Why we're passionate about solar panels

Whether we like it or not, the world around us is changing. Change is beneficial, especially if you are unhappy with the spiraling costs of energy. Most pioneering homes with solar panels have installed to protect themselves long-term from a world now competing for the last of a finite resource, oil!

If environmental reasons are your incentive, then the average annual saving is 2 tonnes of C02 from an average household footprint of 6 tonnes, and that's exactly why we started a zero-carbon electricity company. We wanted to make a significant difference by offering a service which is real, without the green wash.

There have been many times in history when humans have come together to change things for the greater good. There has never been such a greater reason for humans to come together and make a difference now.

Joining the growing army of independent, self generators.

Did you know: Domestic heating and power accounts for 47% of the UK's annual CO2 emissions

I had solar panels installed

"Firstly congratulations on executing on a flawless installation. The up front consultative selling was friendly, thorough and informative, and after I took the big step of saying I will part with my money, I'm delighted and relieved o say that the survey and installation proceeded precisely to plan."

The installation team arrived roughly 30 minutes early and worked non-stop until the installation was up and running at 4pm, just in time for me to see the newly installed solar power meter display the first few watts of pure solar energy captured before the sun sank into the West for the night.

The panels look neat on my roof, there was no mess left to tidy up, and the new cable run from my roof was neatly done through my loft and then down the side of a gable soffit and into my meter cupboard.

• All well and good so far, but how has the system performed during its first week in winter?

• It's rained most of the time, the sky has varied from grey to light grey with only sporadic and intermittent bursts of what you might call winter sunshine. So far, so good, based on figures gleaned from staring at the meter during the last week.

• The panels start generating not long after it gets light irrespective of whether its sunny (e.g. 30-100 watts at 8:15am) until the sky is reasonably light. On a really horrible, rainy dark day with black sky the numbers stay within this range.

• On a brighter greyish white cloud (and its only February), the system generates numbers in the range of 100-1000 watts depending o the exact hue of the sky and thickness of cloud cover.

• The sun shining through lighter wispy clouds results in 2000-2700 watts and when the sun burst through a blue patch of sky then the solar system has generated up to 3500 watts, which is far better than I anticipated given the sun is so low in the sky in February. All figures are better in the afternoon than the morning due to the array facing South West.

During the 7 days so far, 27 kw h has been generated, which given the weather has been abysmal, is not unreasonable. I believe from my own readings that a single sunny day in February will result in something like 12-15 kw h of energy generated and I am now looking forward to the longer brighter days later in the year.

I believe therefore, I'm on track for the 160 kw h this month that was projected for my solar installation as part of the overall cost justification.

I have contacted my energy supplier and completed there forms which they promptly sent me to register my solar panels and start receiving the feed-in tariff reward. So far, everything is progressing just as was originally explained to me.

In summary, and in today's world laden with potential frustrations, dangers and disappointments, my solar project has been a very pleasant experience so far, and I'm now looking forward to the financial rewards in the knowledge that along with other solar panel adopters, t can also hopefully make a positive difference to the environment and my pocket.
Dr P (retired), Sussex

"My children will one day ask, what we did to address global warming, I want to be able to say I did something"
Mrs Bouvier, Lancashire

"My experience of our solar installation is excellent. Our gas boiler only boosts the water temperature for about 10 minutes twice a day in winter and not at all in summer. My solar tubes have performed well above what I expected from it"
Mr Morrison, Somerest

We have now had the system running for one cloudy and rainy week in early June and we have monitored and reduced our mains usage by 45% while generating 76kw h, so our decision to buy a PV panel system is justified on savings alone.
Mr Philips, Berkshire

"Whether we like it or not, we all have to reduce our impact on our home planet. Some people have gained wealth, some have lived very comfortable lives at the expense of the planet. Now it's time to pay mother nature back. I invested in solar panels because I want my children to see that their parents did care"
Craig Shaw, Somerset

"We recently had solar panels installed to enhance our hot water system. We had decided to do this because we are concerned about the rising cost of energy and the effect on the environment"
Mr Sampson, Berkshire

"Ours system heated all the hot water we could ever need in summer - plenty to fill our big double corner bath - and made a huge difference to our electric water heating bill even in winter months, It might only heat the water to 'tepid' at that seasonal time, but the energy required to heat it from tepid to scalding rather than almost freezing to scalding is obviously much much less."
Mrs Bromfield, London

"I would say the savings on water heating around 60% maybe even more. Dead simple technology too. Our unit is about 18 years old now and still going strong. It paid for itself in about 5 years."
Mrs Conelly, Hereford

"Had my pv solar panels now over 6 years no trouble quick wash ever couple of months that's it."
Mr D Mathews, Somerest

"Keeping my money in the bank was giving me low returns, so I invested a small chunk of it and now I get a great return and save money on bills too"
Mr S Brown, Surrey

"My children will one day ask, what we did to address global warming, I want to be able to say I did something"
Mrs Bouvier, Lancashire

"Ours system heated all the hot water we could ever need in summer - plenty to fill our big double corner bath - and made a huge difference to our electric water heating bill even in winter months, It might only heat the water to 'tepid' at that seasonal time, but the energy required to heat it from tepid to scalding rather than almost freezing to scalding is obviously much much less."
Mrs Bromfield, London

On hearing of the government tariff scheme at this present time. We are delighted now we invested in the panels and are getting a good return. A very helpful company, which we think says it all.
Mr Roberts, Cambourne

"There is a rather excellent feeling of beating the energy companies when you get your first energy from a solar panel on the first morning."
Mrs Roberts, Lincolnshire

"Thanks so much for your help so far - the system is now installed and working perfectly. We are delighted!"
Mr Burrows, Northamtonshire

Learn about domestic solar technologies

What is a solar panel?

A technology for generating, green clean, electricity or heat usually installed on the roof, stimulated by strong financial incentives from the government. The system is installed by accredited MCS solar installers.

What are the financial benefits of solar panels?

Solar panels are now financially attractive to home owners that have a southerly facing roof, and can give 100% green electricity for your own use, a reduced carbon footprint and a drive to improve the energy efficiency in your home. Now solar panels are considered an investment that increases the value of your house with a long life span requiring remarkably little maintenance.

How attractive is solar energy?

This depends on location (Cornwall and Devon are great), the roof orientation, (south, south east, south west is best) but east and west combined installations are available too. Solar grants were replaced with feed-in tariffs for pioneering homes who install solar panels.

The feed-in tariff is a government back incentive giving 21 pence per kw h generated using solar panels using solar energy from the sun. You will be paid this for 25 years making solar a very attractive investment into your home and energy future.

How much electricity will my system generate?

On average, a small 1 kW sized system will generate around 800 - 1200 kw h per year on a south facing roof. Domestic solar systems range from 1 kW to 5kW sized systems with a maximum output averaging 4300 kw h per year.

What will the solar system cost?

PV solar panel system costs are broken down into the of panels (50%), the inverter (10%) and the installation (40%) which includes both labour costs (it takes one or two days to install) including materials such as the mounting system and cabling.

Prices vary depending on quality of materials and the installation costs. On average, installation prices of around 4.500 pounds per kw h are normal, with discounts for larger systems too.

What about financial return?

The governments feed-in tariff incentives can give yearly returns of over 10% on the initial investment cost. This means, pay back for your system within 10-12 years and can enjoy another 15-12 years of government subsidy and free energy too. Many people decide to install solar panels for financial reasons, as it returns more than ISAs and bonds. Solar panels are considered a good investment because their returns are inflation adjusted and tax-free.

How do I choose a good solar installer?

All solar installers are MCS accredited and REA (Renewable Energy Association) members, guaranteeing you a quality technology and installation service.

Can I buy daily solar panels kits?

Yes, we offer a premium range of solar heating panels and solar electric panel kits. The Kingspan solar kits allow diy and self installers to install easily and with a piece of mind.

Learn about DIY solar panels kits >>

Links . PV Solar Panels . Evacuated Solar Tubes . Flat Plate Solar Panels. Survey & Quotes

Solar Heating Tariffs . Solar Electric Tariffs . Selling Electricity to the Grid . Why Solar Panels?