Harness the Power of the Sun with Cato Electrical
Your bespoke solar panel installation experts across the South East
Are you looking to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint? At Cato Electrical, we specialise in high-end, bespoke solar panel installations across the South East.
Whether you're looking for a traditional solar panel setup or something more cutting-edge, our team delivers the best possible systems designed specifically for your home’s unique needs to maximise efficiency and savings.
We've been at the forefront of the solar industry since 2010, giving us a wealth of knowledge in renewable energy and installation methods. In that time we have helped hundreds of customers save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation quote,
Why should I invest in solar energy?
Lowers your energy bills
With such sharp rises in energy bills in recent years, the biggest individual benefit of solar panels is the reduction in your monthly energy bills. Depending on your energy usage and the number of panels installed, you may have some months where you only pay your daily standing charge, and all your electricity usage comes from solar.
Reduces your carbon footprint
Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power. Unlike some other forms of power, it does not emit harmful greenhouse gases. This means that by switching to solar, you are reducing your impact on the planet and helping to combat climate change.
Adds value to your property
Homes equipped with solar panels tend to have higher resale values. In fact, research states that homes with solar panels sell for 25% more than those without. So if you do decide to move home eventually, you may be able to recoup the initial cost of installation - while also saving money on your bills in the short term.
Low maintenance
Solar panels generally require minimal maintenance, with only occasional cleaning and inspections required to ensure they continue working efficiently. Most solar panel systems also last at least 25 years, meaning you can rest assured that you will generate energy for years to come.
Make money by selling energy back
Any unused electricity can be sold back to the grid, earning you money. The amount you get from selling back to the grid will depend on your energy supplier. The current average payback is 15p for every kWh (kilowatt-hour), but it can be as much as 35p - depending on your tariff.
Why choose Cato Electrical for your solar installation?
Decades of experience and expertise
With 22 years of electrical experience and 14 years in installing solar energy, we have the knowledge and expertise to provide reliable, efficient, and durable systems that stand the test of time.
Tailored solar solutions
No two homes are the same, and neither are our installations. We take the time to understand your exact energy needs and create tailored solutions designed to fit your specific requirements.
Full design, fit, and maintain service
As a small business, we pride ourselves on taking care of everything, from initial query through to maintenance once fitted. This gives customers peace of mind that the same team will be working on their installation from the initial concept to full installation.
How long does it take to install a solar panel?
If you are interested in getting solar panels installed, the first step is to get in touch with us. We’ll then arrange a convenient time to visit your home. This will help us to understand whether solar panels are the right choice for you, as well as whether they can be fitted to your home.
Once we’ve established solar panels are the right choice for you and you are happy with the quote, we will schedule a convenient time to fit them.
Depending on how many panels you need, it typically takes between four and five days to install solar panels.
C. Muffett
"At all times Stuart was available to answer questions and offer information and advice and I feel that we've genuinely experienced a rarity these days; true value for money allied with real customer satisfaction."
D. Richardson
"The standard of Stuart’s work is nothing less than excellent. Would we recommend Stuart Cato to any of our friends? Yes - without a doubt and indeed already have done so with great success!"
P. Franklyn
"The team that carried out the installation were very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and best of all they always cleaned up at the end of their day. "
What should I expect when solar panels are installed?
We try to keep the disruption to a minimum. However, you will likely need scaffolding installed to allow us to get access to your roof. There will also be some noise generated while installing the panels, however, in general, installing solar panels won’t cause too much disruption.
The panels will be connected through a number of wires that go through the roof. This then takes the DC power that the panels provide and converts it to usable electricity. If you opt for an inverter or battery, this will usually be installed in a garage or outside.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, solar panels are worth the investment. Not only do they reduce your impact on the planet by reducing your carbon footprint, but they also help to save you money on your energy bills. In fact, it is estimated that installing solar panels can help you save between £400 and £915 every year on your electricity bills.
The cost of installing solar panels depends on your property, energy requirements, and what kind of system you install. As all our installs are bespoke to both the home and customer’s requirements, no two installs are the same. If you are looking to move to solar, get in touch with us for a no-obligation quote.
How many solar panels you will need to run a house depends on a number of things, such as your electricity usage and the size of your property. However, a typical three-bedroom house usually needs around 10 solar panels to run on solar.
Yes, solar panels do work in the winter, and throughout the year. In fact, solar panels can even generate power in light snow. However, solar panels generally produce less energy in the winter due to the number of daylight hours being reduced and the sun being lower in the sky than during other times of the year.
In most cases, solar panels that are mounted on the roof of a domestic property do not require planning permission. This is because they usually fall under what is referred to as permitted development rights which is where homeowners are allowed to improve and extend their homes without the need to apply for planning permission. However, there may be cases where you do require permission, such as on listed buildings and in conservation areas.
Whether you should invest in a battery when installing solar panels depends on your usage and expectations for your solar panels. But in general, installing a battery alongside your solar panels can save you money in the long run by enabling you to use more of the electricity your solar panels produce. For example, a home without a battery installed will typically use around 30-50% of the energy it generates, while those with a battery installed will typically use between 70-90% of the solar electricity generated.
Yes, you need to tell your electricity supplier when you get solar panels installed. This is so they can manage the electricity flow effectively and provide you with accurate bills.
There are grants available for solar panel installations, but not everyone will be eligible. The two grants are the ECO4 grant and the Warm Homes Nest Scheme (only available in Wales). Both offer grants covering up to 100% of the installation costs for households on low incomes.
How long until solar panels pay for themselves?
There is no specific timeframe as it depends on how much you pay for the panels, how much the electricity would otherwise cost, how much energy they generate, and whether you decide to put a battery in to collect power. However, the average payback period for solar panels ranges from between 5 and 10 years without a battery, and between 8 and 10 with a battery.