|
| Solar Energy For Your Home |
| |
 |
| |
| Since the introduction of the feed in tariff (FIT) in April 2010 solar PV for your home has become a realistic option for UK homes, enabling you to not only save on your electricity bills but also act as an legitimate investment in its own right, with great financial returns. To understand more about the FIT click here but essentially those that have solar PV installed get a fixed amount per kW paid to them for every bit of energy their system generates, whether they use it or not. This fixed amount is indexed linked so once you have your system installed you effectively lock in that rate and it will increase with inflation so therefore will protect your investment and grow yearly. |
| |
 |
|
| Solar PV is now becoming very popular within the UK, with the first three months of 2011 seeing over 11,000 home owners deciding to install and start to experience the benefits of solar PV. Solar PV systems convert light from the sun into electricity that can be used to power lighting and other appliances within your home. Due to having no moving parts solar panels are extremely reliable and will last for 30+ years and will generate good levels of electricity, even on cloudy days. For more information on how solar works Click here. |
|
|
|
| Overview and tick list |
| |
|
| |
| To understand the potential savings and benefits Click here. |
| |
 |
A 4kW system (4 bed detached house) could earn you over 1,400 Pounds a year from FIT and realistically save you over 200 Pounds in electricity (based on using half of what the system generates) |
| |
|
Understand typical costs - systems range from 3,500 - 12,000 Pounds and you could have these paid back within 6-8 years, benefiting from the income for the rest of the 25 year period |
| |
|
South facing is ideal, although either south east or south west will only reduce performance by around 4%. Either east or west will still be OK, but expect around 17% reduction in output than south |
| |
|
Optimum roof angle is between 30 - 40 degrees, panels can also be ground mounted if you have no suitable roof space |
| |
|
The smallest system (1.1kW) will require around 8m squared of space |
| |
|
Shading is the biggest obstacle and must be avoided otherwise your system will not perform |
| |
|
Building planning is not required unless you live in a conversation area or listed building |
| |
|
Solar PV has to be fitted by an approved MCS installer and cannot be DIY |
| |
|
Systems are virtually maintenance free, panels will last in excess of 30 years although you may need to clean them occasionally (wash down with water) |
| |
|
Installation takes around 1 and a half days, all wires and equipment will be discretely hidden |
| |
|
A wide range of financial options are available if you do not have the money to buy outright |
| |
|
All our products and workmanship come with long warrantees and are independently insured |
|
| Find out more about the Benefits of Solar and Next Steps |
|
|
