PV Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is solar energy?

A: Solar energy is given out by the sun and is consequently a reliable, renewable, clean and safe form of energy. Each sunny day the sun radiates around 1000w onto each square metre of the United Kingdom, this drops to around 100w on a cloudy one. This energy can be 'harvested' by solar panels and converted to electricity. In three hours, the sun emits enough energy for the worldwide energy use for a whole year.

Q: How does it work?

A: In general, PV panels are made of cell units bonded together and coated with glass. The cells in the panel convert the sun's energy to DC electricity. Combining multiple panels allows significant electricity to be produced even in domestic situations. This electricity can be stored in batteries, although now, with the Governments' new incentives - FiTs (explained later), these are normally tied to the electricity main grid, supplying a 25 year, tax-free, index-linked return, as well as savings on their own consumption. The DC current produced by the panels in all cases in converted to domestic AC power by using an inverter in the system.

We harness an absolute minute amount of it currently but with the rapid demise in fossil fuels and their damage to the environment, solar energy is a key renewable energy with few known side effects. Energy from the sun is collected in Photovoltaic panels where it is converted to standard electricity.

The following FAQs are divided up into the three categories below:

1. Suitability and Feasibility
2. Benefits of PV
3. Costs and Finance

Suitability and Feasibility

Q: Is my property suitable for PV solar panels?

Most properties will be suitable for some kind of PV system. Larger terraced properties and certainly most semi-detached, detached and commercial properties are ideal. Of course, the yield from the panels is crucial and this will be dependent on many factors such as roof direction, slope, number of panels, quality of system and installation etc. South facing roofs in general will produce the highest amount.

Q: What is an ideal size of system?

A: That varies on the necessary return required or on factors such as yield, etc. In general, however, it is not practical to mount a system of less than 1.5Kw and domestically, as the relative FiT tariffs reduce, you should get specialist advice for systems over 4Kw. (You can get more information on sizeable projects here). A typical domestic system would be one of around 2-2.5Kw. This would consist of 10-12 solar panels.

Q: What should I look for in a solar panel system?

A: Technology which is purchased as an investment should be carefully considered as the yields from different manufacturers' panels can be significantly different, even if they carry a well-known brand or look the same. The FiT payment lasts over 25 years so you will need panels with a guarantee of performance over at least this period and as long as possible product guarantee. We only supply quality Antaris panels which are made to very strict specifications, tested in Germany by the Photovoltaic Institute and the Tec Institute, allowing them to give a 12 year product guarantee and an un-rivaled 30 year, 80% performance guarantee. 

Installation should be from a specialist company with the associated guarantees that they can give. They should preferably be MCS certified. It is highly likely that whilst carefully selected panels will last over 30 years, the inverter necessary to convert the DC output of the panel into AC for consumption will need replacement inside that period. To that end you should carefully decide how long the expected life is and what the cost of replacement may be.

Q: How can I compare panels' performance?

A: The Micro-generation Certification Scheme has been set up to certify quality panels and systems. They will give an expected yield from a panel or system using average conditions in an average location in the UK. Our panels consistently out-perform other panels in field trials and are covered by longer warrantees than other suppliers. This may cost slightly more, but in the long run, those that are not certified are likely to be inferior systems with disappointing yields.

Q: Will fitting damage my property?

A: Most panels are fitting to sloping or flat roofs. Again, quality installation is important. You should look for and use approved and certified installers using "no drill" installation methods and where this is not possible, fixings should be guaranteed leak free. The panels themselves are relatively lightweight construction, so generally no additional structural support will be needed but this must be assessed by a competent person.

Q: Will I need planning permission?

A: Solar fitments for most domestic properties are exempt. Properties in conservation areas require listed building approval if the panels are to be fitted on a front elevation and listed buildings will require approval. All commercial buildings will require planning permission although this should not be unnecessarily with held. Building regulation must be followed and an inspection certificate obtained mainly due to roof loading.

Q: What if my circumstances change over the 25 year payments of the FiT?

A: This is a difficult question but one we often get. People look to move or their life expectancy would not be the full 25 years of the FiT tariff. In this case, it would be hoped a few things would be possible.

1. You sell your property for more than one which is comparable but does not have the income stream from the panels by at least the remainder of the income expected or add on the cost of panels less the income which has already been received.
2. You retain the rights to the income stream from the FiT for the period of 25 years whilst 'giving' the savings benefit to the house purchaser for the 'rental' of the roof space.
3. They just make an additional payment for the panels as they may carpets and curtains with the undoubted benefit of the FiT and savings

All these would of course need to be made clear in the transfer of assets but the FiT is transferrable.

Q: Will I need different meters or electrics to my house?

A: You will need an additional meter installed which will be ordered for you and arranged to be fitted. This will measure the amount of energy you produce from your system to decide the FiT payment. In practice some installations may need a new standard consumer unit as theirs is old, but this can only be decided at survey.

Q: Do solar panels require any maintenance?

A: Of all the means of generating electricity, solar panels are quick and relatively easy for a professional installer to fit. They are almost maintenance free, possibly needing a clean infrequently to maintain peak efficiency.

Q: Don't I need sunshine for solar energy?

A: Obviously the more clear, sunny days the better, but modern panels are designed to generate some electricity, even on cloudy days. The output and yield of our panels and the indication supplied to you in our survey will show real returns available in your locality in average conditions.

Q: Is solar energy safe and clean?

A: Solar energy is very safe as there are no moving parts and once, electricity is produced, providing it is professionally installed, it is as safe as any other electricity in your home. As you will be generating electricity from a renewable resource i.e. the sun, it is very clean and you will be saving a considerable amount of CO2 emissions each year had you have been using energy generated from fossil fuels. (Remember, a considerable amount of commercial electricity is generated using gas or coal).

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Benefits of PV

Q: Why would I want to fit solar panels to my home, farm or business building?

A: The reasons could be many but in truth, most people are installing currently for the economic benefits introduced by the Government where owners of panels will be paid a Feed in Tariff (FiT) for every Kw of energy they produce, that's real money, by cheque, every quarter for 25 years, index linked! On top of that, the owner can use the electricity produced, cutting down their own energy bills. Of course, there are also environmental benefits whereby the CO2 output of the property is considerably reduced in comparison with using or generating commercially produced electricity.

Q: What can I expect to earn from a solar installation?

A: This is a difficult question with many variables and only a survey from a MCS accredited installer with quality systems would get close to accuracy and even then some years will be better than others as summer will be better than winter, but you can try our calculator here. As an indication, if you have a 30 degree sloping, south facing roof with no shade and 12 x 185w panels, then you could expect to get around £1,000 p.a. in FiT (by cheque from the Power Gen) THIS PAYMENT IS TAX FREE!, £150 p.a. saving on the electricity you use using your panel activity, (daytime). This of course can be increased by moving electricity consumption to daytime use. Finally, you will receive a small sum of around £50 p.a. which your electricity provider pays you for electricity you export to them.

Q: I have initial capital, would installing solar panels be a good general investment?

A: Absolutely! If you look at a typical system as used in these Q&As, you would have an investment of £12,000. This would be expected (in ideal circumstances) to return £1,200 p.a. (index-linked) or 10%. Currently for example, the best rate in cash ISA would be less than 5%, so double the return.

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Costs and Finance

Q: How can I finance the purchase of my system?

A: There are many and varied ways of financing your purchase from cash to re-mortgaging your property. We have partnered with a financial institution that will happily finance your system at low interest rates as an un-secured loan (the same as buying a car), you can check out rates and apply online here. Equally, if you would like to talk to an advisor about arranging other finance that can be done by telephoning 0845 223 4499 or filling out an enquiry form.

Q: How much will a system cost?

A: That really does depend on too many factors for each and every individual case and truly only a site survey will determine the best solution. To assist in indicative pricing we have a calculator here that will give you a ball-park figure. To take an example of the system we used above to illustrate the return from a system (30 degree, south facing, 12 x 185w panels) a system of this type would be around £12,000 (Inc. VAT @ 5%). (There may be additional charges for scaffolding, electricity consumer unit upgrades or similar).

Q: What is the VAT payable on my system?

A: That will depend on how you purchase it. We have available systems in kit form or preferably fully installed by an approved MCS installer. If you purchase your system fully installed the VAT rate is 5%. If you wish to purchase a kit and arrange your own installation then the VAT would be at the standard rate of 20%. This would make a significant difference to a consumer who cannot recover the VAT paid.

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