Below you will find the most frequently asked questions by our clients. If you have a question which isn't answered here please just send us a quick message via our contact form and we will be delighted to answer any questions you have
How can I reduce my mains electricity needs?
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If you are visiting our web page it means that maybe you have already tried some tips to reduce your energy consumption like:
Turn off the lights when leaving a room
Switch to energy efficient appliances
Use LED lights
Unplug devices
Keep the thermostat at a lower temperature
Reduce your water usage
Use smart automated devices
Wash clothes at low temperature
Upgrade your windows and doors
Draught-proof your homeAll of the above makes sense, but also seems like a lot of work. Can you reduce your electricity bills significantly with just one action?
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The good news is that by installing Solar PV panels you can:
- Protect your household from price hikes
- Make money by selling unused energy
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Let’s look at the numbers:
- Savings: A typical household with a 4 kWp system can save around £462 per year off their electricity bills.
- A typical household could make about £90/year based on rate of £0.04 per kWh
Can Solar PV benefit my home, even in winter?
This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions related to solar PV. Believe it or not, the answer is YES, the solar PV panels produce energy even in the winter. Solar panels work with daylight, not heat and they still work even on a rainy and cloudy days.
This is the system performance for one of our 4kWp solar PV installations in Caredigion, Wales.
What is battery storage, and how can it benefit me?
Your battery storage will store the energy generated from your solar panels and release it when you need power most. We can give you two simple examples:
- You are not using any or much energy during the day, then you can use it as soon as need it to power up all your appliances.
- You live in a rural area where black outs are persistent events with the possibility to damage house appliances and computers.
With the battery storage, one would be able to power up your home and secure electric supply for many hours.
Will solar panels save me money on my energy bills?
The potential savings from solar panels can vary depending on factors such as location, energy consumption, the size of the solar panel system, and the cost of electricity. The savings shown are based on the following assumptions:
- 3,500 kWh of annual usage
- Electricity price of £0.33/kWh
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff rate of £0.15/kWh
- Standing Charge £0.41 / day
- Terraced property
- South-facing roof
Can I monitor how much electricity I use vs how much I export?
Yes, you can have two meters that are linked to the solar electricity generation: one is a generation meter, which measures how much electricity you’re generating, and the other is an import-export meter. The import-export meter is usually installed by the electricity provider.
How much do solar panels cost?
In the UK, the cost of solar panels is typically measured in terms of the installed capacity, which is measured in kilowatts peak (kWp). The cost per kWp can range from around £1,000 to £1,800, depending on factors such as the size of the system, the quality of the panels, installation complexity, and any additional equipment or services required.
To give you a rough idea, a typical residential solar panel system in the UK might have a capacity of 3 to 5 kWp, which would require around 10 to 14 solar panels. Using the average cost per kWp, this could result in a total cost of £4,500 to £7,500 for the installation.
How long is the payback period for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system?
The payback period for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can vary depending on several factors, including the initial cost of the system, the amount of sunlight available in the installation location, the local electricity rates, and any available incentives or tax credits.
On average, the payback period for solar PV system is typically between 6 to 10 years.
However, a typical 4kWp domestic solar panel system can now pay for itself in less than 5 years due to the increasing electricity prices in the UK.
Can my solar PV panels provide hot water?
Yes, it is possible to utilize solar energy for heating water using a separate system called a solar thermal or solar hot water system.
One of the solutions is by installing the Solar PV power diverter, then you can direct the excess energy from the solar panels to the Domestic Hot Water Cylinder instead of being exported to the National Grid.
What size solar panel system do I need for my home?
To determine the size of the solar photovoltaic system suitable for your home you need to consider various factors, such as your electricity consumption, available roof space, and energy goals.
It is possible to provide a rough estimate of the number of panels you will need using the following calculations:
- As a first step you will need to review your past electricity bills to determine your average monthly and annual energy usage and determine your energy needs and goals. Look for the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed over a specific period, such as a year and decide how much of your electricity consumption you want to offset with solar power.
- Then you calculate your daily energy consumption by dividing your annual energy consumption (kWh) by 365.
- Lastly, you will need to determine the system size and number of panels by dividing your daily energy consumption (kWh) by the estimated daily energy production per panel (kWh) to get the number of panels required.
It is important to note that these calculations will provide you with a general idea, but it’s advisable to consult with one of our engineers for a detailed assessment. We can provide you with more accurate system size considering specific factors like roof orientation, shading analysis, regional climate data and local regulations.
How much can I generate from a south-facing roof with 4kWp solar system?
Assuming you have a south-facing roof, which is typically ideal for solar installations, and the panels are installed at the best tilt angle, you can expect a good level of solar energy production.
On average, a 4 kWp solar system can generate around 3,400 to 4,800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year.