Solar panels can help households in Pembrokeshire cut their electricity bills by 50–70%, and even more if combined with battery storage. A standard 4kW domestic system typically generates 3,400–3,800 kWh per year, which can translate into savings of £800–£1,100 annually at today’s energy prices. For businesses — particularly hotels, guesthouses, and retail outlets in popular areas such as Tenby, Saundersfoot, and St Davids — savings often run into thousands each year. In addition, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows you to earn money by selling surplus electricity back to the National Grid, further boosting returns.

The exact savings depend on several factors: your energy consumption, the size of your system, whether you include battery storage, and your tariff. For example, if a family in Haverfordwest uses 3,600 kWh annually, a 4kW system could generate close to that amount each year, drastically reducing reliance on grid electricity. If the home also has a battery installed, any excess power generated during the day can be stored and used in the evening. This maximises self-consumption and pushes savings towards the upper end of the 70% figure.

Businesses in Pembrokeshire are often ideally placed to take advantage of solar because their energy usage typically coincides with daylight hours. Hotels and restaurants in Tenby, or retail shops in Narberth and Milford Haven, consume large amounts of electricity during the day for lighting, heating, refrigeration, and catering equipment. By generating this electricity themselves, they avoid paying peak grid rates. Some larger businesses can achieve payback on their systems in just 3–5 years, after which the electricity generated is essentially free for the remainder of the system’s lifespan.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is another important factor. Whenever your system produces more electricity than you use, the surplus is exported to the National Grid. Your energy supplier pays you a tariff for this exported electricity, providing an extra income stream. Although SEG rates vary, they can add hundreds of pounds to your annual financial benefit. At Carbon Zero Renewables, we ensure that every customer is registered correctly for SEG, so you don’t miss out on these payments.

Over the lifetime of the system — typically 25 to 30 years — savings can be substantial. A household could save between £20,000 and £30,000, while businesses could save many times that amount depending on their scale. And because the UK Government currently offers 0% VAT on residential solar panel and battery storage installations, the upfront investment is lower than ever.

At Carbon Zero Renewables, we provide tailored projections for every customer, taking into account Pembrokeshire’s daylight hours, your roof orientation, and your energy habits. This way, you’ll have a clear picture of how much you can save before committing to an installation. With energy prices continuing to rise, the financial case for solar in Pembrokeshire has never been stronger.

Yes, solar panels generate electricity in cloudy weather because they rely on daylight, not just direct sunshine. Even during Pembrokeshire’s overcast coastal days, panels can still produce 10–25% of their maximum output. Modern high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) technology ensures homes and businesses across Haverfordwest, Tenby, Milford Haven, and Fishguard can generate reliable power year-round.

Pembrokeshire’s maritime climate means clouds and showers are common, especially along the coast. Understandably, many people wonder whether solar is a good investment in such conditions. The truth is that solar PV panels are designed to capture diffuse light — the type scattered through clouds — as well as direct beams of sunshine. While output is reduced on dull days compared to bright ones, it is by no means eliminated.

The average UK household system (around 4kW) produces 3,400–3,800 kWh per year, and Pembrokeshire falls comfortably within that national performance range. Long summer days are especially beneficial: from May to August, daylight can last up to 16 hours per day, giving panels extended operating windows. Even in winter, when days are shorter and cloudier, panels still generate enough electricity to reduce grid reliance significantly.

Countries such as Germany and the Netherlands — both with lower sunshine levels than Wales — have some of the highest solar adoption rates in Europe. This demonstrates that constant sunshine is not necessary for effective solar generation. Pembrokeshire residents can feel reassured that the county’s climate is perfectly suited to benefit from PV technology.

At Carbon Zero Renewables, we install premium monocrystalline panels that are optimised for low-light conditions. During our free consultation and site survey, we assess shading, roof orientation, and tilt angle to maximise generation even on cloudier days. By positioning panels carefully and recommending battery storage, we ensure customers capture as much usable energy as possible.

Battery storage is particularly valuable in Pembrokeshire’s climate. On brighter days when panels generate more than is used immediately, a battery stores the excess. This stored power can then be used in the evening, when the sun has set, or on greyer days with lower output. This balances generation and consumption, further improving savings.

In short, while Pembrokeshire’s coastal climate may not provide endless sunshine, it does provide consistent daylight. With expert installation from Carbon Zero Renewables, your panels will perform reliably throughout the year, ensuring strong financial and environmental benefits despite the clouds.

Solar panels typically last 25–30 years or more, making them a dependable long-term investment for Pembrokeshire homeowners and businesses. Most manufacturers guarantee at least 80% performance after 25 years, but with high-quality installation and minimal maintenance, systems often continue producing electricity well into their fourth decade.

The construction of solar panels is key to their longevity. Built with toughened glass and weather-resistant materials, panels are designed to withstand decades of exposure to wind, rain, and salt-laden coastal air — conditions familiar to Pembrokeshire’s residents. Degradation, the gradual decline in efficiency over time, occurs at a very low rate of about 0.3–0.5% per year. This means that even after 25 years, a system may still be working at 87–92% of its original capacity.

Financially, this long lifespan is highly advantageous. Most domestic systems in Pembrokeshire pay for themselves within 8–10 years, after which the electricity produced is essentially free. For commercial installations — such as holiday parks, hotels in Tenby, or fishery businesses in Milford Haven — the payback period can be even shorter, sometimes as little as 5 years. That leaves decades of low-cost or free electricity.

Solar systems require very little maintenance. Panels have no moving parts and are largely self-cleaning thanks to Welsh rainfall. However, occasional cleaning may be useful in coastal areas where salt spray can accumulate, or on rural properties where bird droppings and debris may build up. The inverter is the component most likely to need replacement, usually after 10–15 years. Battery storage units, if installed, also require monitoring and may need replacement after 10–15 years depending on use.

At Carbon Zero Renewables, we only install MCS-certified, premium-grade panels from trusted manufacturers. We also offer maintenance packages and remote monitoring options to give you peace of mind that your system will continue performing at its best for decades.

In summary, solar panels in Pembrokeshire are a durable, long-lasting solution. Whether you live in a coastal town, a rural farmhouse, or operate a business in the county, your system will deliver decades of reliable clean energy and financial savings.

Solar panels do not generate electricity at night because they rely on daylight. When the sun sets, properties without battery storage automatically switch to grid electricity. However, with a battery system installed, excess power generated during the day can be stored and used in the evening or overnight. This gives households and businesses in Pembrokeshire greater energy independence.

The science behind this is simple. Photovoltaic (PV) panels are made of semiconductor materials, usually silicon, that create an electric current when exposed to photons — the particles of light in daylight. At night, when there are no photons, the process stops and panels cease producing power. This is why grid electricity is still needed for after-dark use if a battery is not included.

Battery storage changes this dynamic. During daylight hours, especially in summer when Pembrokeshire enjoys long days, panels often generate more electricity than a household or business can immediately use. Without a battery, this surplus is exported to the National Grid under the Smart Export Guarantee. With a battery, however, the electricity is stored on-site and used later, typically during the evening when demand is highest.

For example, a family in Haverfordwest may generate more power than they use on a sunny afternoon. Instead of exporting it, a 10 kWh battery could store that energy, allowing them to run appliances, lights, and heating later in the evening without drawing from the grid. Businesses such as restaurants in Tenby or B&Bs in St Davids can similarly benefit by using stored solar power to cover evening demand.

Some advanced battery systems even provide limited backup power during outages. While most standard systems shut down during a power cut to protect grid workers, hybrid inverter and battery setups can isolate a property from the grid and keep essential circuits running — a useful feature in more remote Pembrokeshire villages.

At Carbon Zero Renewables, we design systems that balance your generation with your demand, ensuring you get the best value. By including battery storage, you can extend the benefits of your solar investment to 24 hours a day, not just daylight hours.

In short, while solar panels themselves cannot generate power in the dark, the addition of a battery means homes and businesses in Pembrokeshire can continue using their own clean, renewable energy even at night.

Yes, solar panels can increase the value of your property in Pembrokeshire by making it more energy-efficient, lowering running costs, and improving its EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating. Buyers in coastal towns like Tenby and Saundersfoot, as well as families in Haverfordwest and rural villages, increasingly view solar as a desirable feature because it represents long-term savings and environmental responsibility.

The property market in Pembrokeshire is diverse, ranging from seaside homes and modern estates to traditional stone cottages and farmhouses. Across this range, solar panels add appeal by reducing ongoing energy costs. For buyers, the promise of saving £800–£1,100 annually on electricity bills is a strong incentive. Over the life of the system, this can add up to tens of thousands of pounds — a benefit that will naturally influence their willingness to pay a higher price for the property.

EPC ratings are also important. The government is placing more emphasis on energy efficiency, and properties with higher ratings are more attractive to buyers and renters. In fact, landlords face restrictions if their properties do not meet minimum EPC standards. Adding solar panels can significantly boost a home’s EPC score, making it easier to sell or rent and often commanding a better price.

Another factor is the environmental aspect. Pembrokeshire has a thriving eco-conscious community, and many buyers — particularly younger families and professionals moving from other parts of the UK — value sustainability. Owning a home with solar panels installed reflects those values and can set a property apart in the local market.

It’s worth noting that the uplift in value depends on ownership. Panels that are owned outright are seen as a positive feature. Panels installed under old lease schemes may complicate sales, but these are less common today. At Carbon Zero Renewables, we ensure our customers fully own their systems, providing maximum benefit when it comes to resale.

Research from the Energy Saving Trust and other UK bodies indicates homes with solar can sell faster and at premiums of 2–4% compared to similar properties without panels. In popular Pembrokeshire locations like Tenby, Narberth, or St Davids, where demand for housing is high, this uplift can be even greater.

In summary, solar panels not only cut your bills while you live in your home but also act as a long-term investment in the property itself. With expert installation from Carbon Zero Renewables, you can be confident that your system will add both financial and lifestyle value, making your home more attractive in the Pembrokeshire market.

In most cases, solar panel installations in Pembrokeshire do not require planning permission, as they fall under “permitted development.” However, exceptions apply for listed buildings, conservation areas, or large ground-mounted systems. Pembrokeshire has many historic and coastal properties, so it’s important to understand the rules before installation.

The general guidelines for permitted development in Wales include:

Panels should not protrude more than 200mm from the roof.

They should not exceed the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys).

Installations should be positioned to minimise impact on the building’s appearance.

For ground-mounted systems, planning permission is more likely to be needed if the installation exceeds 9m² in size, stands higher than 4m, or is located too close to property boundaries.

In towns like Tenby, St Davids, and Fishguard, conservation areas are common, and stricter controls apply. For example, panels on the rear or less visible parts of the roof are more likely to be approved. For listed buildings, listed building consent will always be required, regardless of size or location of the installation.

Commercial systems in Pembrokeshire — such as those installed on hotels, caravan parks, or agricultural facilities — may also need permission depending on scale and visibility.

At Carbon Zero Renewables, we take care of these checks during the design stage. Our team liaises with Pembrokeshire County Council if required and ensures all installations comply with local and national regulations. This means you can focus on the benefits of your system without worrying about red tape.

For the majority of homes in Pembrokeshire, planning permission is not necessary, so the process from consultation to installation is straightforward. With our experience in installing solar systems across Wales, you can trust us to guide you through any special cases where permission might apply.

A typical residential solar panel installation in Pembrokeshire takes between 1–3 days once scaffolding is in place. For larger commercial systems, such as those installed on hotels, guesthouses, or farms, the process may take several weeks. From the first consultation to final commissioning, the full journey usually spans 4–8 weeks.

The process begins with a consultation and site survey. At Carbon Zero Renewables, we assess your property’s suitability by examining factors such as roof orientation, shading from trees or nearby buildings, and your current energy usage. Once this is complete, we design a bespoke system and present a detailed proposal.

After approval, equipment is ordered and an installation date is scheduled. For homes, scaffolding is typically erected a day or two before the team arrives. The actual installation of panels, inverter, and electrical connections usually takes two days, with an extra day required if a battery system is included.

Commercial projects in Pembrokeshire, such as large arrays on agricultural buildings or hotels, often require phased work to minimise disruption. Additional time may also be needed for ground-mounted systems, as groundwork and structural supports must be prepared before panel fitting.

Once installation is complete, the system is thoroughly tested and commissioned by our MCS-certified engineers. We also assist with registration for the Smart Export Guarantee so you can begin earning from any surplus electricity exported to the grid.

Our approach ensures that, despite Pembrokeshire’s coastal weather and occasional logistical challenges, the installation process is smooth and efficient. Most households can expect to be generating clean energy within a matter of weeks from their initial enquiry.

Yes, solar panel and battery installations in Pembrokeshire can be financed through personal loans, green energy finance schemes, or installer-backed payment plans. Financing allows you to spread the cost over time, making solar more accessible while still enjoying immediate savings on your electricity bills.

Many Pembrokeshire homeowners choose low-interest or interest-free finance plans that run from 12 to 60 months. This makes it possible to install a high-quality solar PV system without paying the full cost upfront. In some cases, “buy now, pay later” schemes are available, allowing you to begin saving on bills before repayments start.

Banks and credit unions also offer personal loans specifically for renewable energy improvements. These loans may feature competitive interest rates, recognising the environmental benefits of solar. For households in Haverfordwest, Tenby, or Saundersfoot, this makes upgrading to solar more financially manageable.

For businesses, options such as leasing or asset finance are particularly attractive. Hotels, caravan parks, and agricultural enterprises in Pembrokeshire can install solar with minimal upfront capital expenditure. Payments are structured to align with savings, often making the system cash-positive from the outset.

At Carbon Zero Renewables, we work with trusted finance partners to provide tailored options that suit individual budgets. During your consultation, we show you clear projections of monthly repayments, energy savings, and the system’s payback period. This transparency helps you make an informed decision with confidence.

Financing also enables you to include battery storage from the start, ensuring maximum self-consumption and long-term savings. Over time, many customers find that the monthly savings on their electricity bills offset most, if not all, of their finance payments.

In short, financing makes solar accessible to more people in Pembrokeshire, allowing households and businesses to enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy immediately. With Carbon Zero Renewables guiding you through the process, you can be sure of affordable, transparent, and effective solutions tailored to your needs.