Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between Solar PV and Solar Thermal systems?
A. It is confusing because both are referred to as ‘solar power’. Solar PV (photovoltaic) is an installation of panels that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Solar thermal is a system of panels that uses either the sun’s heat or sunlight to heat the hot water in your home.

Q. What are the benefits of a Solar PV installation?
A. Significantly reduce your electricity bills, Protect yourself from future electricity price rises, Reduce your CO2 emissions, Add value to your house, Generate your own green energy, Provide an additional source of income.

Q. What do I need to install a Solar PV system?
A. A south facing (South East through to South West) unshaded roof or other area (garden, garage etc.) that is a minimum of 12 square metres.

Q. Can I get paid for the electricity I generate?
A. Yes. Most electricity companies will pay you for the electricity you generate, some will pay you for all the electricity you generate regardless of how much you use yourself! Rates vary but at the moment you can benefit up to £0.29 per kWh. That’s £0.15 per kWh for everything you generate and another £0.14 per kWh for the energy you didn’t have to buy. This does assume that you use everything you generate - which is normally the case.

Q. Is there enough sun in the UK for solar panels to work effectively in the UK?
A. Most certainly. The UK receives around 55% of the energy that hits the equator which generates around 900 – 1,200 kWh for every square metre in the UK. Enough power to make solar energy very effective in the UK.

Q. How much energy can Solar PV panels produce?
A. That depends on the size of the system installed and the size of the panels. All systems are measured in kWp (kilowatt peak) which is the amount of energy generated at midday on a sunny day. For example a 2 kWp system would typically comprise of 12 panels and would be expected to produce around 1,500 – 2,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) a year which is about half the electricity that an average household would use.

Q. Once installed how will I know how much energy the system is producing?
A. You will have your own webpage which will show LIVE how much energy your system is producing and how much CO2 you are saving. On one webpage you will see all technologies that you have installed - Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Wind Turbine etc. It can also show you how much energy you are using (option).

Q. Will I still have electricity bills to pay?
A. Yes. You will not be able to totally replace your current electricity supply with solar energy unless you decide to go ‘off grid’ and use a battery storage system to store any surplus electricity that you generate. Most people choose to be ‘grid connected’ which means that they use mains electricity when their solar PV system is not supplying all the electricity that they need, such as at night time. It will however significantly cut the cost of your bills and protect you from future price increases.

Q. How long do the panels last?
A. Solar PV panels are guaranteed for 20+ years with no significant loss of output. It is likely that they will last longer. Panels that were made in the 60’s are still working! Solar Thermal panels will also last for several decades.

Q. Do panels have to go on the roof of my house?
A. No. Solar PV panels can be ground mounted or can go on the roof of a garage or outbuilding. The important thing is that the area must be south facing and must be unshaded. Solar Thermal do need to be near to the hot water tank so generally they do need to go on your roof.

Q. How much space do I need?
A. The smallest Solar PV system is around 1.5kWp which will need 12 square metres. For each kWp thereafter you will need 8 square metres. A 2.5kWp system for example will need 20 square metres. Most household systems tend to be 1.5kWp – 3.0kWp. Solar thermal for the average house will require 3 to 4 square metres for domestic hot water. Swimming pool systems will require more space.

Q. Do the panels require any maintenance?
A. No. The panels just need to be kept clean but rainwater usually does this.

Q. How much will a system cost?
A. A 2kWp solar PV system will cost about £11,500 fully fitted inclusive of VAT and government grant. A 1.5kWp solar PV system about £9,500. A solar thermal system will cost £4,500 - £6,000 fully fitted inclusive of VAT and government grant. The price of a wind turbine of 6kW peak output on a 15 metre mast is around £21,000 fully fitted, inclusive of VAT and government grant.

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