Solar PV System FAQs

How do solar electric systems work?
Solar PV systems generate electricity using the energy from the sun (i.e. solar electricity). The panels produce energy from daylight, not direct sunlight, so they still produce energy on cloudy or overcast days. An inverter converts the electricity from direct to alternating current, for use in the home. The electrical energy produced is used directly in the home. When the system is producing more power than is needed, it is exported to the grid. At night, when the solar roof is not generating electricity, power is imported from the grid in the normal way.

Will the British weather have an impact on the efficiency of my solar PV system?
Solar PV works from daylight. Obviously they produce more power when the sun is stronger, and less when it is overcast. However, on a sunny day in January a solar panel can produce the same amount of electricity per sunlight hours as in July.

What happens if there is a power cut?
Solar electric systems for homes are entirely grid connected. If there is a power cut your system is automatically switched off. This is a safety measure designed to stop electricity leaking on to the national grid and to protect people who may be working to restore the power supply.

How efficient are solar panels?
The figure to watch is the kWh/kWp (kilo watt hours, or 'units' per kilo watt peak) you will generate. The government quote this as 850kWhs/kWp for the UK. If you had a 4kWp system (about 30m2) you could generate 4x850=3400 units a year (according to government figures), which is more than is required by an average 3-bedroom house.

What different types of solar systems are there?
There are two distinct types of solar system you can install on your house:

Solar thermal for making hot water, either for washing or for heating
Solar electric panels (also known as 'photovoltaics' or 'PV') which produce electricity.

Ecofirst offers both solar thermal and solar PV systems.

How can I maximise the benefits of the system?
Orientation, shading and the temperature of the solar system all impact on the output and must be considered at the design stage. The best orientation for solar panels in the UK is south facing at 30 - 40°.

What costs and maintenance will be involved?
There is no flat rate for a solar PV system. As a rough guide, a 1kWp grid connected system will cost in the region of £7,000 (inclusive of installation) and a 2kWp system would be around £12,000. A particular advantage of solar PV, even over other types of renewable energy systems, is that running costs are
rather low. Your solar PV system requires no fossil fuel to run and, since there are no moving parts (unless a tracking device is used) and very little maintenance.

What products do you sell?
Ecofirst works with partner companies Sharp, Kazo and Schuco, and will advise on which of their products work best in any given situation.

Are the panels laid on top and if so how are they fixed? Or do they replace an area of tiles?
You can choose an 'in roof' system (which will replace the tiles) or an 'on roof' system (which will sit on roof hooks above the roof tiles). Neither system will damage the roof.

How long do solar panels take to pay back the money I paid for them?
TBA

How long will the system last?
TBA

How much energy will I create?
That depends on the size of the solar electric system you have installed.

Do I need planning permission?
Solar roof systems fall under permitted development rights so you do not need planning permission. However, if you live in a conservation area, an area of 'outstanding natural beauty' or in a listed building, your local authorities may require planning permission to allow you to fit a PV system.

Will I need batteries?
No, the systems we sell are connected to the national grid. At night, when the system is not generating energy, electricity is bought from your utility company in the normal way. Any excess electricity generated during the day is sold back to your utility company.

Do I need a new meter?
All domestic renewable energy installations should have a generation meter fitted as standard. Depending on the type of tariff you select, an export meter may also be necessary. If you propose to export and receive quantified revenues for energy you export, an export meter will be needed. Your local Distribution Network operator (DNO) would provide this meter - to find out your DNO click here.

What is the proposed design for the system, in particular roof fixing, layout etc?
Ecofirst will advise you on most appropriate system for your roof. Our installers will perform a site survey and make an assessment. We will discuss the proposed layout of the system prior to installation.

Have you installed any stand alone panel arrays and have you any experience with tracking systems?
TBA

Do you offer a warranty?
TBA

Can I split the panels over several roofs?
Yes, our installer will be able to advise on that if you apply via our estimation tool on the right hand side of this page.

What is the Feed-in Tariff and how does it work?
The Feed-in Tariff is a financial incentive backed by the Government and paid by your energy company to generate your own electricity. The average three-bedroom home could earn up to £900 per year and reduce its electricity bill by up to £140. You can earn a fixed income for every kilowatt hour of electricity you generate and use in your property. In addition, you can earn a fixed income for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity you generate and sell back to the grid. The income is guaranteed for 25 years (for solar PV systems) and index-linked. The Feed-in-Tariff is administered by Ofgem, and energy suppliers will be responsible for payments to their customers.
Once your solar PV installation is commissioned and you start claiming the 'Feed-in Tariff', you will have lower bills and a steady income from the 'Feed-in Tariff' payments. When you move house, these benefits can be transfered to the new home owner, which means your home may have a higher asking price.

Does the Feed-in Tariff scheme cover Solar Thermal as well?
No. The scheme is for solar electricity, and other technologies which generate renewable electricity.

Who pays me for the Feed-in Tariff?
The energy suppliers pay the Feed-in tariffs to those who generate the clean electricity. When you apply for the Feed-in tariff, you should ask your energy supplier how and when payments will be made. Payments must be made at least quarterly.

Are the Feed-in Tariff rates really guaranteed for the full 25 years? Can future governments back track on them?
The Feed-in tariff is Primary Legislation, and it would be a breach of the Government’s contract if it was going to end it before its 25-year run. Payments to individuals will increase with inflation. However, the FITs will be reviewed every five years - starting in 2013 - and at that stage, the amount new applicants receive and the duration of the tariff may change. It's likely to be at its highest now, at the start of the secheme.

I installed a solar roof many years ago. If I add additional panels can I claim the Feed-in Tariff?
Additional panels qualify as separate installations and would receive the tariff applicable at the time of commissioning.

How much will I earn from solar electricity?
The average three-bedroom home could earn up to £900 per year and reduce its electricity bill by up to £140.