Green Energy FAQs

Switching to renewable energy can lower your running costs, cut your carbon emissions, and reduce your dependence on traditional fossil fuels. Systems like heat pumps, solar PV and EV chargers help future-proof your home or business against rising energy prices.

They also add value to your property and show a commitment to sustainability, something increasingly important to homeowners, tenants, and commercial clients alike.

Yes. Modern renewable technologies are designed to perform efficiently in typical British weather. Air source heat pumps extract heat even in freezing conditions, and solar panels generate electricity from daylight rather than direct sunshine.

As long as the system is correctly specified and installed, you’ll benefit from consistent, reliable performance throughout the year.

Most renewable installations are classed as permitted development, meaning planning permission usually isn’t required. Exceptions can apply if your property is listed, in a conservation area, or within a national park.

Crown Energy will always confirm this before any work begins, ensuring your installation is fully compliant with local regulations and MCS standards.

Yes, combining solar PV, EV chargers and heat pumps can make your property even more efficient. For example, solar panels can power your heat pump or charge your electric vehicle, reducing your reliance on the grid.

Crown Energy offers all these solutions under one roof, meaning you’ll have a single point of contact managing every part of your green energy setup.

Most homes and commercial premises are suitable for EV chargers. The key factors are having a dedicated parking space and a safe route for cabling from your power supply to the charging unit.

We’ll assess your existing electrical setup, confirm available capacity, and advise on any upgrades needed. Our engineers will ensure your charger is installed safely and in line with all current regulations.

Charging times depend on the type of charger and your vehicle’s battery capacity. A 7 kW home charger usually takes 4-8 hours for a full charge, while public rapid chargers can restore 80% battery in 30-60 minutes.

We’ll help you choose the best charger type for your needs, balancing cost, convenience, and future compatibility.

Tethered charger – This type has a built-in cable attached to the unit, simply uncoil and plug it into your car, much like a petrol pump.

Untethered charger – This type has a socket only, allowing you to use your own charging cable for flexibility between different vehicles.

We can supply and install either option depending on your preference and available space.

Most domestic properties can handle a 7 kW charger, but some may need a minor supply upgrade or new circuit to ensure safety and efficiency.

Crown Energy will test your existing supply during the planning phase and, if required, carry out any upgrades as part of the installation process so your charger is fully compliant and ready to use.

If you own your property and the installation is on private land, you usually don’t need planning permission. Renters will require written consent from their landlord, and installations on shared or public land may need local authority approval.

We’ll confirm what’s required before any work begins and can handle all permissions and notifications on your behalf.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert daylight into usable electricity. The panels generate direct current (DC), which is converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter so it can power your home, business, or stored in a battery.

Any surplus electricity can be exported to the grid, and through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee, you may even earn money for the energy you don’t use.

Solar PV offers long-term savings on energy bills, protection from rising electricity prices, and a smaller carbon footprint. For businesses and landlords, it can also enhance your brand’s environmental credentials and increase property value.

With the option to add battery storage, you can store excess energy generated during the day and use it at night, reducing grid reliance even further.

Solar PV systems are very low-maintenance. Most require little more than occasional cleaning to remove dust and debris, ensuring they capture as much sunlight as possible.

We recommend having your system cleaned and checked by a professional once or twice a year to keep it operating efficiently throughout its 25-30 year lifespan.

Yes, in fact, pairing a heat pump with solar PV is one of the most efficient ways to reduce your energy use and carbon footprint. Your solar panels can generate electricity to power the heat pump, further lowering your running costs.

Crown Energy offers both services, meaning we can design and install a fully integrated system that delivers clean, renewable heat powered by your own electricity.

In most cases, solar PV systems are classed as permitted development, so you won’t need planning permission. However, restrictions may apply if your property is listed, within a conservation area, or in a national park.

We’ll confirm this as part of the planning stage and take care of any necessary applications or DNO registrations to ensure your installation is compliant.

In most cases, air source heat pump can be fitted in a wide range of homes, from new-builds and modern properties to older houses and rural cottages. The main requirements are outdoor space with good airflow and reasonable insulation to retain heat effectively.

During your site assessment, we’ll check insulation, layout, and heating system compatibility. If any upgrades are recommended, such as improved insulation or radiator adjustments, we’ll outline the options clearly. With the right preparation, your heat pump can deliver low-cost, low-carbon heating all year round.

Modern air source heat pumps are designed to run quietly, usually producing around 40–60 dB(A) at one metre, which is similar to a household fridge or a normal conversation.

Under the latest MCS 020(a) noise standard, installations must meet set limits to ensure they don’t disturb nearby properties. Crown Energy carries out the required noise assessment and positions every system carefully to meet these standards, keeping your installation compliant and as quiet as possible.

Not necessarily. If you’re switching entirely to an electric heating system, you can remove your gas supply altogether. Many homeowners choose this route to simplify their setup and eliminate standing charges.

If required, Crown Energy can handle the gas disconnection process for you, ensuring everything is done safely, correctly, and with full regulatory compliance.

Yes, in fact, pairing a heat pump with solar PV is one of the most efficient ways to reduce your energy use and carbon footprint. Your solar panels can generate electricity to power the heat pump, further lowering your running costs.

Crown Energy offers both services, meaning we can design and install a fully integrated system that delivers clean, renewable heat powered by your own electricity.