Solar jargon, explained

Battery storage

A home battery that stores your daytime solar (or cheap overnight power) for use in the evening. Common options include Tesla Powerwall, Sigenergy and Fox ESS.

DNO (Distribution Network Operator)

The company that owns the local electricity network and approves your connection. On the South Coast that is SSEN (Hampshire, IoW, Dorset) or UKPN (Sussex and most of Surrey).

EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

The rating of your home’s energy efficiency. Adding solar typically improves your EPC band, which matters for MEES and resale.

EV charger

A dedicated home charge point for an electric vehicle. A smart charger like the MyEnergi Zappi can prioritise charging from your own surplus solar.

G98 / G99

The connection processes for grid-tied systems. G98 covers smaller systems (notify after install); G99 covers batteries and larger arrays (apply before). We handle both for you.

HIP (Home Improvement Protection)

Insurance-backed protection on your installation, covering deposits, workmanship and warranties for peace of mind.

Hybrid inverter

An inverter that manages both solar and battery storage, so you can add a battery later without replacing it.

Inverter

The device that converts the DC electricity from your panels into the AC electricity your home uses. A hybrid inverter is battery-ready.

Irradiance

The amount of solar energy hitting your roof, measured in kWh per kWp per year. The Solent region enjoys roughly 1,050–1,150 kWh/kWp — among the UK's highest.

kWh (kilowatt-hour)

A unit of energy — what your bill and generation are measured in. A 4kWp system on the South Coast typically produces around 3,800–4,400 kWh a year.

kWp (kilowatt-peak)

The peak output of a solar system in ideal conditions. A '4kWp system' is sized by its panels' combined peak rating — it doesn't mean you generate 4kW at all times.

MCS certification

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme — the quality standard for solar installers. MCS certification is required to claim the Smart Export Guarantee.

MEES

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards — rules affecting rented properties, where a better EPC (helped by solar) can be important.

Microinverter

A small inverter fitted to each panel, so one shaded panel does not drag down the rest — useful on complex or partly-shaded roofs.

Permitted development

Most domestic solar installs fall under permitted development and need no planning application. Conservation areas and listed buildings can be exceptions.

Power optimiser

A panel-level device that maximises each panel’s output independently. Like microinverters, it helps on shaded or multi-orientation roofs.

RECC

The Renewable Energy Consumer Code — a consumer-protection code that MCS installers follow, giving you clear cancellation rights and dispute resolution.

SEG (Smart Export Guarantee)

The government scheme that requires licensed suppliers to pay you for surplus electricity you export to the grid. Rates vary by supplier; Octopus tariffs are popular with solar owners.

Self-consumption

The share of your solar generation you use directly rather than export. Adding a battery lifts this from around 30–50% to 70–90%, which is where most savings come from.

SSEN

Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks — the DNO for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset and west Surrey.

TrustMark

A government-endorsed quality mark for tradespeople, covering workmanship, trading practices and customer service.

UKPN (UK Power Networks)

The DNO for East & West Sussex and most of Surrey — distinct from Hampshire’s SSEN, which is why we confirm your operator by postcode.

Still have a question? See our FAQs or ask our team.