Solar FAQ's

How long does a solar PV installation take?

It normally takes a day or two to fit the solar panels, weather permitting. We use lightweight scaffolding and carry out most of the work outside. The only time we need access inside, is to get into the loft space to fit an inverter and to fit another meter – normally close to your existing meter - and to explain how it all works.

Are there any grants?

Grants are no longer available for solar PV. They have been replaced with Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) introduced by Government on 1st April 2010.FITs are designed to increase the amount of small-scale renewable energy production, and they have already been successful in Germany, Spain and Italy.

The FIT system delivers payments/benefits for owners of newly installed PV installations A payment for every unit of electricity generated by the system. This ‘generation tariff’ is paid regardless of whether a property is using the electricity or not, and the payment is 43.3 pence per unit

An additional payment for any electricity that isn’t used. This is exported to the national grid, and the payment currently is 3p per unit Lower energy bills from current energy providers – because some of the home’s electricity needs are met by the free electricity from the solar system The payments are guaranteed by law for 25 years are tax free to homeowners and will rise with inflation.

The largest payment area is the generation tariff - it could mean £600/£900 per year, and you could cut around a third off your electricity bill, £200 - £400 depending on your PV system size and how you use power.  The export tariff is largely marginal (£30/£50 per year).

Do I need planning permission?

Not usually. Exceptions are in conservation areas if your solar panels would be visible from the road side of the property, or if your property has Listed Building status. It's best to check with your local council planning officer if you are not sure.

What about the weight of the solar panel system on my roof?

A solar panel system is not particularly heavy – a typical one weighs around 15kg. The weight of a system falls well within the building regulation requirements for most houses, but this will be confirmed during the technical survey before any installation.

Do I need to advise my mortgage company?

They may view solar as a modification (similar to an extension or velux window), so it is best to inform them.

Do I have to do anything to make the system work?

No, it’s all automatic. When the solar panels are fitted, you use your electricity as normal. If there is electricity being produced by the panels when you use anything electrical it will use that first automatically. If there isn't enough being produced for what you need, or if it is night-time, then you will automatically use electricity from your usual supplier.

Are you registered to do this?

Yes. The green Home Company is MCS (Microgeneration Certifiication Scheme) accredited ;All electrical work is carried out only by our qualified electricians. All our installers are our own expertly trained professionals.

What is the Feed-in tariff?

As part of the drive towards a greener UK, new government legislation means that energy companies have to pay you for any renewable energy you produce. These payments are known as Feed-in Tariffs (or 'FITs'). The level of the payment (the 'tariff') varies for different renewable energy sources and installation sizes.

Does this affect my current energy company?

No, it doesn't affect any arrangements that you already have. You stay with whatever energy provider you like, and switch when and if you like. Your utility company will take its normal reading and bill you as usual. Of course, this reading will be lower and so your electricity bill will be less (and if you buy a solar PV system you will receive a cheque rather than a bill!). And that's true whether you buy electricity and gas together or individually from different companies.

How much can I save by using free solar electricity?

The actual amount will always depend on when and how you use electricity (The Energy Saving Trust assumes that you use 50% of the electricity you produce). But for example, if you are at home during the hours of daylight when the panels are producing or you set timers for equipment like washing machines, you will be using more. Whatever the figure, the savings are likely to increase because everything you generate is inflation proof (and energy prices have doubled over the last 5 years, according uSwitch )

Who is responsible for maintaining my system?

Solar panels need minimal maintenance, however, something could go wrong and they should be cleaned if they become dirty.

What about insurance?

If you buy the system outright, you will be responsible for them once they have been installed. It's likely that they are covered by your Buildings or Contents insurance policy, and you'll also be covered by the manufacturer's standard product and performance warranties.

How much will a Solar PV system cost?

The total installed cost of a PV system will depend upon the size of the system and how it is mounted. It is not possible unfortunately to give precise figures without a more detailed survey of the individual property in question. As a general guideline however a solar PV system will typically cost £3,500 - £4,500 per kWp. An average sized domestic system therefore of 14 panels totaling 3.0 kWp would around £14,250 fully installed.

How much energy can I generate?

There are five main factors that will impact how much energy a solar PV system will generate:
The total size of the solar array.
The latitude of the location.
Which direction the PV panels face.
What slope the panels are mounted on.
Anything which may shade the panels.