Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Electricity Panels

What is Solar Electricity?

Solar electricity, otherwise known as solar photovoltaic (PV), uses energy from the sun to create electricity that can be used to run appliances.

A PV system simply requires daylight to generate electricity and so still generates power on a cloudy day.

How does it work?

A solar PV system uses a series of Photovoltaic cells in a panel to convert daylight into electricity. The PV cell consists of two charged layers, in balance, within a semi-conductive material, usually silicon.

When light shines on the cell it disrupts this balance causing electrons to flow between the layers  generating an electrical current. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity.

PV cells are referred to in terms of the amount of power they generate under industry standard conditions known as kilowatt peak (kWp)

What are the benefits?

PV systems produce no harmful greenhouse gases when they generate electricity, so you will be generating your own ‘clean power’.

As a result, you will not only reduce your electricity bills but you will also be taking a big step towards reducing your carbon footprint, and you will get paid for it via the Ofgem regulated Feed-in-Tariffs that are guaranteed for 25 years.

What is the Feed-in-Tariff?

The Feed-in-Tariff is part of the Government's Clean Energy Cashback scheme, and is a guaranteed, tax-free, index-linked payment made to home-owners for generating electricity from renewable systems. The payments are made irrespective of whether the homeowner uses the electricity or feeds it back to the grid, in which case a further additional payment is made.

The scheme is funded by the electricity generating companies, which are required by law to buy this 'clean' energy in order to offset some of the emissions they generate from burning gas and coal.

What are the costs/savings?

Prices for PV systems vary depending on the size of the system and the quality of the equipment used.

The size of the system will vary depending on the roof space available at the property and your budget.

Potential savings from a PV system are dependent on many variables such as consumption of electricity on site and existing cost per unit. Your Energy Consultant will be happy to discuss this in more detail with you as each system is tailored to suit individually.

Is my property suitable?

PV works best on roofs that are facing South, South East or South West.

Your home may not be suitable if large trees or buildings overshadow the roof. (If the PV system is in shadow the efficiency of the system decreases.)

Your roof must be strong enough to take the additional weight of a PV system. Our Technical Surveyor will check this for you.

Do I need planning permission?

Solar PV and Thermal have been granted Permitted Development status. However, if you live in an area of outstanding natural beauty, conservation area or in a listed building you may need planning permission. We would always recommend checking with your local planning authority first.

What is the lifespan of the system?

The first silicon-based PV systems were installed in the 1960’s and some of these systems are still in place and generating today.

We go out of our way to use high quality componants designed to maximise the hassle-free lifespan of our systems. On average a PV system will last approximately 30 years.

Is there any maintenance?

Solar PV systems require virtually no maintenance as there are no moving parts to go wrong.

They are self-cleaning, but should they need attention they can be cleaned with some soapy water and a hose.

What can go wrong?

In practice, not much. However, lower-quality panels can allow moisture into the PV modules, enabling algae to grow, turning the panel green and reducing it's efficiency. We use high-quality panels with a market-leading 12 year guarantee.

Is the work checked/tested?

Yes, your system will be fully checked and tested before we leave site.

How can I get the best out of my PV system?

There are two key ways to help get the best from your PV system:

Reduce the amount of electricity used by being more energy efficient – a smart meter or electrical monitor can help with this. By doing this your PV system will make a larger contribution towards your electricity needs.

Try to use appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers etc during daylight hours. That way they will use electricity when your PV system is generating and they will always use that free electricity first.

What if I have any queries before or after installation?

Please feel free to contact us at anytime, our staff are knowledgeable and always ready to help.