England, Scotland, and Wales. These tariffs compensate you for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity your solar panels generate but don’t use, which is then fed back into the grid.
The compensation rates vary significantly among utility companies, ranging from as low as 1p to as high as 20p per kWh. Some schemes, like the Octopus Agile Outgoing, may offer more but with fluctuating rates every half-hour. It’s essential to research and select the most advantageous tariff available to maximise your returns. For those who are willing to engage more actively, a time-of-use export tariff could potentially earn you additional income.
Furthermore, ASK Renewables provides products equipped with software packages enabling you to export stored energy at optimal times, such as during peak demand periods when prices are highest.
How do I determine the right size solar panel system for my home?
Determining the optimal size for your solar panel system hinges on two primary factors: the amount of electricity you aim to generate and the available space on your property for installing the panels. Achieving the right balance is essential to ensure that your system aligns with your energy needs and objectives.
At ASK Renewables, we understand the significance of your investment in a solar PV and storage system. Our commitment to helping you maximise the returns from your investment is reflected in our approach to system design. We insist on conducting an in-person survey for every client. This allows us to assess your specific needs and the spatial dynamics of your property first-hand. Based on this detailed evaluation, we design a bespoke solar panel system tailored to your unique requirements and goals.
This personalised approach ensures that your solar system is not only efficient and effective but also optimised for the best possible performance and return on investment.
What maintenance is required for solar panels?
Solar panels are renowned for their durability and low maintenance requirements, primarily because they lack moving parts and therefore are extremely reliable. However, it’s important to acknowledge that solar panels can experience a slight reduction in efficiency over time. This degradation is gradual and can be mitigated to some extent by occasional cleaning, particularly if your home is in a coastal area or a location with high levels of dust and traffic pollution. Such environments can lead to the accumulation of residues on the panels, which may affect their performance.
It’s advisable to view your solar PV system as a long-term investment, ideally over a twenty-year horizon. Within this period, one key component that you may need to budget to replace in order to maintain the system’s efficiency and reliability is the inverter. Planning for the eventual replacement of the inverter ensures that your solar energy system continues to operate effectively, providing sustainable energy to your home while minimising the need for extensive maintenance.
Can solar panels still generate power on cloudy days?
Absolutely, solar panels are capable of generating power even on cloudy and rainy days, though their efficiency may not reach peak levels experienced under direct sunlight. The effectiveness of solar panels under such conditions varies with the density of the cloud coverage. Clouds, fog, and even shade from surrounding trees can diminish the intensity of sunlight reaching the panels, consequently reducing their output.
Despite these reductions in efficiency, it’s important to note that solar panels do not cease operation in the absence of direct sunlight. They continue to produce electricity, albeit at reduced levels, by capturing diffused sunlight that penetrates through the clouds. This capability ensures that solar panels can contribute to your home’s energy needs across a variety of weather conditions, enhancing the overall viability and sustainability of solar energy as a reliable power source.
Is it possible to upgrade my solar panel system in the future?
Indeed, upgrading your solar panel system in the future is entirely feasible, provided you have sufficient space to accommodate additional solar panels. Whether you’re looking to expand your current system or install a new, separate system, increasing your solar energy capacity can be a smart way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability.
However, it’s important to exercise caution if you’re currently benefiting from a Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. Making alterations or expansions to your solar panel system could potentially affect the terms of your FiT payments. Before proceeding with any upgrades, it’s advisable to thoroughly review your FiT agreement and consult with your solar provider or a solar energy expert. This will help ensure that your planned upgrade maximises your energy production without adversely impacting the financial benefits you receive from your feed-in tariff
Can I add a battery storage system to my existing solar panels?
Indeed, upgrading your solar panel system in the future is entirely feasible, provided you have sufficient space to accommodate additional solar panels. Whether you’re looking to expand your current system or install a new, separate system, increasing your solar energy capacity can be a smart way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability.
However, it’s important to exercise caution if you’re currently benefiting from a Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. Making alterations or expansions to your solar panel system could potentially affect the terms of your FiT payments. Before proceeding with any upgrades, it’s advisable to thoroughly review your FiT agreement and consult with your solar provider or a solar energy expert. This will help ensure that your planned upgrade maximises your energy production without adversely impacting the financial benefits you receive from your feed-in tariff.