• Incorporating Naturalwatt Grid Connected Solar PV (Photovoltaic)
• Incorporating Naturalwatt Microgrid^TM

How It Works

How Solar Photovoltaic Panels Generate Mains Electricity

Using high efficiency solar panels, normal daylight or sunlight is converted into high voltage electricity. The panels do not need full sunlight and can operate and generate electricity in cloudy conditions.

Electricity is immediately transferred through an inverter (with 95% efficiency) into mains electricity for use in your home or for immediate export to the national grid.

Solar Electricity Is Used First,
Surplus Is Exported

The system automatically uses solar electricity first to power your electrical items. Any surplus is then exported to your local grid.

No Sun? No Problem
& No Interruptions

When you are not producing electricity, appliances will be powered directly by mains electricity.

The way the system is set up, there is never a gap in electrical supply - so all appliances switched on (like freezers, fridges, music players etc.) will run continuously even when your system switches over.

Complete Installation in 10-14 Days

A typical installation for a domestic property will take around 10 - 14 days. This allows time for scaffolding to be erected and dismantled while the actual installation takes 3- 5 days.

Minimal Disruption Indoors. No Fundamental Rewiring Required

Disruption is minimal and the only wiring inside the property is wiring to the inverter. We take care of the whole process for you including grid connection - the only thing you need to do is choose your electricity supplier.

Get Paid For What You Generate!

Recent developments mean that from April 2010 you will be paid for all the electricity that you generate even if you use it all yourself. Any electricity that you don't use will be fed into the grid and you will be paid extra for any energy you export to the grid.

Feed In Tariff Income: Tax Free, Index Linked & Guaranteed for 25 Years

The government feed-in tariff or Green Energy Cashback Scheme is designed to encourage property owners to install renewable energy systems. It is a fixed tariff indexed linked that will be paid to you for 25 years.

Feed In Tariff Rate

The rate paid is 41.3p per kWh generated and used by you and 44.3p per kWh exported to the grid.

Payment For 100% Of The
Electricity You Generate: Even If
You Use It Yourself

Payback is further enhanced by the saving you will make by not having to buy your own electricity in so much electricity. This can take your net benefit up to 54.3p per kWh that you generate and use yourself.

Savings For An Average System

For an average 2.16kWp system you can expect to make savings of around £888 a year.

Faster Return On Investment

Our customers typicall see between 7% and 10% returns on investment. Our systems have been proven to continuously outperform SAP estimates meaning our solar panel systems give customers a better payback, quicker.

Add Value To Your Property

Surveys have shown that consumers are now paying closer attention to energy efficiency and will typically pay around £10,000 more (source: Energy Savings Trust) for a property that can save a large fraction on ever rising energy bills.

Monitor Your Electricity
Production Online

Your solar electricity production is dynamically recorded by the MicroGrid Controller which offers you unprecedented information on how your system is performing over time.

See Your Carbon Savings

As well as showing the energy you're generating live, you can also track the carbon savings you're making. All of this comes in easy to understand graphs - at fingertips with any internet connection anywhere.

Track Your Electricity Consumption

If you have a compatible meter fitted we can also show you how much electricity you are using as well. All of which will help you save more energy and get paid more over time.

24 Hour Monitoring -
The Naturalwatt Difference

The MicroGrid Controller enables us to continuously monitor the performance of your system. If there is any unexpected drop in performance - we report it to you immediately. This means you can react quickly to rectify any faults so you don't lose any income.

Optimal Solar Positioning

Solar arrays are ideally positioned SE through to SW to get the best solar gain.

Factors Affecting Solar
Panel Performance

The position of a system is the primary factor which will affect energy generation. Other factors include tilt angle and orientation, and the level of shading caused by trees, buildings and other structures.

Ground Mounted Solar
Panel Systems

Ground mounting is also popular in a field or paddock where your building is not suitable to position the solar panels correctly.

Multiple Roof Mounting Options

There are a number of options available to fit your circumstances. Solar PV modules can be fixed on frames above the existing tiles or even made to be an integral part of the building structure replacing conventional roof tiles.

Planning Permission Usually
Not Required

Provided the panels do not protrude more than 20cm above the roof, they are now generally classed as permitted development.

Solar panel installations therefore do not generally require planning permission except in conservation areas, on listed buildings or in areas of outstanding beauty. In sensitive planning areas, we can recommend other options for mounting soalr panels with minimal visual impact.

The Wiring

Solar PV modules generate high voltage DC (Direct Current) electricity before an inverter converts electricity to mains quality AC (Alternating Current).

Because DC wiring is not the standard for domestic buildings we install approved specialist wiring and isolators to meet all electrical compliance requirements.

Energy Generation & Solar
PV System Costs

Energy generation and system cost will naturally varies depending upon the size of the system you choose and the unique location where it is installed. However, but a typical south facing system would generate approximately 850kWh per year per kWp installed, at a fully inclusive system cost of £5,000 - £6,000 per kW p fitted.

Specification for a Typical
Grid Connected 2.16 kWp Photovoltaic System

Area of Panels: 16m2 South Facing (from SW to SE)
Power Supplied: 230V/1ph/50Hz (or optional 400V/3ph/50Hz)
Planning Required: Typically permitted development
System Warranty: 2 Years
Solar PV Panels Warranty: 20 /25 years
Regular Maintenance Required: None
Internet Connection Required: DSL local Ethernet Connection or via GPRS
Safety Power Cut Out: The system will cut out in a power cut situation for safety reasons

Find Out More

We're here to answer your questions. To find out more and speak to a renewable energy expert about solar PV installation, please call us 0845 052 2765 or request a free callback.