Frequently Asked Questions

aes renewables designs, installs and supports renewable energy systems including solar PV, solar thermal, heat pumps, battery storage, off-grid systems and maintenance services. We’ll help you understand which options are most suitable for your property, energy use and long-term plans. 

The right system depends on your property, energy use, available space, budget and what you want the system to do. We look at how you use heating, hot water and electricity before recommending a system that fits the way you live or work. 

No. You don’t need to know whether solar panels, a heat pump, battery storage or a combined system is right for you before getting in touch. We’ll talk through your property, your energy use and your priorities, then explain the options clearly. 

Yes. Many properties benefit from combining technologies, such as solar PV with battery storage, or heat pumps with solar panels. A combined system can help you generate, store and use energy in a way that works better for your home, business or building. 

 Not always. Some renewable energy systems can be planned in stages, depending on your property, budget and long-term goals. We can help you understand what to prioritise first and what could be added later. 

We’ll start by understanding what you want to achieve and gathering the practical details we need about your property or site. From there, we can advise on suitable technologies, survey requirements and the next steps. 

A renewable energy assessment looks at your property, current energy use, available space and the technology that may be suitable. It helps us recommend a system based on real conditions, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. 

aes renewables is based in Morayshire and works with homes, businesses and communities across Scotland. Our installation and support teams are based across Scotland, helping customers access local knowledge and long-term support. 

In many cases, yes. Older properties need careful assessment so the right system can be designed around the building, its layout and how energy is used. 

We’ll explain what is suitable and flag anything that needs more detailed consideration. 

Yes. Technologies such as solar PV and battery storage can help you generate and use more of your own electricity. The level of grid reliance you can reduce depends on your system design, property and energy use. 

Yes. Solar panels can work well in Scotland because they use daylight, not just direct sunshine. Output will vary through the year, so a good design considers your roof, location, usage patterns and long-term needs. 

Solar can still be worth considering in Scotland, especially for properties that use a meaningful amount of electricity during the day or want to reduce reliance on the grid. The value depends on the system design, how much energy you use, and whether battery storage is suitable. 

The cost of solar panels depends on the size of the system, your roof, the equipment specified and whether battery storage is included. We recommend a proper assessment so the quote reflects your property and what you need the system to achieve. 

Solar generation depends on the size of the system, roof direction, shading, location and time of year. We design solar PV systems around the property and expected energy use, so customers have a clearer idea of what the system is likely to contribute. 

Yes, solar panels can still generate electricity in winter, although output is usually lower because days are shorter and light levels are reduced. A good solar design takes seasonal performance into account. 

No. Solar panels use daylight to generate electricity, so they can still work on cloudy days. Direct sunlight improves output, but it isn’t the only condition needed for solar PV to produce energy. 

Roof direction, pitch, shading and available space all affect how suitable a roof is for solar panels. South-facing roofs are often strong performers, but other roof orientations can still be considered depending on the property and energy use. 

Solar panels can often be installed on flat roofs using mounting systems designed to position the panels correctly. The structure, available space, access and exposure all need to be assessed before a recommendation is made. 

In many cases, yes. Older properties need careful assessment, especially around roof condition, structure, planning requirements and available space. We’ll explain what is suitable before recommending a system. 

Solar PV generates electricity from daylight. Solar thermal uses solar energy to support hot water or heating. aes renewables works with both solar PV and solar thermal technologies. 

Yes. Solar thermal systems use energy from the sun to support hot water production. They can be a useful option where there is suitable roof space and clear demand for hot water. 

Battery storage allows electricity generated by a renewable system, often solar PV, to be stored and used later. This can help you use more of the energy you generate rather than exporting it or relying on the grid at different times of day. 

Battery storage can be worth considering if you want to use more of the electricity your system generates. The benefit depends on when you generate energy, when you use it, the size of your system and your daily energy habits. 

In many cases, battery storage can be added to an existing solar PV system. We would need to review your current system, inverter, available space and energy use before recommending the best approach. 

It depends on how and when you use electricity. Solar panels generate energy, while battery storage helps you keep more of that energy for later. We’ll help you understand whether solar PV, battery storage or a combined system is best suited to your property. 

Heat pumps can be suitable in the north of Scotland when they are properly designed around the property, heating demand and existing heating system. The key is careful assessment, good design and making sure the system is right for the building. 

A heat pump is a low-carbon heating system that uses energy from the air or ground to heat a property. 

aes renewables works with air source and ground source heat pumps, depending on the building, site and heating requirements. 

An air source heat pump takes heat from the outside air. A ground source heat pump takes heat from the ground. The right option depends on the property, available space, heating demand and installation requirements. 

Heat pump suitability depends on your property’s insulation, heat demand, available space and existing heating system. 

We’ll assess the property before recommending whether a heat pump is suitable and what type would work best. 

Heat pumps can be suitable for some older homes, but the building needs to be assessed carefully. 

Insulation, radiator sizes, heat loss and hot water requirements all affect whether a heat pump will work effectively. 

Heat pumps can be a strong option for rural or off-gas homes, especially where the property is suitable and the system is designed carefully. 

We’ll look at the building, heating demand and available space before advising. 

 Heat pumps can work with radiators, but the radiator system needs to be checked. Some properties may need larger radiators or adjustments to make sure the heat pump can run efficiently and keep the home comfortable. 

Yes. Heat pumps can work well with underfloor heating because underfloor systems can operate effectively at lower temperatures. 

The full heating design still needs to be assessed around the property and heat demand.

A well-designed heat pump should be specified around the property’s heat demand, including winter conditions. 

Good design, correct sizing and suitable heat emitters are important for comfort and performance. 

 Yes. Heat pumps can be designed to provide heating and hot water, depending on the system and property. 

We’ll explain how this would work in your home and what equipment would be needed. 

Heat pumps do make some sound when operating, but noise levels depend on the unit, location and installation. 

We consider where equipment will be placed as part of the design process. 

Solar panels can help generate electricity that contributes to household demand, which may include some of the electricity used by a heat pump. 

The benefit depends on when electricity is generated, when heating is needed and whether battery storage is included. 

Funding support is currently available for eligible heat pump installations in Scotland. Eligibility depends on your property, the type of system and your circumstances.

Cost depends on the technology, system size, property type, specification, access, installation requirements and whether technologies are combined. 

A proper assessment helps make sure the quote reflects what your property actually needs. 

Solar panels can help reduce electricity bills by generating electricity on site. 

The level of saving depends on how much energy the system generates, how much you use directly and whether battery storage is part of the system. 

Payback depends on the system cost, energy generation, electricity prices and how much of the generated electricity you use. 

We can help estimate likely performance and explain the factors that affect long-term value. 

Heat pump running costs depend on system efficiency, electricity prices, building heat demand and how the system is used. 

A well-designed heat pump should be specified around the property so it can operate effectively. 

Generating more of your own energy can reduce reliance on bought electricity or fossil fuels, depending on the system installed. 

For businesses, this can support better long-term planning and help manage exposure to changing energy costs. 

Yes. Renewable energy systems can help businesses reduce and control operational energy costs, especially where energy use is consistent or significant. 

The right system depends on the site, demand profile and long-term business goals. 

Yes. Renewable energy systems can support carbon reduction, sustainability reporting and long-term environmental goals. 

Commercial, public sector and community projects often consider renewables as part of wider sustainability planning. 

Renewable energy can improve a property’s energy performance and long-term appeal, but the impact on value depends on the building, system and market conditions. 

The main benefits are usually energy control, comfort, lower carbon and long-term running cost support. 

Not always. A renewable energy quote should be judged on system design, product quality, installation standards, accreditation, aftercare and how well the system fits your property. 

A lower price may not always offer the best long-term value. 

Quotes can vary because installers may specify different equipment, system sizes, installation methods and levels of support. 

It’s important to compare what is included, not just the final cost. 

Yes. For many homes and businesses, renewable energy can help reduce exposure to changing energy costs and support more predictable planning. 

The impact depends on the technology, energy use and system design. 

Installation, maintenance and support 

Installation times vary depending on the technology, system size, site conditions and preparation needed. 

We’ll explain the expected process and timescales once we understand the property and the system being installed. 

We plan installations carefully to keep disruption as manageable as possible. 

The level of disruption depends on the system, access and property type, and we’ll explain what to expect before work begins. 

Planning requirements depend on the property, location and system being installed. 

Some projects may be straightforward, while others need additional checks, especially listed buildings, conservation areas or more complex sites. 

We design systems around the property, energy use, available space and long-term goals. 

The aim is to recommend a system that fits the way the home, business or building uses energy. 

Maintenance depends on the technology installed. 

Solar panels, collectors, inverters, heat pumps, batteries and controls may all need checks or servicing to help them keep running efficiently over time. 

Solar PV systems should be checked periodically to make sure panels, inverters and controls are performing as expected. 

The right service schedule depends on the system, site and manufacturer guidance. 

Heat pumps should be serviced regularly to support performance, reliability and long-term efficiency. 

The recommended schedule depends on the system and manufacturer requirements. 

In many cases, aes renewables can inspect, service or advise on renewable energy systems installed by another company. 

We would need to review the system and understand what support is needed before confirming the best next step. 

aes renewables provides long-term support and aftercare for renewable energy systems. 

If something needs attention, we’ll help identify the issue and explain the next steps clearly. 

Yes. aes renewables offers maintenance and support to help renewable energy systems keep running efficiently. 

This can include checks for panels, collectors, inverters and controls, depending on the system. 

Renewable energy systems can include product and installation warranties, depending on the equipment and system installed. 

We’ll explain the warranties that apply to your project before work begins. 

Many renewable energy systems can be monitored so you can understand performance and see how much energy is being generated or used. 

Monitoring options depend on the technology and equipment installed. 

Yes. aes renewables is MCS accredited. 

This supports technical standards and helps customers feel confident they are working with an accredited renewable energy installer. 

aes renewables brings nearly 50 years of renewable energy experience, MCS accreditation and installation and support teams based across Scotland. 

We design systems with care, install them properly and support customers for the long term. 

Yes. aes renewables works with businesses to design and install renewable energy systems that support cost control, carbon reduction and long-term energy planning. 

The right system depends on the building, usage and business goals. 

Yes. aes renewables works with construction professionals, developers, architects, surveyors and project teams. 

We can support technical accuracy, compliance, collaboration and integration with the wider project design. 

Yes. aes renewables can work with project teams to help specify renewable energy systems for new build projects. 

We’ll consider the building design, technical requirements, compliance needs and long-term performance. 

Yes. aes renewables works with local authorities, housing associations and community organisations on renewable energy projects designed to deliver long-term value and community benefit. 

Yes. Renewable energy can be suitable for schools, churches and community buildings, depending on the building, energy use and project goals. 

We’ll assess the site and explain what is practical and worthwhile. 

If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to talk through your property, your energy use and what you want to achieve. 

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