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Solar Energy, UK

  FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked QuestionsSection A - Photo Voltaic Systems 

Q.A1.  How expensive in solar power ?

Q.A2. What happens in grid connected systems when there is a power cut ?

Q.A3  Will you be supplying my needs as an end customer through a reseller/installer or yourself ?

Q.A4 What are the lifetimes of PV products ?

Q.A5 How does a PV system pay for itself ?

Section B – Solar Heating Systems

QB1. What is the typical life of a Solar Heating System ?

QB2. What is the typical cost of a Solar Heating System ?

QB3. Should I go for Solar Heating or Solar Photovoltaic or both ?

Section C – Financial Impacts and Viability

Q.C1 As an individual how costly can photovoltaic systems be for me ?

Q.C2 IS a solar power system feasible in houses at all location or all kind of topography ?

Q.C3 What kind of support do I get from Government or public bodies for installing solar power or heating ?

Section D – Grants

Q.D1 I missed getting a grant. Is there a point to go in for  a PV of Solar Heating System now ?

Q. D2 Where do I go to see my eligibility for a grant ? What kind of grants are available ?

Section E – Installing

Q. E1 What sort of roof facing , inclination is required for solar PV panel / tiles installation ?

Q. E2  What is the typical energy output ?

Q. E3 How does shading and presence of Trees and tall building effect my installation ?

Q.E4  What happens in a home survey / installation survey ?

Q.E5 What are health and safety legislations to consider here , if any ?

Q.E6  OK , a solar installation has been done. Now what about maintenance ?

Q.E7 Which all areas do you service ?

ANSWERS

Ans. A1. Solar installation adds as little as 4% to the build cost of an average three bedroom home, but over 10%* to its final value when sold. It also helps 'future proof' a home against rising fuel prices making properties doubly attractive to price conscious house buyers. Also there are grants available such as the Low Carbon Buildings Programme for home owners. However even if one is unable to get such a grant we offer cost effective options of going solar.

Ans. A2 IN a grid connected phtovoltaic (PV) system, when there is a power cut, the solar photovoltaic system should and would switch off. This is because the ultimate supply to your home would still be regulated through the grid and if the grid is having no electricity in event of power failure and solar power is switch off, it may inadvertently harm and injure those working to restore power , on the power lines. In an off the grid system , the solar power supply would kick in.

Ans. A3 We primarily work through resellers / installers as we are an assembler and distributor of solar kits and equipments. This is the way many solar equipment providers work. Installing is a location specific work and you would like somebody local to do it. Like other reputable solar equipment providers, we have  a UK wide network of capable, trained and economical installers who provide you the installation of the solar equipment which provides the heat or electricity. We ensure that the price you get is distinguishable in terms of how much the product or equipment costs and how much it shall cost to fix and install it. Moreover , we do NOT pressurize you take up a certain specific installer if you wish to get it done from someone else.

Ans. A4 Solar modules have a manufacturers warranty of 20 years and a working lifetime of 40 years and beyond. Modules of all types usually have a twenty year warranty, as do most thin-film integrated products. Crystalline PV slates and PV glass laminates usually have a ten year warranty. These times are only a rough guide and should be checked for each specific product.

Ans. A5.  There are many ways in which a solar powered home starts paying for itself.  With a solar power home :

1. While a solar powered home adds as little as 4% to the build cost of an average three bedroom home, but over 10% to its final value when sold. Hence putting the PV system is adding to the value of your house continuously specially with the rising fuel and energy prices and people becoming conscious  about renewable energy.

2. In a grid connected system you can actually supply surplus electricity to the grid , produced by the PV system (when not in house, on holiday etc.) and typically your electricity provider may be willing to pay for it.

3. You obviously lower your electricity (and heat if you use solar heating) bills with the use of this technology. It may take long but also remember the life of these systems is over 25-30 years.

Ans. B1. Solar thermal systems generally operate for over 35 years and as a ballpark figure recoup their installation and purchase costs within 10-12 years.

Ans. B2 A typical costs of a solar heating  system is between 2500 GBP - 5000 GBP really depending on type and capacity of the heating system. Apart from this you may get some savings due to grants provided by local authority or the Low Carbon Building Programme.

Ans. B3 Whereas the Solar Photovoltaic system is a system which converts solar energy into electricity, the solar heating system directly converts solar energy into thermal energy and is mainly used for heating water. Both these systems have their own usefulness and both these systems pay back to the user in the long run apart from providing renewable energy. I think if your grid supplier is providing facility of electricity buy back and you have roof which allows for proper placement of solar panels as prescribed, solar electricity may be a good option. If you have pool requiring hot water or want a quicker return on the investment, solar heating is not a bad option. It will be great if you can have both though :-)

Ans. C1 Answering Soon.

Ans. C2 Answering Soon.

Ans. C3 This is tackled in our section concerning grants.

Ans. D1 Yes Of course. Currently the need for buying solar equipment / kits/panels in much more than what the current programmes, main one being the Low Carbon Buildings Programme; is catering too. Hence many of us are unable to get that grant. But even without a grant, with prices of our products such as panels, tiles etc. dropping steadily due to increased efficiency in manufacturing of this technology, solar powered houses are no longer away from your reach. Also in case of a LCBP or any other grant, you may to work with some designated or authorized installers which would be costlier. Without a grant, a solar photovoltaic installation could be as low as 3800 GBP  + VAT  which is pretty affordable if you keep the long term prospective in mind. Remember if you are waiting for a grant, which is like winning a lottery, you are losing on the saving you may have been making  on your electricity  bills, each day you wait.

Ans. D2 This is tackled in our section concerning grants.

Ans. E1 Answering Soon

Ans. E2 Answering Soon

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