Cookie Policy

Last updated: 11 April 2026

Overview

This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies we use on uksolaradvice.com, why we use them, and the choices you have about managing them. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides full details of how we handle your personal information.

We are committed to being transparent about our use of cookies. We use cookies to ensure our website functions properly, to understand how visitors use our site, and to serve relevant advertising. We comply with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) in relation to cookies.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, remember your preferences, and provide website owners with useful information about how their site is used.

Cookies are not programs and do not contain viruses or malware. They are simply text files that your browser stores at the request of websites. Each cookie is specific to your browser and expires after a defined period.

When you visit uksolaradvice.com, your browser sends a request to our server. In response, our server may ask your browser to store a cookie. On subsequent visits, your browser automatically sends the cookie back to the server, allowing the server to recognise your browser.

Types of Cookies We Use

We use four main categories of cookies on uksolaradvice.com:

1. Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function. They enable core features such as page navigation, secure areas, and basic website operations. Without these cookies, the website cannot function properly.

Examples of strictly necessary cookies we may use:

• Session cookies: Maintain your browsing session and remember your preferences during a single visit.
• Security cookies: Help detect authentication abuse, such as repeated failed login attempts.
• Cookie consent cookies: Record whether you have accepted or declined the use of non-essential cookies.

You cannot opt out of strictly necessary cookies, as blocking them would impair the website's functionality. These cookies do not require your consent under PECR regulations.

2. Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. These cookies collect anonymous information that helps us improve our site. We use this information to:

• Identify which pages and articles are most and least popular.
• Understand how visitors navigate through our site.
• Measure the effectiveness of our content and site structure.
• Identify technical issues and areas for improvement.
• Understand which search terms visitors use to find our site.

Google Analytics cookies collect information including:

• Your IP address (anonymised to remove identifying information).
• Pages visited and time spent on each page.
• How you arrived at our site (search engine, direct, referral).
• Links clicked and interactions with our content.
• Device type, browser, and general location (at country/region level).

Google Analytics data is retained for 26 months. For information about how Google handles analytics data, please see Google's Privacy Policy. You can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent your data from being collected.

3. Advertising Cookies

We use Google AdSense to display relevant advertisements on our website. Google AdSense uses cookies to:

• Deliver advertisements more relevant to your interests based on your browsing patterns.
• Limit the number of times you see the same advertisement.
• Measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
• Track conversions from advertisements to actions on our site.

Advertising cookies on our site include:

• _gcl_* cookies: Google Ads conversion tracking cookies. These help us and Google understand the effectiveness of our advertising.
• DoubleClick cookies: Used by Google to serve and track advertisements across websites.

You can manage how Google uses your data for advertising by visiting youronlinechoices.com, which allows you to opt out of personalised advertising from participating companies. Alternatively, you can adjust your Google Ads settings at adssettings.google.com.

4. Functional / Preference Cookies

We may use functional cookies to remember your preferences and settings, such as:

• Your preferred text size or display settings.
• Whether you prefer a simplified or detailed view.
• Any preferences you have set on our site.

These cookies enhance your experience but are not essential to core functionality.

Specific Cookies Used on This Site

The following table shows the main cookies used on uksolaradvice.com:

Third-Party Cookies

The following third parties may set their own cookies when you visit uksolaradvice.com. We do not control these cookies. The following is a summary of the main third-party services we use:

Google Analytics (analytics)

• Purpose: Website usage analytics and performance measurement.
• Provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.
• Privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
• Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on

Google AdSense (advertising)

• Purpose: Delivering relevant advertisements based on user browsing patterns.
• Provider: Google Ireland Limited.
• Privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
• Opt-out: youronlinechoices.com

Managing Cookies in Your Browser

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• View what cookies are currently stored on your device.
• Delete specific cookies, all cookies from specific sites, or all cookies at once.
• Block cookies from all websites or only from specific sites you trust.
• Block third-party cookies while allowing first-party cookies.
• Set alerts when cookies are being placed on your device.
• Clear all cookies and site data when you close your browser.

Instructions for Major Browsers

• Google Chrome: Settings (three dots) → Privacy and Security → Cookies and site data → Manage settings. Visit: support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
• Mozilla Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data. Visit: support.mozilla.org
• Apple Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data. Visit: support.apple.com
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy and services → Cookies. Visit: support.microsoft.com

Local Storage and Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use browser local storage (also called DOM storage or web storage) to retain information about your preferences between sessions. Local storage works similarly to cookies but can store larger amounts of data. You can clear local storage via your browser settings in the same way you manage cookies.

Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. Our website currently does not respond to DNT signals, as there is no universally agreed standard for how websites should handle them. However, we honour the intent of DNT by providing clear cookie controls and offering choices about analytics and advertising cookies as described in this policy.

Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable cookies, please be aware that:

• Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled — the website requires them to function.
• Disabling analytics cookies means we will not be able to see how you use our site, making it harder for us to improve our content.
• Disabling advertising cookies will result in less relevant advertisements but will not remove all advertisements from the site.
• Your preferences may not be saved between sessions.
• The overall website experience may be diminished.

Social Media Cookies

If our website includes social media sharing buttons (for example, for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or other platforms), clicking these buttons may result in cookies being set by the relevant social media company. These cookies are controlled by the social media platforms, not by uksolaradvice.com. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any social media platforms you use.

Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.
• Post a notice on our website for 30 days following material changes.
• Take reasonable steps to notify users of significant changes where appropriate.

We recommend reviewing this page periodically for the latest information on our cookie practices.

More Information About Cookies

For more information about cookies, how they work, and how to manage them:

• ICO guidance on cookies: ico.org.uk/your-data/matters/online-cookies
• All About Cookies: allaboutcookies.org
• Your Online Choices: youronlinechoices.com

Contact Us About Cookies

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://uksolaradvice.com/contact.html