|
"Once the facts are in; myths are busted, a PV-powered future becomes a new found freedom."
Solar panels made easy
A South, South East or South West facing roof is ideal. 1. Install a grid-connected PV solar panel array and inverter system, and run it alongside a PV-water converter to heat hot water too.
2. Once confident about the next three-decades of exceedingly low energy costs, you'll add further benefitting technologies such as battery storage or an EV (electric car) further down the electric road.
3. Forward with confidence. |
 In partnership with the Renewable Energy Consumer Code. |
Get solar savvy
Contrary to popular belief, solar panels can work on cloudy days in the UK, and each sq/m of your roof receives between around 900-1400 kWh a year.
Modern PV solar systems today can produce and store for nighttime or electric vehicle use of up to 4,200 kWh annually.
Do you have a South, SW, SE facing roof space? If yes, your home's orientation to the sun sounds perfect for solar panels. Do you have a thatched roof? Roof-mounted solar panels cannot be installed. Would ground-mounted be an option?
Conservation area/area of outstanding beauty or listed property? If yes, then please consult with your local planning office first. Do you have a Combi boiler? Solar heating technology is not viable. Go to PV. Do you have a hot water storage tank? If yes, solar heating may be viable. Do you have an oil-based heating system? If yes, solar heating panels will be beneficial.
Get PV quotes As prices vary across different technologies and installers, I would strongly recommend getting three comparative quotations. This advice will ensure you can approach purchasing an installation with confidence and peace of mind. Know your rights:
- Approach only companies with RECC and MCS accreditation. You can begin your research with our Get a PV quote service.
- Never be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand anything before signing a contract. A good company will always be patient and helpful.
- Only pay 25% of the contract price up front. Most installers have a deposit protection scheme.
- Feeling pressured? Walk away. Good installers don’t need to use highpressure sales tactics.
- If you do sign a contract in your home, then you have 14 days cooling off period.
- Only start the installation work after this 14-day cooling period. Written consent must be given by yourself if you want the installation to commence before.
- Never sign a waiver form to relinquish your cooling period walk away.
- Offered finance? You have 14 days cooling period from the date you receive the documentation from the finance provider. Make sure you understand the figures.
- Solar panels are a significant investment for many, so never be shy to ask for and contact genuine testimonials. Solar pioneer’s love to spread their enthusiasm.
- Installers will always give you a full breakdown of expected performance and system specifications. Compare systems, performance and price figures.
- Study terms and conditions and check the company has insurance documents.
Installation day Curtains will twitch, but installation day should cause only a minimum disruption to your home. You're now a fully-fledged solar pioneer, and you'll feel The Pride at being the first on your street. What happens next:
Survey - Some companies do a technical review of your home when quoting, and some don’t. Don’t allow any work to commence before this is complete. This procedure ensures an install is possible. Scaffolding - For access to your roof, a company will build a frame up to the guttering level. This procedure ensures a safe working platform for the installers, and depending on the scaffolding company - should be removed within a few days of completion. Installation day - Enjoy your first cup of tea made with your PV-powered electricity. You have now joined a growing army of people who benefit from solar panels around the world. The first few days - A notable and common aftereffect of installing solar panels is the performance checking. Many try to resist, but unfortunately, the temptation to keep checking the output of your system in different weather conditions is too insuppressible. The first few months - Now you've finally got your daily performance checking under control, but inquisitiveness still exists with the changing of the seasons. The first year - Now you're beginning to see the fruits of your investment. With the bills falling on your welcome matt diminished and your feedin tariff generating income, your decision to install solar panels now seems like a stroke of genius. And beyond - Now you're beginning to see the fruits of your investment, and the bills are falling, suddenly your decision to install solar panels now seems like a stroke of genius.
|
