Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to the questions we get asked most often and what all our customers should know.
Feel free to ask us anything that is not answered here 🙂
PD ELECTRICAL General FAQs
What electrical services do you offer?
We specialise in domestic installations, covering everything from small electrical jobs to full rewires, consumer unit upgrades, car chargers, and solar & battery storage installations. While we do take on some commercial and industrial work, our main focus is serving homeowners and holiday home owners across North Devon.
Are you fully licensed and insured?
Yes! We are NICEIC Domestic Installers (D113341) and hold full Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance. We are also MCS-certified for solar installations, meaning our work meets strict industry standards, and you can access Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments for selling excess energy back to the grid. Our work is also covered by the NICEIC Platinum Promise, so you have complete peace of mind.
Do you offer emergency electrical services?
Yes – subject to availability. We don’t specialise in 24/7 emergency callouts, but we will always try to help if possible. If you have a sudden electrical issue, call us on 07530 183 568, and we will assist if we can.
How can I request a quote?
Simple! Call us at 07530 183 568 or 01271 855 729, email to pdelectrical@live.co.uk, or fill the Contact Form below.
We provide free, no-obligation quotes, and we’re always upfront about pricing – no hidden surprises.
Why does my fuse box keep tripping?
If your power is cutting out regularly, it’s a sign of an underlying issue – faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or a faulty appliance. Flipping the breaker back on isn’t fixing the problem – it’s just delaying it. We can diagnose the issue properly and make sure your electrics are safe and compliant.
What should I do if I have a power outage?
First, check if it’s just your home or a wider area. If it’s only you, check your fuse box – a tripped circuit might be the cause. If you can’t restore power, call your energy supplier on 105 or get in touch with us to inspect your system.
Do you install surge protection and RCBO fuse boxes?
Yes! Modern fuse boxes with RCBOs and surge protection are the best way to safeguard your home. If your property still has an old fuse board with fuses or RCDs, upgrading is one of the best safety improvements you can make. Our installs include full testing and certification.
How often should I get my electrical system checked?
- Homeowners: Every 5 to 10 years.
- Landlords & Holiday Lets: Every 5 years, by law.
- Commercial Properties: Typically every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage.
Ignoring inspections increases fire risks and can leave you non-compliant if you ever sell or rent out your property.
Do you provide warranties on your work?
Yes! All our installations come with a guarantee, and as NICEIC-registered electricians, you’re also covered by the NICEIC Platinum Promise, giving you extra protection. Our MCS accreditation for solar also ensures that solar installations meet the highest industry standards.
Why should I choose P D Electrical instead of a cheaper option?
There’s always someone who’ll do it cheaper – but cheap work often means cut corners.
We offer:
✔ Clear, fixed pricing – No hidden costs or surprises.
✔ Fully certified, high-quality workmanship – Safety and compliance guaranteed.
✔ Reliable service – We show up on time, do the job properly, and clean up after ourselves.
Want quality electrical and solar work without the hassle? Get in touch today!
Pricing FAQs
Why are your prices higher than some electricians on Checkatrade or Facebook?
Because we offer a professional, reliable, fully-compliant and above-average service. Many of the lower prices you see are from “one-man bands” working below the VAT threshold, without proper insurance, certification, or the ability to guarantee their work long-term. We provide fixed, all-inclusive pricing that ensures your job is done to the highest standard, with no hidden surprises.
Can I get a cheaper quote elsewhere?
Absolutely—you will always find someone willing to undercut on price. But will they turn up on time? Will they be fully insured? Will they register the work with NICEIC and provide all necessary certification? Cheap electricians often cut corners, don’t follow regulations, or disappear when things go wrong. With us, you get properly planned, legally compliant, and high-quality work with full aftercare support.
What does your pricing include?
Unlike some electricians who just charge for their time on-site, our pricing is all-inclusive.
This covers:
✔ Travel and fuel costs
✔ Tools and equipment usage
✔ Public liability insurance
✔ Proper certification and compliance with electrical safety laws
✔ Reliable scheduling and guaranteed start dates
✔ Transparent pricing with no hidden extras
Can I pay cash for a discount?
No. We run a fully VAT-registered, legally-compliant business, and all payments must go through the company properly.
If an electrician is offering to knock off the VAT for cash, it’s likely they aren’t declaring their work properly—meaning you have zero protection if something goes wrong.
Why do you charge a minimum of £150 per visit?
This isn’t just for the time spent on-site. It also covers:
✔ Travel time and fuel
✔ Business insurance and staff costs
✔ Time spent scheduling, planning, and invoicing the job
✔ Certification and compliance paperwork
✔ Ensuring the job is done properly, safely, and legally
Would you rather pay £80 for a rushed job that might need fixing later, or invest in getting it done right the first time?
Why do I have to pay a deposit for solar installation?
We follow MCS and RECC consumer protection rules, which require a structured payment plan:
✔ 25% deposit to secure materials and book the job
✔ 35% when installation begins
✔ 40% upon completion
This ensures fairness for both sides, protecting you as a customer while allowing us to secure materials and schedule work efficiently.
Can I get an hourly rate instead of a fixed price?
We generally don’t work on hourly rates because it encourages cutting corners. Instead, we provide fixed, all-inclusive pricing, so you know exactly what you’re paying upfront—no surprises, no hidden extras.
Why is your day rate higher than what I’ve seen online?
Because we are a fully-registered, insured, and qualified business that provides a high-quality, reliable service.
Online day rates rarely include VAT, travel, certification, admin costs, or aftercare. We do.
Why don’t you just charge for the job, rather than including all these extras?
Because proper electrical work isn’t just about running a cable and screwing in a socket.
It is about ensuring:
✔ Compliance with NICEIC, Part P, and BS 7671 electrical regulations
✔ Full safety testing and certification
✔ The work is done legally so you are covered for future home sales and insurance
Cutting corners leads to dangerous, non-compliant work that could fail when you need it most.
What am I actually paying for?
With P D Electrical, you’re paying for peace of mind, professionalism, and reliability.
You are paying for:
✔ A fully NICEIC-registered company that guarantees safe, compliant work
✔ A team that turns up on time, completes the job properly, and communicates clearly
✔ Full certification, insurance, and legal compliance
✔ Work that’s done right the first time, so you don’t have to pay twice for a botched job
Solar & Battery FAQs
How much will a solar panel system cost?
The cost of a solar PV system depends on factors like system size, battery storage, and installation complexity. A typical domestic system in North Devon ranges from £5,000 to £12,000, while larger installations or battery storage options will increase costs. We provide free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your needs. Currently there is NO VAT on Solar installations.
How much can I save on my electricity bills?
Savings depend on your energy usage and system size. On average, a well-sized solar system can reduce electricity bills by 30-50%.
Further savings are possible if you:
- Add battery storage
- Optimise self-consumption, i.e. use energy during sunny periods, or by diverting solar energy into a hot water tank or EV.
When we quote for a job, in line with MCS rules we will calculate estimated savings for you.
Will I still need to pay for electricity?
Yes, but significantly less.
Solar panels work best in daylight hours, so at night, or during low solar generation, you may still draw power from the grid unless you have battery storage. With enough solar and battery storage you can achieve grid independence.
Can I sell excess electricity back to the grid?
Yes, through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) you can earn money for the electricity you export.
Rates vary by supplier, so we can advise on the best tariff available. Currently Octopus Energy offer the best tariffs but this landscape is constantly changing so is always best to check.
How long do solar panels last?
Most solar panels have a 25-year performance warranty and can last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Inverters typically need replacing after 10-15 years, while batteries last 10+ years, depending on usage. Solar panels will need to be kept clean for maximum power generation.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
For most domestic properties in North Devon, solar panel installations fall under Permitted Development, meaning you don’t need planning permission.
However, exceptions apply for listed buildings or conservation areas, where approval may be required. It is advisable to check with your local council.
How long does installation take?
A typical residential solar panel system is installed in 1-2 days, while larger systems with battery storage may take 3-4 days. We provide full project timelines before starting any work.
What happens on cloudy days?
Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, but at a reduced efficiency. Battery storage helps maximise solar energy use by storing excess power for when it is needed.
How do payments work for a solar installation?
In line with MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) guidelines and RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code) regulations, we follow a structured payment plan to protect both parties:
- 25% deposit upfront to secure materials and book the installation.
- 35% payment when work begins on-site.
- Final 40% upon completion of the installation and system handover.
A signed contract is provided before any work starts, ensuring full transparency. This process is fully regulated to protect you as a customer, giving peace of mind that your installation meets industry standards and consumer protection regulations.
What is the payback period for a solar panel system?
The payback period depends on your system size, energy usage, and electricity prices. On average, a well-sized solar PV system in North Devon has a payback period of six to ten years.
After the payback period, your system will continue to generate free electricity for 20+ years, providing long-term savings and protection from energy price rises.
Can I use my solar battery for backup power during a power cut?
Yes and no. Not all battery storage systems provide backup power by default.
If you want Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) capability, your system needs to be designed with a hybrid inverter and a backup circuit to power essential appliances during an outage. All our installations are capable of this function.
Should I go with a national solar company instead of a local installer?
While national solar companies often advertise cheap upfront prices, there are important factors to consider before choosing them over a local, independent installer like P D Electrical Services (SW) Ltd:
- ❌ Sales-Driven Approach – many large companies use high-pressure sales tactics, locking customers into finance agreements with hidden fees or inflated long-term costs.
- ❌ One-Size-Fits-All Installs – national firms often use generic system designs rather than tailoring installations to your specific roof, energy usage, and future needs.
- ❌ Subcontracted Work – instead of their own in-house teams, most large solar companies subcontract installations to third-party electricians, meaning quality can be inconsistent.
- ❌ Poor Aftercare & Support – many customers report difficulties with after-sales service, warranty claims, or even reaching the company once the install is complete.
- ❌ Cutting Corners – some national firms rush installations to meet sales targets, leading to poorly-secured panels, unsafe wiring, or undersized inverters that don’t perform as expected.
Our Reviews
Really happy to recommend Paul's services 100%
Paul’s knowledge and expertise really stood out, which gave me complete confidence in the work being done. My main problem was the fuse box constantly tripping and cutting power to several circuits at once. Paul recommended upgrading to a modern RCBO consumer unit, which has been the perfect solution — now each circuit is individually protected. This has made a huge difference, especially as I work from home and can’t afford interruptions to my computer equipment.
The new setup gives me real peace of mind knowing everything is up to date, safe, and reliable. I hadn’t even heard of an RCBO before, but now I wouldn’t want to be without one. I’d happily use PD Electrical again and highly recommend Paul for anyone needing a trustworthy, knowledgeable electrician.
Paul came on the afternoon of my call , and provided me with an estimate for installing a EV Charger and upgrading my Electric fuse box. Four days later Charlie & Ryan attended and completed both jobs. The quality of their work was first class, and at a better price than my previous estimates!
An excellent company I strongly recommend!
Very different from a previous experience with an electrician - long wait to get the job done and not done efficiently.
Paul and his team did everything perfectly. We will use him in future for any electrical jobs.
I would without reservation highly recommended him.
Review edit January 2025- having had occasion to rely on Paul's after sales services I agree with his claims for customer care and reliability, Paul can be totally trusted to deliver as promised.
Had a quote for another job was booked in on a day and time that worked for us
Pd electrical turned up done the job very professional everything was left clean and tidy rubbish taken away
PD ELECTRICAL highly recommended
Charlie from PD arrived on time to carry out the work, he was polite, cheerful and a pleasure to have in the house (this has not always been the case with previous contractors!) Everything was completed to agreed spec and care was taken throughout not to leave any mess or cause disruption. I chatted with Paul about our fusebox and some other requirements and he gave me considered, helpful responses which encouraged me to return in future for additional works.
My day job involves encouraging my clients to "go the extra mile" for their customers and it was great to see this in action with Paul. Highly recommended, well done!
Contact Us
Please fill the form below for a quote or to discuss your requirement.
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PD Electrical
We help homeowners in Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe upgrade the electrics in their home, garden or renovation without being taken for a ride, let down or left in a mess.
Our promise to you
- Clear Fixed Prices
- Fully Certified Work
- Electrical Installation Certificates
- Full Safety Checks
- Full-quality promise
Areas Covered
- Barnstaple
- Bideford
- Braunton
- Ilfracombe
