What Is It?
Solar PV is a technology using solar panels made from silicon, which provides electricity from the sun’s rays.
How Much Does It Cost?
Solar PV can cost around £5-£8k per kilowatt installed. Most 2-3 bedroom houses require 2-3 kilowatts of power.
What Does Solar PV give me for my money?
- Solar PV provides enough electricity for approximately 70-80% of the year (the restriction is due to the reduced amount of daylight hours in the winter months).
- Solar systems are designed to work with daylight.
- Solar systems do not supply heating systems, unless they are an electrically powered system.
How do I know if my house is suitable?
- The most suitable locations are south facing roofs, with a 45degree tilt towards the sun. It is possible to site panels on east/west locations, but result in higher costs as the sun has to be caught throughout the whole day.
- Planning issues have been relaxed regarding the installation and location of Solar PV Systems, however, listed buildings and buildings in a conservation area have stricter rules and it is essential that the local authority is contacted before any work commences.
How do I connect Solar PV to my electricity supply?
- Solar PV is connected to properties via an inverter, which converts the raw energy produced, into that which can be used for household appliances.
- The Solar PV system can be connected to the National Grid through a meter and grid connection.
- If you are connected to the grid, then the system will work when the grid is working. If the grid goes down, the system will not function. If it is required that the Solar PV system can be used as an independent supply, you will have to invest in battery storage.
Will a Solar PV System make me money?
- You need to register with the grid as a micro generator if you wish to sell your electricity to the grid, and then contact an energy provider who is willing to buy your electricity.
- Payments will be made by your energy supplier of the Governments guaranteed FIT (Feed In Tariff) of 41.3p per KW.
- A 3kw Solar PV System will produce on average 2,500kwh of electricity per year. Using the Feed In Tariff rate of 41.3p, this equates to an income of £1,032 in year one. This payment is guaranteed for 25 years and also increases with inflation.
What is a FIT (Feed In Tariff)?
- Feed In Tariffs are payments to ordinary energy users for renewable energy that they generate.
- Feed In Tariffs are the electricity part of what some people call Clean Energy Cashback. They have been introduced by the Government to increase the level of renewable energy in the UK towards the target of 15% of total energy from renewable by 2020.
- The Feed In Tariffs give the following financial benefits:
- A payment for all electricity you produce whether you use it yourself or export it to the grid.
- You will make savings as your electricity bill will be reduced.
