What is the return on investment?

The typical return on investment is between 5 and 8% over 25 years. This return varies with a number of factors, but our systems have consistently outperformed government approved standard estimates.

Can I get the Feed-In Tariff for a DIY solar panel system?

No. You can only claim it when you have a system set up by an accredited installer using accredited solar panels and supporting technology.

Will the government reduce or phase out the feed-in tariff?

Once you are on the Feed-in tariff, the government has made a commitment to honour payments for the full term of 25 years.

A change in the solar PV tariff rates has recently been announced. This change will affect all installations installed on or after 12th December 2011. For these installations the present tariff of 43.3p per kWh generated will be paid until the 31st March 2012. Thereafter as of the 1st April each kWh generated will be paid at 21p per kWh.

Once you are on the feed-in tariff rate, the government has guaranteed it, so you will not be affected by any future rate decreases.

Germany is a case in point where they have achieved their proposed targets and have therefore closed their scheme to new participants. Existing members of the scheme will still be paid for the remaining lifetime of their tariff.

I was installed before 12th December 2011 and am already receiving Feed-in tariff payments will I be affected by this change ?

No. If you are already receiving FIT payments and were installed and registered with the Feed-in Tariff before the 12th December 2011 then you will continue to receive the higher rate tariff currently set at 43.2p per kWh for the full term of the tariff.

What about larger schemes, how will they be affected ?

Proposed rates for larger schemes are:

4-10kWp 16.8p per kWh
10-50kWp 15.2p per kWh
50-250kWp 12.9p per kWh
250kWp – 5MW 8.5p per kWh
Stand alone 8.5p per kWh

Are there any other changes that I need to be aware of ?

For installations registered on or after the 12th December 2011 there will be an requirement for properties to reach a certain level of energy efficiency to receive the proposed new tariff rates. This could include reaching an Energy Performance Certificate level of C or taking up all the measures potentially eligible for Green Deal finance, depending on the outcome of the consultation. As a transitional arrangement, installations with eligibility dates between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2013 would have 12 months from the eligibility date to comply with the energy efficiency requirement. This requirement is subject to the consultation currently taking place details of which are expected at the end of 2011.

Does my location affect how much energy I can produce?

Yes. Solar panel systems are affected by a whole range of factors including location, roof pitch, aspect and any shading issues.

We can help advise you about making the most of your location and help you estimate the kind of output you can expect from your installation.

Is solar power a good investment?

We can't advise you about the best place to invest your money! However, typical returns on investment are most often about 5-8% and yet solar PV remains a low risk investment option with a reliable payback.

When you contact us, we'll make sure you have all the information, estimates and data you need to make an informed decision about whether a solar PV installation is the right thing for you.

How do I find out more?

To find out more about how a home, commercial or public sector solar panel system could work for you send us a message or call us on 0845 052 2765.

We'll get an expert to call you and discuss your project plans.