Frequently asked questions
Q. How much space on my roof do I need for a solar PV installation?
Our grid connected systems start from around 1kW peak power, this occupies about 8 square metres on your roof.
Q. How much electricity does a PV system output?
For every kW peak power installed on a South facing roof the system will generate around 800 kWh. This reduces by around 20% for an East or West facing roof.
Q. How much does a Solar PV system cost?
Installed prices (including VAT) start from around £3500 – £6000 (inc VAT) per kW peak power. There are no longer any grants available as these have been replaced with the Feed In Tariff (FIT)
Q. Will I be eligible for the Feed In Tariff (FIT)?
We are approved MCS installers so our installations are eligible for all government incentives..
Q. Do I need planning permission?
Our roof mounted systems do not need planning permission unless the property is listed or in a conservation area.
Q. Do I need to inform building control that I intend to install a solar system?
Yes, you should speak to building control about your intentions, and they will advise you if you need to take any further action with them.
Q. Will my roof be strong enough?
Most roofs are strong enough to take a solar installation without any reinforcement.
Q. Do I need to inform my electricity supplier?
For systems below 16 Amps output (approx 3.7kW peak power) we will inform them once the installation is complete. For systems larger than 16 Amps we will require permission in advance from the network operator. For systems up to 4kW we will arrange this permission.
Q. What is the payback for a solar PV installation?
We would expect a system to pay for itself about 5-6 times over 25 years of use. This is based on an annual fuel inflation of 12.9%. With the new FIT Initial return on investment is around 7-12% tax free.
Q. Can I export any of the electricity I generate?
Yes, all unused electricity will automatically be exported, your electricity company can fit an export meter or they can pay you based on estimated export rates (usually 50%), sometimes the electricity supplier can authorise us to fit the export meter.
Q. How much will I be paid for electricity I generate?
The Feed in Tariff pays up to 43.3p/kWh for all the electricity generated even if used in your own property. See the Feed in Tariff (FiT) tab above for more details.
Q. What is a kWh?
A kWh (pronounced ‘kilo watt hour’) is a specific amount of electricity. 1 Kwh is identical to 1 unit of electricity that is shown on your electricity bill. An electrical item having a rating of 1kW will consume 1kWh for every hour it is on at full power.
Q. What does the inverter do?
The photovoltaic solar panels generate direct current (DC), this is not directly compatible with the 240V alternating current (AC) that is used in your property. The inverter converts the DC power to AC power that can be used in your property.
Q. How does the electricity I generate get in to my wall sockets?
We connect the system to your fuse board (consumer unit). The electricity will automatically flow from there to wherever it is needed.
Q. Do I need permission from building control to install solar panels?
A buildings notice is generally not required as we are approved installers and registered as ‘competent people’. However, different building control offices deal with these products differently so we would recommend that you confirm this with your local office.
Q. Does your prices include for Scaffolding?
We include for scaffolding installation in all our prices unless there are specific reasons for us not to.
Q. Are there any grants available?
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme closed it grants scheme for electricity generating systems in February this year with the introduction of the Feed in Tariff. However, grants may be available from your local council, please contact them for details.
Q. Are the grants difficult to get?
No, difficultly obtaining grants is a rumour spread by unapproved installers. Local council grants are often very straight forward to apply for. You should contact your local council to check availability and the application process.
Q. What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels?
Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be slightly more expensive than polycrystalline panels, however monocrystalline panels are regarded as having a higher output per kW peak power installed. Polycrystalline wafer has a dark blue colour, monocrystalline wafer is black.
Q. Will PV systems be dropping in price dramatically over the next few years?
Many developments are taking place in the PV industry and popularity is increasing. However, we would expect prices and performance to change gradually rather than dramatically. The government is interested in maintaining a consistent return on investment for systems installed now and over the coming years. On this basis we would expect government incentives to reduce as the cost/performance ratio improves.
Q. Is efficiency important with solar panels?
Often not, the efficiency of a panel relates to how effectively it can convert the sun’s light. Given that the sun’s light is free a panel can simply be made larger to offset a lower efficiency. Only when suitable roof area is at a premium does it make sense to choose high efficiency panels, this will maximise the amount of power that can be generated from a roof. Solar Solutions only install high quality products.
Q. Whose panels do you use?
Typically we use high quality panels from Sharpe, Hyundai & Asun.
Q. What guarantees will I receive?
Panels generally have an output guarantee of between 20 and 25 years depending on manufacturer. Inverters normally have a guarantee of 5 years. Most other components and labour is usually guaranteed for 5 years. Check your quotation for specific details. See warranties.
Q. Are your panels approved?
We only use the very highest quality of materials. The panels we use meet the required MCS standard.
Q. Will an electrician fit the panels to the roof?
No, all roof work will be completed by our trained roofing specialists. Many companies use the wrong trades people to fit panels on roofs, we use our electrician for electrical work and our roofers for roofing work.
Q. How are the panels fixed to the roof?
For standard roof we use rigid stainless steel brackets that are fixed directly to your roof rafters. The brackets hook out from underneath your existing tiles. We do not drill tiles/slates or use mastic/silicone to weather proof your roof. These techniques do not have a long life span.
Q. How long will the installation take?
Installation normally takes 2-3 days.
Q. How much do the solar PV panels weigh?
Normally about 13kg per m2.
Q. Are the solar PV panels fragile?
Solar PV panels are very robust and can withstand the normal stresses subjected by nature.
Q. What if I move house, is it money wasted?
Not at all, the cost of installing a PV System to your property will be added to the value of your house and you will recoup the installation cost in the sale.
