FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Solar panels generate electricity using energy from the sun. Because the panels produce energy from daylight and not sunlight they still produce energy on cloudy days. The direct current produced by the panels is converted by the inverter to alternating current for use in the building. The electricity produced is either consumed directly by appliances in the building or if more power than required is generated it is exported to the grid. At night or when the system is not producing enough energy, power is supplied by the grid in the normal way.

Solar PV works from daylight and not direct sunlight, but more power is produced on a sunny day as a opposed to an overcast or cloudy one.

Shading is critical. Minor shading can result in significant loss of energy because the cell with the lowest illumination determines the operating current of the of the series string in which it is connected.

Our PV systems are entirely connected. If there is a power cut the system is automatically switched off as a safety measure to ensure power does not leak on to the grid in order to protect personnel working to restore the power supply. There will be no power to the building during the power cut.

PV panels do not produce energy in the dark and so electricity is drawn from the grid in the normal way.

There are two distinct solar systems:
• Solar thermal - for hot water production
• Solar PV-for the production of electricity

PV roof systems fall under permitted development rights and so do not require planning permission. However if your building is listed or in an area of outstanding natural beauty or a conservation area please consult your local council planning department for advice before proceeding with installation.

Yes, you should speak to building control about your intentions and they will advise you if you need to take any further action.

Most roofs are strong enough to support a PV installation without any reinforcement but we will perform a site survey and make an assessment prior to installation.

For systems less than 4kW peak power we will inform them once the installation is complete. For larger systems, permission will need to be gained in advance from the network operator.

Or kits start at 1.38kW peak power and this occupies roughly 10 square metres of roof space.

Installation normally takes 2-3 days, but you should allow for 1 week.

PV panels work best when installed at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees on a south facing roof. Panels can be installed at different angles on West or East facing roofs but will not produce as much power as an equivalent system on a South facing roof at optimal angle. A site survey will determine the best option for your property.

Our PV systems are designed to be connected to the grid and do not require batteries. Excess electricity generated during the day is fed back to the grid.

Usually dust and dirt washes off when it rains, if the panels are installed at an angle of at least 15 degrees. In extreme cases, dirt may cause a power reduction of about 10%.

There are five main factors that will affect how much energy a PV system will generate:
• Total size of the PV array
• Latitude of the location
• Direction the panels face
• Angle the panels are mounted
• Any shading

As an example a south facing roof mounted 1.38kWp system mounted in the Midlands should generate around 1000kWh per year saving around £400-£550 per year depending on your electricity tariff.

It is a financial incentive backed by the Government and paid by your energy supplier to encourage you to create your own clean electricity. Every kWh generated earns a fixed income and additionally any electricity not consumed in property can be sold back to the grid. For further information see the Funding section or visit the Energy Saving Trust website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Our Solar PV systems are MCS certificated and when installed are eligible for the Feed
in Tariff.

We would expect that an average system will take roughly 7 to 12 years to pay for itself, after which it will make money for its owner for the remainder of the Feed in Tariff period of 25 years.