MCCRAE & CO
ELECTRICAL & RENEWABLESÂ
Solar PV & Battery Storage
Solar isn’t the right investment for every property. The best systems are designed around how you actually use electricity—not simply by covering your roof with as many panels as possible. Our aim isn’t simply to install equipment—it’s to help you make informed decisions. We’ll always explain your options in plain English, answer your questions honestly and recommend solutions that make sense for your property, not just the most expensive system available.
What really affects your savings
Instead of guessing based on a headline figure, we look at the details that actually influence whether Solar PV Dorset will work for you:
- Which direction your roof faces and its pitch
- Any shading from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings
- When you use most of your electricity (daytime vs evenings)
- Whether you’re planning an EV charger or heat pump
- Whether a battery would genuinely benefit your household
By answering these questions first, we can design a system around your lifestyle rather than simply maximising panel numbers. That’s how we help you understand whether solar is likely to save you money—and if so, what sort of system makes sense.
Common misconceptions
“Solar only works in summer.”
Solar panels generate electricity throughout the year. Output is lower in winter because the days are shorter and the sun is lower, but panels still produce energy even on cloudy days.
“A battery is essential.”
Not necessarily. If you’re at home during the day and use most of your electricity as it’s generated, a battery may add less value than for someone who’s out during working hours and uses more power in the evening.
“More panels are always better.”
Not always. The right system is one that’s correctly designed for your property, electricity usage and future plans—not just the biggest array that will fit on your roof.
Batteries in plain English
Think of a battery as your own energy bank. During the day your Solar Panels may generate more electricity than your home needs. Instead of exporting all of that energy immediately, a Home Battery stores it so you can use it later when the sun has gone down. For many households this means using more of the electricity they’ve generated themselves rather than buying it back from the grid in the evening. Whether Battery Storage is worthwhile depends on your usage pattern, tariff and future plans.
What happens during a solar survey?
- Roof size, pitch and orientation
- Shading throughout the day and across the seasons
- Your existing electrical installation and consumer unit capacity
- Current electricity consumption from your bills or smart meter
- Future plans such as EV charging or additional electric heating
- Suitable locations for the inverter and any battery storage
- Practical cable routes and installation details
Thinking about solar?
Whether you’re simply exploring your options or you’re ready to move forward, a professional survey is the best place to start. Rather than recommending the largest system possible, we’ll help you understand:
- Whether solar is likely to suit your property
- What size system makes sense for your energy usage
- Whether Battery Storage is worthwhile
- How smart tariffs may fit into the design
- What level of performance you can realistically expect
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Bespoke Design
Systems engineered specifically for your roof orientation and energy needs.
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Premium Grade
We utilize high-tier components for maximum efficiency and long-term lifespan.
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Full Support
From initial design survey to through installation and future fault finding.
Ready to discover the potential of solar for your property?