Solar PV
Q. Is my home suitable for PV Solar?
Whilst many homes are suitable for PV Solar to obtain the maximum benefits from a system your property ideally should have a south (south east/south west) facing roof.
Q. How much space on my roof do I need for a solar PV installation?
It is more about how much space you have rather than how much you need as basically we match the system to the available space. For a standard 2KW system a space equal to 12.6 square meters is required.
Q. How much electricity does a PV system output?
For every kW peak power installed on a South facing roof the system will generate around 800 kWh. This will reduce by around 20% for an East or West facing roof.
Q. How much does a Solar PV system cost?
There is no such thing as a standard cost as installations will vary dependant on the type of property and access. An average price for a 2KW system is around £6,500.00 plus VAT. There are no longer any grants available as these have been replaced with the Feed In Tariff (FIT)
Q. Will I be eligible for the new Feed In Tariff (FIT)?
Yes. The FIT pays up to 21p/kWh (<4kW peak power) for every kWh that the system predicted to produce providing that a system has been installed by MCS approved installers. Phoenix Renewable Technologies are MCS approved.
Q. Do I need planning permission?
Roof mounted systems do not need planning permission providing that your property is not listed or in a conservation area.
Q. Do I need to inform building control that I intend to install a solar system?
Yes it is advisable to speak to building control about your plans as they will advise you if you need to take any further action. Be wary of any installer who advisers you not to contact building control.
Q. Will my roof be strong enough?
Most roofs are strong enough to take a solar installation without any reinforcement however this will be confirmed once a formal survey has taken place.
Q. Do I need to inform my electricity supplier?
For systems below 16 Amps output (approx 4kW peak power) we will inform them once the installation is complete. For systems larger than 16 Amps we will require permission in advance from the network operator.
Q. What is the payback for a solar PV installation?
Normally we would expect a system to pay for itself after about eight to ten years dependant on usage. This is based on an annual fuel inflation of 12.9%, calculated by Ernst Young and the government’s new feed in tariff proposals.
Q. Can I export any of the electricity I generate?
Yes, all unused electricity will automatically be exported. Your electricity company can fit an export meter or they can pay you based on estimated export rates (usually 50%). Please do not confuse the export meter with the gross generation meter which we fit as standard on all our installations.
Q. How much will I be paid for electricity I generate?
The Feed in Tariff pays up to 21p/kWh for all the electricity generated even if used in your own property. See our Feed in Tariff fact sheet for further details.
Q. What is a kWh?
A kWh is a specific amount of electricity. 1 KWh is identical to 1 unit of electricity that is shown on your electricity bill. An electrical item having a rating of 1kW will consume 1kWh for every hour it is on at full power.
Q. What is a Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC)?
The government created an obligation for electricity suppliers to generate electricity from renewable sources. This system has now been replaced with the Feed in Tariff (FiT).
Q. What does the inverter do?
The PV panels generate direct current (DC), this is not directly compatible with the 240V alternating current (AC) used in your property. The inverter converts the DC power to AC power that can be used in your property.
Q. How does the electricity I generate get in to my wall sockets?
We connect the system to your fuse board/consumer unit from which the electricity will automatically flow to wherever it is needed.
Q. Do I need permission from building control to install solar panels?
Building control have some specific criteria in determining whether your need to submit a buildings notice. We will discuss this with them and you on a case by case basis. A buildings notice may not be required but given that different building control offices deal with these products differently this should be confirmed with your local office.
Q. Will I have electricity during mains power cuts?
For the safety of electrical workmen our standard systems do not operate during power cuts. It is possible to upgrade a system to automatically disconnect your property from the grid and to provide power from the panels to a battery back up in your property during power cuts.
Q. Do I need a three phase electricity supply?
Systems up to about 10kW peak power can often be accommodated on a single phase electricity supply, however we do need to seek permission from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). More than this will require 3 phases with the power split equally between them.
Q. Are there any grants available?
The low carbon buildings program closed it grants scheme for electricity generating systems in February 2010 with the introduction of the Feed in Tariff. However, grants may be available from your local council, please contact them for details.
Q. Are the grants difficult to get?
No, difficultly obtaining grants is a rumour spread by unapproved installers. Local council grants are often very straight forward to apply for. You should contact your local council to check availability and the application process.
Q. What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels?
Monocrystalline panels tend to be slightly more expensive than polycrystalline panels, however monocrystalline panels are regarded as having a higher output per kW peak power installed. Polycrystalline wafer has a dark blue colour, monocrystalline wafer is black.
Q. Will PV systems be dropping in price dramatically over the next few years?
Continuous developments are taking place in the PV industry and popularity is increasing. However, we would expect prices and performance to change gradually rather than a dramatic change. The government is interested in maintaining a consistent return on investment for systems installed now and over the coming years. On this basis we would expect government incentives to reduce as the cost/performance ratio improves.
Q. Is efficiency important with solar panels?
Often not, the efficiency of a panel relates to how effectively it can convert the sun’s light. Given that the sun’s light is free a panel can simply be made larger to offset a lower efficiency. Only when suitable roof area is at a premium does it make sense to choose high efficiency panels, this will maximise the amount of power that can be generated from a roof. IES can offer high and standard efficiency modules.
Q. Whose panels do you use?
We use carefully selected high quality panels such as Chint, Sharp, Schuco and Sanyo but more importantly we will always use panels that are best matched for your installation.
Q. What guarantees will I receive?
Panels generally have an output guarantee of between 20 and 25 years and a manufacturer’s warranty of around 5 years depending on manufacturer. Inverters also normally carry a warranty for 5 years.
Q. Are your panels approved?
All products used are MCS approved in order to meet the government requirements for incentives.
Q. Will an electrician fit the panels to the roof?
No, all roof work will be completed by our own trained installation specialists. Electrical work will be carried out by our own electrician following the installation of the system.
Q. How are the panels fixed to the roof?
For a standard on roof installation we use rigid stainless steel brackets that support a fixing rail that in turn supports the panels. The brackets hook out from underneath your existing tiles. We do not drill tiles/slates or use mastic/silicone to weather proof your roof. Other types of installations are available such as “in-roof” and we will explain these further if required.
Q. How long will the installation take?
Installation normally takes 1-2 days.
Q. How much do the solar PV panels weigh?
Normally about 13kg per m2.
Q. Are the solar PV panels fragile?
Solar PV panels are very robust and can withstand the normal stresses subjected by nature.
Q. Can I heat water with solar PV panels?
Once the panels have created electricity you could connect this to an immersion heater to heat water. However, electricity is a very flexible form of energy and in most circumstances would be wasted being used to simply heat water. We would advise that home owners should heat water with solar thermal (water heating) panels.
Please note that these answers are designed to be appropriate for typical installations. The exact specification for your system will be detailed in your personal proposal.
