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FAQs

How much roof space will I need?

This depends on the type of system and how much potential electricity you wish to generate. A 3.6kWhp system, which should produce more than enough electricity for an energy efficient home will require approx 24 m2 of roof space.

Is PV really suitable for the UK?

Photovoltaic panels produce energy from daylight, not direct sunlight, so they still produce electricity on cloudy or overcast days. The amount of solar energy falling on your roof depends on your location. For example in Edinburgh, a south facing roof receives 800kWh/m2, whereas London receives an average of 1000kWh/m2. 800kWh/m2 is enough energy to power an energy efficient house, meaning you only need 10m2 to provide all your electricity needs.

I‘ve heard that solar PV will never payback their embodied energy?

Embodied energy is the amount of energy used to manufacture and transport the solar panels to where they will be installed. Including transport by ship from China, our PV panels will payback their embodied energy on average within 3 years.

How much electricity can I generate per year?

This depends on the size of the system, but a 3.6kWhp system on a south-facing roof in London can potentially generate over 2800 kWh per annum. In the UK, the average electricity consumption is 4,800 kWh per household. If you make your home energy efficient by insulating it well, making it air tight, installing heat recovery ventilation, double glazing, and using low energy appliances and lighting, as well as switching off when not in use, you can easily reduce your energy use to below 2800kWh per year.

What is a kilowatt peak (kWp)?

Kilowatt peak refers to the value of power generated by a solar panel or panel system under full solar radiation (under set Standard Test Conditions). Solar radiation of 1,000 watts per square meter is used to define standard conditions. In the UK, one kilowatt peak of solar will generate roughly 850 kilowatt hours (kwh) per year.

Will I be able to generate an Income?

Yes. The FITS Scheme will pay you for electricity generated regardless of how much you use yourself. If you use less and export more electricity to the grid you will realise a higher return.

What is FITS and how do I apply?

Feed-In Tariffs (also known as FITs) are the electricity part of the Clean Energy Cashback, a scheme introduced by the UK Government that pays people for creating their own "green electricity". The second part of the scheme is the Renewable Heat Incentive, a similar measure for heat. A fixed FITS guarantees income on every kWh of electricity generated for the next 25 years.
For more information and how to apply visit: http://www.fitariffs.co.uk

Are PV’s fragile?

Solar PV panels are fairly robust; they survive a 1m steel ball drop test and designed for all-weather conditions

What are solar hot water panels or solar thermal collectors?

Solar Thermal Collectors use sunlight to heat water by pumping water through ‘evacuated tubes’. The term Evacuated Tube refers to the glass tubes that seal a vacuum around the collector tube. This glass tube transmits the suns rays to warm the collectors and the vacuum virtually stops the heat from escaping from the tubes. The closed-loop solar collector systems use electric pumps, valves, and controllers to circulate a glycol-water antifreeze mixture through the collectors and into a hot water storage tank. You may need to install a hot water tank in your property if it doesn’t already have one.

How long will my energy roof system last?

Typical lifetimes are 25 years. Each of our systems comes with a 5 years product warranty and 25 year guarantee covering 80% power production. Realistic life expectancies for monocrystaline PV are often far higher than polycrystaline PV.

Are there maintenance costs?

Very few. Solar PV and Solar Thermal Collectors have no moving parts so require very little maintenance. They are silent, unobtrusive, clean renewable energy generators. Usually any dust or dirt washes off the panels when it rains, if the panels are installed on a roof of at least 15 degrees. In extreme cases dust may cause a power reduction of about 10%.

Do I need planning permission?

Solar roof systems fall under permitted development rights so you do not need planning permission, although if you live in an area of 'outstanding natural beauty' or in a listed building you should contact your local council.

How quickly will a solar electric system pay back the cost of installation?

We estimate that an average system takes roughly seven to twelve years to pay for itself, after which it will make money for its owner for the remainder of its life. In simple terms, if you were to spend £10,000 on a system today, you would receive roughly 9% of your investment back per annum. This is a lot better than most banks can offer these days!