Question 1

How many solar panels do I need?

Accepted Answer

We get the question “how many solar panels do I need?” a lot. And we always answer in the same way: it all depends on your home. How much energy you use, how much roof space you have, and how much of your heat pump’s electricity you’d like to generate yourself.

At Aira, we design every system around your home and energy needs, looking at your habits, available roof space, and local sunlight to create the perfect balance of output and savings.

Question 2

Will I produce solar energy if it’s cloudy?

Accepted Answer

It’s a question we get a lot in the UK: “do solar panels work in cloudy weather?”. And the answer: Yes.

Grey days happen. But that doesn’t mean your solar panels stop producing energy. Just that they make a little less.

With Aira, your panels are connected to an award-winning Solar String Optimiser. Powered by patented smart tech, it continuously adjusts voltage and current to get the most from every panel. Even from those that get less sunlight.

Aira Intelligence also stays one step ahead. It predicts how much solar power your panels will generate based on the weather and your home’s needs. It then pre-fills your Power Store so your home and heat pump can draw on stored solar energy when those grey clouds move over.

Question 3

How many solar panels can I have?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your roof and your home’s energy needs. During your free home energy assessment, we’ll measure your available roof space, check your energy usage, and calculate how many solar panels you can fit on your roof to give you the best balance of performance, efficiency, and savings.

Whether you want to cover just part of your electricity use or power your whole home and heat pump, we’ll design a system that fits perfectly and works seamlessly.

Question 4

Will solar really make a difference to my energy bills?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A big difference. With an Aira Heat Pump combined with a Cosy Octopus tariff, you could save up to £490 a year on your energy bills. But once you install solar panels, your solar savings start immediately. From day one you’ll be powering your home and heat pump with free, 100% renewable energy. And any excess can even be sold back to the grid.

Add an Aira Power Store, and your savings go further. By storing extra solar for when you need it most – like evenings when grid prices peak – you rely less on the grid.

And because it’s powered by Aira Intelligence, your system can sync to your chosen solar tariff to optimise when you use, store, and sell your energy. Taking advantage of real-time prices and weather forecasts to power your home and heat pump with maximum efficiency. That means better solar payback and the potential to slash your energy bills by up to 90%.

Question 5

How do I know my roof is suitable for solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Most roofs in the UK are suitable for solar. During your free home energy assessment, we’ll check your roof’s size, angle, direction, and any shading to make sure it’s the right fit. We’ll also look at your home’s energy use to design a system that works efficiently with your Aira Heat Pump.

If you’re wondering what roof is best for solar panels or the best type of roof for solar panels, generally south-facing roofs with a clear, unshaded surface work best. But even east- or west-facing roofs can generate plenty of free energy.

We’ll also let you know if minor adjustments are needed, like extra mounting brackets or small roof work, so you’ll always know if your roof is suitable for solar panels before installation.

Question 6

Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, you don’t need solar planning permission to install solar panels or a home battery, as they’re classed as permitted developments in the UK.

If your home is a listed building or in a conservation area, different rules may apply. But don’t worry, we’ll check local regulations for you and help with any planning applications before installation.

Question 7

Can solar panels be installed on all roof types?

Accepted Answer

Most roofs in the UK can have solar panels. Whether it's slate, tile, or metal. The angle, direction, and shading of your roof matter more for performance than the material itself.

During your free home energy assessment, we’ll check your roof and make sure it’s suitable. We’ll also recommend any adjustments or mounting options needed to get the best efficiency and output from your solar system.

Question 8

Do solar panels need cleaning or servicing?

Accepted Answer

Not much at all. Solar panels are designed to be low maintenance. A light rinse once or twice a year can help them perform at their best. The Power Store and Power Hub need even less attention and are backed by our all-inclusive plan and 10-Year Aira Guarantee.

Question 9

Will I need scaffolding to install my solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Most homes will need some scaffolding for a safe and smooth installation. Don’t worry – we’ll check your roof during your free home energy assessment and let you know exactly what’s needed.

Question 10

What does the Solar String Optimiser (SSO) do? And why might I need more than one?

Accepted Answer

Your solar panels are connected to an award-winning Solar String Optimiser – smart, patented tech that ensures each string of panels performs at its best. It continuously tracks and selects the ideal voltage and current combination to deliver maximum power output, even if part of your roof is shaded.

That way, one underperforming area won’t drag down the rest, helping your solar system, your home, and your heat pump get the most power possible from every ray of sunlight.

Now that you know what they are, why would you need more than one? Because each Solar String Optimiser (SSO) manages the performance of one string (or group) of solar panels. If your system has more than 16–18 panels or panels facing in different directions, you’ll need several SSOs.

This setup keeps your system working at its best. It allows each string to be optimised independently, so shading or different roof angles on one section won’t affect the others. That’s what’s known as string optimisation – it helps your system handle solar shading and keeps every panel performing at peak efficiency.

The result? Smarter optimising of solar panels, greater efficiency, and more clean energy to power your home and Aira Heat Pump. Whatever the weather or roof layout.

Efficiency	23.5%
Power	470W
Temperature Coefficient (Pmax)	-0.26%
Maximum Power Point	34.3 V

Dimensions (cm) (w/h/d)	113.4 x 176.2 x 0.3
Weight	21.1kg±3% kg
Design	Mono glass
Colour	All-black

Save more with solar. It’s natural.

Save up to £490 on your annual energy bills when you switch from a boiler to an Aira Heat Pump.*

Save up to £2,280 on your annual energy bills by installing an Aira Heat Pump, solar panels and Power Store.*

Increase the value of your property by up to £5,400 by installing solar panels.*

Even better with Aira

Powerful 470W output

Intelligent panel optimisation

Wonderfully efficient. Equally durable.

Optimised by Aira Intelligence

Sleek all-black design

Backed by a 30-year performance warranty

Powerful 470W output

Intelligent panel optimisation

Wonderfully efficient. Equally durable.

Optimised by Aira Intelligence

Sleek all-black design

Backed by a 30-year performance warranty

Part of your Aira Home Energy System

Aira Heat Pump

Aira Power Store

Aira Power Hub

The specs behind the savings

Performance

Physical specifications

Find out how much you could save with solar

Get a free home energy assessment