Are solar panels suitable for the UK?
The answer is yes! The biggest market for solar energy in the world in terms of solar installations is Germany. Clearly the German climate is the same as ours and that tells you the technology is good enough for the UK.
How many panels do I need to install?
This will depend on which type of system you want. There are two types of solar panels - solar thermal and solar pv. typically a home will require 2 panels for solar thermal. In terms of solar pv, this will depend on how many kW you want to generate. A starter system of 1.75kW consist of about 8 panels.
what is the payback time on solar panels
If you are looking at solar panels for your home, you have probably asked the question - what is the payback time on solar panels?
With the introduction of the new feed in tariff, the payback time is around 10 years. It is also tax free.
How does the feed in tariff work
The feed in tariff is scheme that pays you for producing renewable energy. This is called micro generation. The feed in tariff for solar panels is for 25 years and offers
- payment of £0.21 per kw
- additonal export tariff of £0.03p per kw
- Tax free payments
What is invloved in an installation of solar panels
Customers are always asking us how much disruption is involved in the installation of solar panels. If we take the installation of solar PV panels - you are looking at around a 2 day install. There is very little disruption involved.
How long does it take to install solar panels?
The typical installation time for a solar panel system whether PV or thermal is around 2 days.
Thermal (hot water panels)
1 day - fitting panels to the roof
1 day - pipework runs, filling the system with glycol
PV Panels
1 day - ftting panels to the roof
1 day - running cables and connecting your electricity meter
Do you drill through the tiles on the roof to install in the panels?
The big green company have an extensive range of roof mounting systems. In many cases, the roof mounting system is installed without the need to drill through the tile.
what is the feed in tariff?
The feed in tariff began on the 1st April and is a scheme designed to incentivise homeowners and commercial developers to install solar panels. The government pays via the energy company a tax free income for 25 years to install solar panels.
How long do solar panels last and what is their efficiency?
All of the panels we install are manufactured warrantied for 25 years. The warranty covers the efficiency of the panel.
5 years - full product guarantee
0 to 10 years - panels are warrantied at 90% power output
10 to 25 years - panels are warrantied at 80% power output
What happens if there is a power cut
Since you are connected to the national grid, if there is a power cut, you will automatically be disconnected to the grid.
How do I receive income from the feed in tariff?
You will receive 2 bills. One bill will state how much energy your solar pv panels have generated. You will be sent a cheque every quarter for the amount of money you are to be paid. You will also receive an electricity bill for any kw you have used from your energy company. You will typically receive more income from your solar pv panels than what you pay to your energy company. This means you will receive an income.
How does the energy company know how much we have exported from our solar panels?
Until the introduction of smart meters, your energy company will assume you have used 50% of the energy from your solar panels from your own use and 50% will be exported.