Learn about photovoltaic solar panels which generate electricity for domestic and commercial use. Feed in tariffs are currently available.
Specifications
Monocrystaline or Polycrystaline.
Length: 1318x 994x 46mm.
Efficiency 15.9%.
1-5 kWh sizing options.
180-250 Watts per panel.
Clean Energy Cash Back Scheme
A window of opportunty - The Clean Energy Cash Back Scheme also called the feed in tariffs pay you for all the units of electricity produced (domestic or commercial) regardless of whether it is used in the property or not. The feed in tariff will be paid for 25 years. These tariffs will cover the initial cost and earn a return of around 11%.
Payments made on systems up to 5 KW and paid 21p per kWh produced even if you use the energy yourself which is guaranteed 20 years.
Accredited PV solar panels will generate your electric and sell your energy produced through the Clean Energy Cash Back Scheme and the power from solar panel could earn on average £600 on top of the £140 reduction on electyricity bills which you will benefit from.
You can find your nearest MCS accredited solar installers by clicking on the blue 'get a quote' button.
Questions about solar electric installations
The basics
Solar panels are no longer viewed just as a green product. Most people installing solar panels today, do so to reduce dependency on expensive fossil fuels or as an investment opportunity which will earn and save them more money than keeping the money in the bank.
Why people install solar panels >>Are pv solar panels suitable for my home?
Most homes are suitable, if you have a S/SE/SW facing roof space, then probably. Your internal electrical set up will need to be checked for compatibility and this can be done through our free home survey and 'get a quote' service.
Check your homes orientation >>How can solar panels work in the UK?
The UK receives 60% of the solar radiation compared with the equator. Each square metre of the UK receives between 900 1,300 kWh annually of solar radiation each year.
Solar radiation map of the UK >>How much roof space do I need?
The system does take a lot of roof space, but (photovoltaic) pv solar can be installed within your garden area using 'A' frames, facing south, if roof space is a problem.
PV panels roofing guide >>
How much will PV generate?
A PV system would generate approximately 750 kWh/year per kW installed. So our basic 1 kW system would generate around 750 kWh per year, and a 5kW system will produce around 4500 kWh. Installing PV solar is a great way of 'future proofing' your home.
PV panels power guide >>
Did you know: PV solar panels generate power all year round using direct and diffused sunlight.
What can I earn?
PV systems range from 1-5kW. So if we use an average system size of 2.2kW as an example:
- A 2.2kW pv solar system can generate approx 1,870kW units per year.
- Earn at least £500 every year for the next 25 years from your feed in tariff payments (guaranteed).
- In addition save approx £122 per year savings on your electricity bills for your home.
- All payments are tax free and index linked.
This gives you a yearly earning/saving of £622, not taking into account future energy price rises.
What about payback?
It would take a household around 14-16 years to recoup it's investment. Proven life spans for this technology is 30-40 years with panels installed in the 1960's still working.
"People who install PV solar panels acknowledge energy prices will rise continually 5, 10, 15 even 30 years from now. People inversting today will benefit from cheaper installation and product cost"
Why apply sooner rather than later
The 'Clean Energy Cash Back Scheme' is a scheme to encourage early take up of PV solar technology and just like Germany's similar pioneering scheme, early adopters of the scheme will get much better feed in tariff rates than later uptakers, eventually finishing altogether once demand has been achieved.
The new governments Clean Energy Cashback Scheme commonly called the
feed in tariff is available for UK home owners
How much will my PV solar system cost?
The cost of a solar electric system depends on several factors but is usually based on system sizes. Contact us for our PV price list.
Solar panel installation quotes >>Do you offer 'free' solar panels?
No, and we don't recommend them for the following reasons:
Firstly companies who do offer free solar panels are basically cashing in and taking away your entitlement to the feed in tariff reward. There is alot of money to be made and they are taking that benefit away from you. Secondly, if you work during the day, then the energy savings they promise will be small. Thirdly, you will find it hard to sell your home in the future if another company contractually owns your roof for a minimum of 25 years.
Invest yourself and receive the feed in tariffs benefits yourself, is our advice.
More about free solar panels offers >>Will it supply all my electricity?
The average household consumption is 3000 kWh per year. Thus on average, our smallest 1kW system could supply nearly 25% of your electricity over the course of the year, depending on your consumption rates and it may be possible to do more, by carefully reducing your energy use.
Solar installations will get cheaper with time, won't they?
Unfortunately the indicators are that price's will rise.
As a recent Financial Times article points out, the cost of energy, resources, materials and manufacturing is rising globally. It's likely that solar panels will never be cheaper than they are now as future panels and installations will consist of inputs {energy + materials} that cost far more than today.
Although we do our best to keep prices reasonable, their are customers we spoke to 2 years ago who wished they had bought back then.
What does 'grid connected' mean?
The generated electricity, which will obviously vary according to the level of sunlight, means the excess energy produced will be directed out to the National Grid, and you will be credited accordingly.
In this way the deficit between generation and demand can simply be purchased from your electricity supplier as normal.
Did you know: Solar panels can contribute to your home, even on cloudy days in our UK climate.
Is my home suitable for Photovoltaics?
Photovoltaic (PV) panels can be configured in many different ways to fit, but the illustration (right) shows you the sizes for each 1kW. If roof space is an issue, another option is to ground mount them on a frame within your garden.
The innovative PV array technology and mounting systems means that PV can be retro fitted on existing roofs or easily incorporated into new builds.
Do I need planning permission?
No planning permission is needed, unless you live in a listed building or conservation area.
What maintenance is required?
One of the advantages of PV solar over other UK micro generation technology is that no maintenance is required because it is a solid state energy conversion process.
The 3 types of PV solar cells, but which is best?
- Monocrystalline solar cells: manufactured from thin slices cut from a single crystal of silicon and has a typical efficiency of 15 per cent.
- Polycrystalline solar cells: manufactured from thin slices cut from a block of silicon crystals and has a typical efficiency of around 12 per cent.
- Thin Film solar cells: manufactured from a very thin layer of semiconductor atoms deposited on a glass or metal base and has a typical efficiency of 7 per cent.
Monocrystaline PV solar cells are considered the most efficient solar panel by industry experts.
Are they manufactured within the UK, supporting British manufacturers?
Help us become a leading renewable energy supplier to the up and coming worldwide industry by supporting British industry.
I heard PV solar panels are expensive?
With generous solar grants available, the increase in your house price after installation and relief from energy prices, investment in such a system has now become a real option for homes across the UK.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
This rather depends on the type of solar panel technology installed and the density of cloud. Flat plate panels do not contribute as much as evacuted solar tubes in these conditions. In moderate cloud density solar energy can still be used. With very heavy dark dense cloud cover, probably not. Use your solar powered calculator out on a cloudy day and it will still work.
Can I sell my surplus energy?
Yes, feed in tariffs (Clean Energy Cashback Scheme) will credited and reward you. The scheme is time sensitive designed to reward the earlier takers with bigger feed in tariff rewards.
Will installation have a large impact on my home?
Once the solar panels are installed on the roof, the inside components do not take up much space inside. Installations usually can be done within 3-4 days, with installers being considerate, clean and tidy.
What size solar panel system will I need?
This depends on your energy consumption rate. You can find this out by looking at your electricity bill and finding your annual KW consumption.
Do I need planning permission?
Only if you live within a conservation area, or in a listed building. It is worth contacting your local council beforehand.
Can I install solar myself?
In most cases no, however if you have Part P electrical and plumbing skills, then it may be possible to install in a diy capacity. New diy solar water heating panels and evacuated tubes self-install kits are available.
DIY installing can work out much cheaper, however, you will not be eligable for the generous feed in tariffs schemes currently available. All eligable solar installations must be carried out and certified by an accredited MCS solar installer to qualify.
Learn about diy solar panels kits >>What makes your panels better than your competitors'?
We know our solar panels are the best because they have been shown to out perform any of our competitors products. Sharp engineered quality with full European Solar Keymark accreditation.
"When you purchase our Photovoltaic solar system, you can be sure that you are buying a product of the highest possible quality. Installing pv solar panels will provide hassle-free, no-maintenance needed, which allow you to enjoy the benefits of solar energy for many years to come."
How long does a PV solar system last?
With a good quality PV system, it will easily last 30+ years and it has recently been proved that PV solar installed in the 1960's is still working.
20 years warranty applies on our PV solar panels systems.
The longer term benefits of a PV installation
Now, the costs of installing a system. A modest but well-sited 1.8kWh PV system, suitable for an average, costs about £11,500.
You can expect to earn £657 for the feed in tariff and an extra £45 from electricity sent back to the grid and save £118 on your annual electricity bills. The panels would pay for their costs in 10 years, though you would not have your capital. If you did have £8,000 in the bank, as the years tick by, solar slowly catches up, and overtakes the bank deposit by year 26.
After 30 years, compound interest would turn the £8,000 in a savings account to £27,568. Assuming the money from solar (the feed in tariff and electricity savings, etc) is deposited in a bank after the installation costs have been paid off at year 10, harnessing the power of the sun would be worth £40,654 after 30 years.
Do you send salesmen round to my house?
Many solar companies claim to send surveyors to your home, but really they are only salesmen. We properly survey your home and provide you with a tailored quotation based on your individual homes specifications.
Our trained technicians are just that, technicians. The complexity of making sure homes are suitable require experience. Our technicians however, will be happy to sit with you and explain the technologies to you.
Miscellaneous
Commercial & business installations
Solar electric panels and solar panels in general are becoming an essential necessity for small and large business's alike. If you use hot water during your daily operations, then including solar into your business plan can reward you with lower running costs in an expensive world of energy.
Commercial solar panels installations >>Why solar panels?
The golden age of cheap energy is over. We must all take responsibilty for reducing our dependence on this increasingly expensive fossil fuels as they continue to rise further down the timeline.
As with anything in life, you get what you pay for, so a cheap option will undoubtedly will be a false economy were longevity and performance is concerned.
We're confident that our exclusive solar panel technologies offer unrivalled premium quality without premium prices. That's why we stand behind our pv solar panels with a full 25 year guarantee on performance.
Life and longevity
As with anything in life, you get what you pay for, so a cheap option will undoubtedly will be a false economy were longevity and performance is concerned.
We stand behind our MCS accredited photovltaic panels with a full 20 year warranty and performance lifespan of 30 plus years.
All our MCS solar installers and REAL scheme members.
The Mercedes of solar panel technology,
that lasts longer than your mortgage
Solar panels quotes
Solar panels including installation quotes are as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Simply click on our 'Get a quote' button and arrange a FREE home survey and consultation appointment which should last around 1 hour. Appointments with questions and answers sessions may take longer.
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© Copyright Heat my Home 2004 - 2012
Expert & Author - Stuart Lovatt
With photovoltaic panels, solar energy can be collected, harnessed & used.
