What is The Solar Plan?
The Solar Plan is an all-inclusive lease, designed to give you complete peace of mind. You get a custom-designed system installed by Emerald Solar, and gain the full benefits of the generated and stored energy, bill savings and export payments.
Hometree takes care of monitoring and maintaining the system, giving you confidence that it'll run efficiently and safely, with no unexpected repair or replacement costs for the lifetime of your plan.
Do I need savings or upfront cash?
With no or low upfront options, the Solar Plan eliminates the biggest barrier to going solar, meaning there's no need to save up to start saving on your energy bills. Emerald Solar, in partnership with Hometree Finance, are making clean energy accessible to more UK homeowners, helping them to lower their energy bills and carbon emissions.
Who installs the system?
All installations under The Solar Plan are carried out by MCS-certified solar engineers. This certification ensures your system meets the highest UK industry standards for safety, performance, and compliance. Our expert installers handle everything - from system design to installation and activation - so you can be confident your solar panels and battery system are set up for maximum efficiency and durability.
How do I know my system will perform as promised?
Your solar system’s performance is independently verified by EPVS (Energy Performance Validation Scheme), a trusted UK body that certifies solar design accuracy and savings estimates. This means you can trust that the numbers you’re shown—your energy generation, bill savings, and return on investment—are realistic and achievable. With EPVS validation and MCS-certified installation, you’re guaranteed a transparent, high-quality solar experience from start to finish.
What if my panels, inverter, or battery fail?
With The Solar Plan, you’re fully protected. The plan includes comprehensive component coverage for your solar panels, inverter, and battery system. If any key part fails during your plan term and can’t be repaired, we’ll replace it at no additional cost. You’ll never face unexpected repair bills, ensuring complete peace of mind and uninterrupted solar savings throughout your agreement.
Can I choose the plan term?
Yes. The Solar Plan is designed for flexibility, enabling you to choose your preferred term from 5 to 25 years. Offers are subject to application, status and finance agreement.
Can I sell excess electricity back to the grid?
Absolutely. However you decide to pay for your system, you benefit from 100% of your solar energy generation, storage and export payments. Any surplus power you don’t use can be sold back to the National Grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), enabling you to earn money for the clean energy your system produces.
Will solar work all year round?
Yes, your solar panels generate electricity all year, not just in the summer. They use daylight, not heat, so even in winter or on cloudy days, your system will still produce energy—though output may be lower due to shorter days. Solar technology is designed for the UK climate, so you’ll continue to see consistent performance and savings across all seasons.
How does winter affect solar performance?
During winter, solar panels receive less sunlight due to shorter days and a lower sun angle, which slightly reduces total output. However, panels are actually more efficient in cooler temperatures, meaning they convert sunlight to electricity more effectively. Snow or frost only impacts performance if it fully covers the panels, which is rare in most parts of the UK. Overall, your system continues to generate reliable, clean power even in the colder months.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes. Solar panels work using daylight, so even when the sun isn’t shining brightly, they still generate electricity. While heavy cloud cover can reduce efficiency slightly, modern panels are designed to capture diffused sunlight, meaning you’ll still benefit from energy generation on overcast days common in the UK.
Can solar produce energy overnight?
No, solar panels only generate electricity during daylight hours. However, when combined with a battery storage system, you can store excess energy generated during the day and use it at night. This increases your energy independence, reduces reliance on the grid, and maximises your savings around the clock.
How much could I save on my electricity bills?
Most UK households see savings of up to 85% on electricity costs with a combined solar and battery system. The exact figure depends on your roof size, orientation, location, and daily energy usage. Our team provides a personalised savings estimate before installation, validated by EPVS, so you know exactly what to expect.
What if I move home?
You can end your Solar Plan at any time by paying the settlement amount outlined in your Hometree Finance agreement. If you’re selling your home, you can settle before marketing your property, or through your solicitor from the sale completion funds. Alternatively the buyer of your property can apply to take over the plan for the remaining term.
Who can apply?
Homeowners installing solar PV and battery systems in owner-occupied or privately rented properties in England and Wales are welcome to apply. Offers are subject to status and finance agreement.
What certifications should I know about?
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme): Ensures your system is installed to the highest UK industry standards.
EPVS (Energy Performance Validation Scheme): Independently verifies your system’s design and savings estimate for accuracy and transparency.
G98/G99 Certification: Confirms your solar system is safely connected to the National Grid and meets all required regulations.
These certifications guarantee that your Solar Plan system is compliant, efficient, and trustworthy.
What is an MPAN?
Your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is a unique 13-digit identifier for your electricity meter. It’s used by energy suppliers and the grid to manage your electricity connection and is essential for setting up your Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments. You can find it on your electricity bill under “Supply Number.”
Will my system be monitored?
Yes. The Solar Plan includes remote monitoring and periodic on-site inspections, to ensure everything is running safely and efficiently. You’ll also get access to a real-time monitoring app, allowing you to track your system’s performance, energy generation, and savings 24/7 from your smartphone.
Why add a battery?
Adding a solar battery lets you store excess energy produced during the day and use it at night or during peak-rate hours. This reduces your reliance on the grid, maximises your energy savings, and gives you more control over your electricity usage. Batteries can also store cheap off-peak energy for use later, offering even greater flexibility and efficiency.