FAQ's
Read through our FAQ's to find out more. Remember if you are unsure contact us by email or phone. We offer a free Solar Survey on your property and provide you with the best advice using best practices throughout the industry.
What is a feed-in tariff?
Basically, you will be paid by the governments Clean Energy Cash Back Scheme for your surplus energy produced and used. Rather than storing it in batteries, our system automatically feeds your excess to the National Grid and you will be paid annually for your contribution. Already these tariffs are used in many countries, including Germany, Spain, Australia and some US states with great success.
What is the 'clean energy cash back scheme' or 'Fits scheme'?
The 'Clean Energy Cash Back Scheme' is a feed in tariff is for all units of electricity produced (private or business) regardless of whether it is used in the property or not. The feed in tariff will be paid for 25 years. These tariffs will cover the initial cost and earn a return of around 8%, according to the Government. The Scottish equivalent is the 'Fits scheme'.
Why apply sooner rather than later?
The 'Clean Energy Cash Back Scheme' is a scheme to encourage early take up of PV solar technology and just like Germany's similar pioneering scheme, early adopters of the scheme will get much better feed-in tariff rates than later uptakers, eventually finishing altogether once demand has been achieved.
The new governments Clean Energy Cashback Scheme commonly called thefeed in tariff is available for UK home owners.
How much will PV generate?
A PV system would generate approximately 750 kWh/year per kW installed. So our basic 1 kW system would generate around 750 kWh per year, and a 5kW system will produce around 4500 kWh. Installing PV solar is a great way of 'future proofing' your home.
How much will my PV system cost?
The cost of a solar electric system depends on several factors but is usually based on system sizes and property type. Contact us for our PV price list...Quotes & suitability.
Will it supply all my electricity?
The average household consumption is 3000 kWh per year. Thus on average, our smallest 1kW system could supply nearly 25% of your electricity over the course of the year, depending on your consumption rates and it may be possible to do more, by carefully reducing your energy use.
What grants are available?
There are currently no government grants to assist with this type of solar. This ended April 2010 and was offering a maximum of £2,500 per household. Early adopters, however, are paid lower feed-in tariff so you will benefit from the Government backed renewable energy scheme.
What about payback?
A 2kW system is likely to cost around £10,863 to install and could generate around 1,800 units of electricity per year. This would translate into an annual profit of around £808 (Savings and Income from Feed in tariff). Based on these figures, it would take a household around 10 - 15 years to recoup its investment, while those that take advantage of the £2,500 grant would see this reduced to around 12 years. Proven life spans for this technology is 30 - 40 years.
"People who install PV solar panels acknowledge energy prices will rise continually 5, 10, 15 even 30 years from now. People inversting today will benefit from cheaper installation and product cost".
Solar installations will get cheaper with time, won't they?
Unfortunately the indicators are that price's will rise.
As a recent Financial Times article points out:
the cost of energy, resources, materials and manufacturing is rising globally. It's likely that solar panels will never be cheaper than they are now as future panels and installations will consist of inputs {energy + materials} that cost far more than today.
Although we do our best to keep prices reasonable, their are customers we spoke to 2 years ago who wished they had bought back then.
What does 'grid connected' mean?
The generated electricity, which will obviously vary according to the level of sunlight, means the excess energy produced will be directed out to the National Grid, and you will be credited accordingly.
In this way the deficit between generation and demand can simply be purchased from your electricity supplier as normal.
Is my home suitable for Photovoltaics?
Photovoltaic (PV) panels can be configured in many different ways to fit. If roof space is an issue, another option is to ground mount them on a frame within your garden.
The innovative PV array technology and mounting systems means that PV can be retro fitted on existing roofs or easily incorporated into new builds.
Do I need Planning Permission?
As part of the service we will make the enquiries to establish with your local council if your property requires Planning Permission.
What maintenance is required?
One of the advantages of PV solar over other UK micro generation technology is that no maintenance is required because it is a solid state energy conversion process.
The 3 main types of PV cells, which is best?
Monocrystalline: made from thin slices cut from a single crystal of silicon. This has a typical efficiency of 15 per cent.
Polycrystalline: made from thin slices cut from a block of silicon crystals. This has a typical efficiency of around 12 per cent.
Thin Film: made from a very thin layer of semiconductor atoms deposited on a glass or metal base. This has a typical efficiency of 7 per cent.
Monocrystaline PV solar is the most efficient solar sold around the world.
How much roof space do I need?
The system does take a lot of roof space, but (photovoltaic) pv solar can be installed within your garden area using 'A' frames, facing south, if roof space is a problem.
Are they manufactured within the UK, supporting British manufacturers?
Help us become a leading renewable energy supplier to the up and coming worldwide industry by supporting British industry.
I heard PV solar panels are expensive?
The increase in your house price after installation and relief from energy prices, investment in such a system has now become a real option for homes across the UK.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
This depends on the type of solar panel and the density of cloud. In moderate cloud density solar energy can still be collected and used. In heavy density cloud, probably not. Take your solar calculator out on a cloudy day. It will still work.
Can I sell my surplus energy?
Yes, ROC's (Renewable Energy Certificates) are credited to you and trade able. As energy prices rise, these are increasing in value and the more you save energy within your household, the more you will earn.
Will installation have a large impact on my home?
Once the solar panels are installed on the roof, the inside components do not take up much space inside. Installations usually can be done within 3-4 days, with installers being considerate, clean and tidy.
What size solar panel system will I need?
This depends on your energy consumption rate. You can find this out by looking at your electricity bill and finding your annual KW consumpti
What makes your collector better than your competitors'?
We know our solar tubes and flat solar panels are the best because they have been shown to out perform any of our competitors products. Sharp engineered quality with full European Solar Keymark accreditation.
How long does a PV solar system last?
With a good quality PV system, it will easily last 30+ years and it has recently been proved that PV solar installed in the 1960's is still working.
25 years warranty applies on our PV systems.
The longer term benefits of a PV installation.
Now, the costs of installing a system. A modest but well-sited 1.8kWh PV system, suitable for an average, costs about £11,500. Deduct £2,500 from the £10m in the grant kitty before April, if you are lucky and the cost is £8,000.
You can expect to earn £657 for the feed-in tariff and an extra £45 from electricity sent back to the grid and save £118 on your annual electricity bills. The panels would pay for their costs in 10 years, though you would not have your capital. If you did have £8,000 in the bank, as the years tick by, solar slowly catches up, and overtakes the bank deposit by year 26.
After 30 years, compound interest would turn the £8,000 in a savings account to £27,568. Assuming the money from solar (the feed-in tariff and electricity savings, etc) is deposited in a bank after the installation costs have been paid off at year 10, harnessing the power of the sun would be worth £40,654 after 30 years.
How much will I earn?
Retro fitted photovoltaic (PV solar panels) systems of up to 4kW for existing homes will earn the highest initial payments, 41.3p per unit (although this declines over time). Lower rates, up to 36.1p, apply to new-builds and larger setups. A typical 2.5kW well sited solar PV installation could offer a homeowner a reward of up to £900 and save them £140 a year on their electricity bill.
The money that you receive will be dependant on the size of system you have fitted but the government estimate you will receive between 7 – 10 % return on your investment.
Why are the Government doing this?
The UK government have been set targets to meet and have made commitments to reduce carbon emissions and secure future energy supplies. The most effective way of doing this is to make small scale renewable energy an attractive proposition for householders. By giving a generous return on investment it is hoped this will initiate a speedy take up of solar electric. The initial Feed in Tariff rate of 41.3 pence will be available for a limited period in order to incentivise homeowners to enter the scheme sooner rather than later.
Will the amount you earn change?
The Feed in Tariff Scheme will be indexed linked, which means the rate will rise in line with inflation so the tariff you receive will not be devalued over time.
Government Guarantee
The UK Government will guarantee your Feed in Tariff scheme for 25 years. This leaves plenty of time for you to realise the return on your investment. This also highlights the necessity to act quickly as the higher rate tariff will make payback significantly quicker over 25 years. This guarantee of long term income also adds weight to the belief that investing in solar power may add value to and improve the saleability of your property.
Where’s the catch
The Feed in Tariff scheme has to be paid for some how.
The answer is that the government are not directly funding this scheme but will be raising funds through a general increase in electricity prices to the standard consumer. This works in a similar way to the current climate change levy which is added to our bills at the moment. The scheme has been devised to prompt individuals to act quickly and install renewable solar energy whilst it makes financial sense.
