A comprehensive guide to solar panels and feed-in tariffs.
Solar panel technology including evacuated tube and pv electric is becoming an increasingly popular way to invest in your home and your energy future - the golden age of cheap energy is over, so reducing your home's dependence on increasingly costly traditional fuels is paramount.
We love solar technology
PV solar panels
A long term investment with electric panels and feed-in tariff incentives.
Sell your surplus electricity back to the National Grid and generate your own green energy. PV electric, solar panels, also called photovoltaic panels, operate even on cloudy days. PV solar panel systems can produce from 1-5 KW peak output for typical domestic and commercial installations.
The most efficient technology, solar tubes are a popular choice.
Evacuated solar tubes are an alternative solar heating system, developed exclusively for Northern European countries. These premium solar heating tubes use solar radiation (a real green energy source) to heat water and could also heat swimming pools. Evacuated solar tubes system can be mounted on a southerly facing roof, ground-mounted or south wall.
Aesthetically pleasing, roof integrated panels, which look like, a velux window.
These solar heating panels, also known as flat plate panels, takes over from your boiler's job of heating your hot water, so reducing considerably the use of gas, electricity or oil to heat your water. Your boiler will regain control during the hours of darkness or in low light levels.
Beat the banks and the energy companies with a better return on investment averaging 8-10%.
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The 5 most common questions about installation
Are solar panels suitable for my home?
Most homes in the UK are suitable, if you have a South, South East, South West or East / West facing roof space un-obscured by shading, then yes. Your internal plumbing and electrics will need to be checked through an on-site survey, but most homes are suitable.
The UK receives 60% of the solar radiation compared to the equatorial regions. Each square metre of the United Kingdom receives between 900 to 1,300 kw h of solar energy annually.
The costs of both solar electric and heating installations depend on several factors. A home survey and consultation appointment can be arranged through our "get a quote" service.
No. From 6 April 2008 planning permission will not be required for solar panels, unless you live in a listed building. Even then most councils will allow installations in most cases.
Which is best for me, solar electric or heating?
This will vary for each home, but it depends on which energy cost you want to reduce and how much money you can afford to spend. Prices vary on system types and sizes.
In a climate, of both current interest rates and unstable utility energy prices, installing solar panels currently represents one of the best investments; increasing your property value and reducing your bills long term.
Fact and figures
Solar panels work even on cold winter days even in the UK.
Myth busted - Obviously clouds come in many different densities, but usually, a compliant quality system will be able to capture any level of diffused sunlight. The UK receives 60% solar energy that the equator gets.
Popular up north - Figures from the Department of Climate and Energy show in 2008/9 Scotland were the biggest adopter of solar panels with Yorkshire taking the title in 2010/11. This should finally put to bed the common misconception that solar doesn't work well in the UK climate.
Rate of return - Giving a better 'rate of return' (usually 8-11%) than your bank account.
Within a decade you will have paid for your solar panels outright, then you will still have another approximate 10-15 years feed-in tariff revenue to enjoy.
Life span - PV panels especially have a very long life span of 30-40 years, so you will still be enjoying the benefits of your solar panel installation which you invested back in 2012 in 2042.
Savings - Depending on the type and size of system installed you can save up to 70% on your energy bills in the summer and 30% within the winter months.
Pride - Home owners who have already installed talk about the pride of being the first on their street.
Carbon - Give our precious planet a break.
Property value - An Energy Saving Trust survey found that home buyers would choose a house with solar panels over a house without. The same buyers surveyed also said they would still buy if the price was £10,000 more expensive than the home without solar panels the survey found.
We had solar panels installed
"I wish to put on record how pleased I am with my photovoltaic panels, the manner in which it was sold to me erected and is now functioning.
The system has only been in a week, and the novelty of nipping into the garage, to see how much electricity, has been generated, in different weather conditions, has yet to wear off. With a full week of operation now approaching, it is on target, to reach in excess of 55 kw h. Not bad for a week with three days of rainy conditions.
Of course, it is far too early to make projections, but I am certainly well reassured that what is a serious long-term investment, will go on to provide an economic return substantially pay for my domestic energy requirements for the next 25 years, and along with my cycling, contribute to reducing my carbon footprint!
I live in a small close with long standing neighbours that I care about. Everyone has commented favorably on the solar panels and its neat and tidy appearance.
During the whole process, you were polite and friendly, professional, efficient and effective. Your whole organisation came across as a caring one. I would not hesitate to recommend you to friends and family." Mr Hall, Hampshire
Solar panels can contribute to your home, even on cloudy days in the UK climate.
The history of solar technology
The sun and the solar energy it gives out have allowed life to thrive on our planet.
Solar energy in many ways has been used by humankind since the dawn of time most notability to heat water and dried meat and fish.
The earliest version of what we would call modern solar panel technology, can be traced back to heating water as far back to before Roman times.
The most common solar panel technology are solar heating panels, also known as solar thermal, flat plate panels or evacuated tubes. The panels work in a similar way to your car heating up in the summer sun but on a more condensed scale. The heat in the panels increase to a point where the water gets heated too - a remarkably straightforward and extremely effective technology.
Photovoltaic's solar panels date back to 1839. A French physicist Antoine Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect with a primitive cell made up of two metallic electrodes. The first mass produced solar cell was manufactured in 1907 with the modern refinement processes and photovoltaic cells we know today being perfected in 1941.
The current solar panels excite atoms in a wafer thin layer of silicon. This produces electrons which are diverted to build an electric current feeding down into wires which are then used by your household appliances.
Solar panel installation quotes
Solar installation quotes are as easy as 1, 2, 3.
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With solar panels, solar energy can be collected, harnessed and used.
