FAQ’s
Solar & array questions
Absolutely! You may even benefit from an East/West installation as you will generate more energy in the morning and evening. In addition to this, you can fit more modules in this configuration – this may have a higher module cost, but this could be offset by requiring a smaller battery setup. If you are not 'targeting' loads, even different array orientations and inclinations can be beneficial,
Probably. In fact, it may increase the value, see here:
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/08/06/solar-panels-could-raise-value-of-houses-by-up-to-7-1/
Nearly all (well established brands) of modules have a lifetime performance guarantee of 20-30 years. Depending on the brand of ancillaries, these can also be guaranteed for up to 25 years.
Depending on the size of installation, the process will take between 3-5 working days, however larger arrays/installs will require more time. Exact timescales will be offered at time of proposal.
Although the industry is rapidly evolving, it is only incremental advances – part percentage improvements. It is unlikely that these improvements will outweigh the increase in energy costs in the short term.
Absolutely not. All installations must comply with BS 7671, MIS 3002, ENA G98/99/100 and where applicable MIS3012 & PAS 63100. In fact, we strive to exceed the requirements of these standards, offering up to a 10year guarantee on our workmanship*.
Battery Storage questions
This is difficult to answer on a FAQ's page! There a re several considerations to take into account - your daily consumption, and what is known as your MAXIMUM demand; meaning what you use, and what is used at once. Batteries & inverters have a maximum output power.
This is difficult to answer on a FAQ's page! There are several considerations to take into account - your daily consumption, and what is known as your MAXIMUM demand; meaning what you use, and what is used at once. Batteries & inverters have a maximum output power.
Hard to answer! Export can help with the ROI of an installation so exporting will help and we will design to accommodate and ensure as little as possible (depending on our design brief) is consumed from the grid. Grid connected export is better than connected import after all.
This is possibly the most common misconception for the homeowner. Standard PV installations will not. However, it can be included with a little design. The process is knowns as ‘islanding’. There are other installation requirements, and this can be discussed at time of survey.
Li-ion (NNP/LiFePO4 is now the dominant technology. These can be susceptible to ‘thermal runaway’ but a battery management system (BMS) is always utilised which shuts down the system should it start operating outside of safe parameters. Although power conversion equipment (inverters) can be situated in roof voids, batteries should not under any circumstances and is now essentially prohibited.
Lead-Acid batteries omit Hydrogen gas, which is explosive and must be vented. Although there are installations using this technology, other performance constraints make their inclusion in the design unlikely.
Financial and everything else
Absolutely. In fact, we work closely with a third-party contractor who specialises in renewable hot water storage and heating and can offer a full energy study to further enhance your installation with the inclusion of ground & air source heat pumps.
Yes, however the amount will depend on your energy supplier. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) replaced the Feed in Tariff (FiT), which [usually] requires MCS registration & certification - but some providers will allow SEG payments without MCS approval.
Currently the SEG offers 4p/kWh, however some energy providers are offering more.
This is unlikely to be an issue. We are required to seek ‘consent’ from the network (DNO), and this will be added into our calculations. FiT/SEG payments are an entirely separate contract and can be kept with your existing provider, or moved(*) to a more accommodating export provider.
Hard to say, however most should see a return in <10years. Some stand alone arrays can see a return in as little as 5 years. With well designed 'targeted' array(s), the ROI can be extremely appealing.
Not strictly true. We do have a relatively good conditions for generation. However there will be a significant decrease in winter months.
0% VAT is available on PV technology until March 31st 2027 and is available for all installations. At the time of writing, ECO4 grants are available but is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Further information here:
Self-consumption is just that; how much of what you generate do you consume yourself. Energy independence is your self-consumption shown as a percentage of your total consumption.
Nearly all (well established brands) of modules have a lifetime performance guarantee of 20-30 years. Depending on the brand of ancillaries, these can also be guaranteed for up to 25 years.
In most cases, no. HMRC have allowed an exemption from 2007-08 to allow up to a 20% increase in production vs. consumption. So as long as your not exporting more than 120% of what you consume, there is no liability. See here for more details:
Energy is a measure of workload. Power is a measure of workload over a given time – it brings time into the equation kW vs kWh (kilowatt vs kilowatt hour).
Of course, but the carbon created from manufacture of renewable generation equipment is tiny amount compared to coal. Solar is approximately 5% of the median carbon emission factor. (source IPCC ipcc_wg3_ar5_chapter7.pdf).
Yes – a little. Between 2012-2019 the UK reduced our reliance on coal by 93% and reduced its energy consumption by 18%. However, the reliance on gas has increased by 62%, shifting the usage to a [slightly] less carbon producing source (Source mygridgb.co.uk).
Unfortunately, yes.
However, should you proceed with an installation the cost will be deducted from the final price – we need the information it provides! Please enquire for exact pricing.