Helping you through the entire solar process.
- Working with you
- FAQs
`Research published by Halifax has revealed that 84% of UK households noted a reduction in monthly energy bills after installing solar panels. According to the survey of 2,000 homeowners...`(click for full story)
Working with you
For most of our domestic customers, the idea of solar products being installed into their home is as daunting as it is exciting. You probably have a few questions; it would be unusual if you didn't. The first one might be...where do we start?
Here's a guide to how we hope to work with you on your project.
- Let's have a chat. We can of course do email, but most people prefer a chat.
- Share with us all the questions you have; all the things that are on your mind.
- Then we can begin to design a system to meet your needs. This will involve satellite photographs of your home, its orientation to the sun, and your typical annual power and hot water demands. And from this information we will design your system and send you an indicative quote.
- You will perhaps have more questions at this stage and we will address all of them before going any further.
- Happy to proceed? We then arrange a site survey appointment with you for our Solar UK surveyor to visit, to double check the design, take some key measurements, look at likely cable runs and make sure there's nothing we have overlooked that might affect the design.
- Once you are happy, we will send an Order Confirmation for you to sign and return, and at this stage you are asked for a 25% payment to secure the order. For your own peace of mind, you should know that all customer deposits are covered by the QANW deposit guarantee scheme.
- Our installations team will then get a provisional installation date in the diary and take care of everything from that point on.
- We will keep you informed of progress from time-to-time as the system parts arrive into our factory and your installation date gets closer.
- We will then give you a confirmed date for the installation.
- On the day of installation, our team will arrive at site, and the lead installer will introduce himself and his colleagues, and carry out a risk assessment. And then they'll get to work.
- When we have finished, the lead installer will talk you through any system controls and make sure you know what's what. He will ask you to sign a Declaration of Job Completion.
- The project paperwork will then be processed by our administration team and they will send you our final invoice, which needs to be paid within 7 days of receipt.
- And then, once you have paid the invoice, a commissioning pack will be collated and sent to you for safekeeping.
So by all means drop us an email at sales@solaruk.com but if you want to speak directly with one of our team, and we hope you do, please call us on 01424 772903.
FAQs
Some of the most Frequently Asked Questions by customers looking to invest in solar PV include:
1. How much will it cost to install a solar PV system?
The cost of installing a solar PV system can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the system, the type of panels and inverters used, and the complexity of the installation. On average, a residential solar PV system can cost between £5,000 and £8,000 or more when a battery energy storage system is added. You can contact the Solar UK team with your specific requirements and situation and we will tailor a quote for you.
It's also worth considering the long-term financial benefits of installing a solar PV system, such as reduced energy bills, potential earnings from selling excess energy back to the grid, and increased home or business value. Overall, while the upfront costs of installing a solar PV system can be significant, the long-term financial and environmental benefits can make it a worthwhile investment.
2. How much money can I save on my energy bills by installing a solar PV system?
The size of the solar PV system you need for your home or business will depend on a variety of factors, including your energy usage, the available roof or ground space for installation, and your budget. Solar UK can help you determine the size of the system that will best meet your needs.
To get a general idea of the size of the system you may need, you can look at your past energy bills to determine your average daily energy usage. This information can be used to calculate the size of the system required to meet your energy needs. Keep in mind that the size of the system will also depend on factors such as the amount of sunlight your location receives and the efficiency of the solar panels used.
It's important to note that a larger solar PV system will generate more energy, but will also cost more to install. However, a larger system may be more cost-effective in the long run, as it will generate more energy and potentially allow you to sell excess energy back to the grid.
Overall, determining the size of the solar PV system you need will require an assessment of your energy usage and available space, as well as consideration of your budget and long-term energy goals. Solar UK can guide you through this process and help you find the best solution for your home or business.
3. How long will it take for a solar PV system to pay for itself?
The time it takes for a solar PV system to pay for itself, will depend on several factors, including the size of the system, the cost of electricity in your area, and the amount of energy you generate and use. On average, a residential solar PV system can have a payback period of 5 to 10 years, while a commercial system can have a payback period of 3 to 7 years.
It's important to note that while the upfront costs of installing a solar PV system can be significant, over time the system can generate significant cost savings on energy bills. In addition, as electricity rates continue to rise, the cost savings from a solar PV system can increase over time.
It's also worth considering the potential earnings from selling excess energy back to the grid.
Overall, the payback period of a solar PV system will vary depending on a variety of factors, but in most cases, the long-term financial benefits of the system can make it a worthwhile investment. Solar UK can help you determine the payback period for your specific system and provide guidance on maximizing the financial benefits of your investment.
4. What kind of maintenance does a solar PV system require?
Solar PV systems require minimal maintenance, but regular inspections and upkeep can help ensure optimal performance and longevity. Some of the maintenance tasks that may be required for a solar PV system include:
- Cleaning: Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on solar panels over time, reducing their efficiency. Regular cleaning can help maintain optimal performance. However, it's important to use the appropriate cleaning methods and avoid damaging the panels.
- Inspections: Regular inspections can help identify any issues with the system, such as damaged panels or wiring. Solar UK can perform these inspections and make any necessary repairs.
- Inverter Maintenance: Inverters are an essential component of a solar PV system and may require periodic maintenance or replacement.
- Monitoring Performance: Monitoring the performance of your solar PV system can help identify any issues and ensure optimal energy generation. Many systems come with monitoring software that allows you to track energy generation and usage.
- Battery maintenance: If you have a battery energy storage system as part of your solar PV system, it may require periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Overall, while solar PV systems require minimal maintenance, regular inspections, and upkeep can help ensure optimal performance and longevity. A reputable solar PV installer can guide the specific maintenance requirements of your system and help you develop an appropriate maintenance plan.
5. Will a solar PV system work during power outages?
Overall, whether a solar PV system will work during a power outage depends on the type of system you have installed. Solar UK can provide guidance on the best system for your needs, including options for battery backup systems.
If you have a battery backup system as part of your solar PV system, you can still have power during a power outage. A battery backup system allows excess solar energy to be stored in batteries for use during times when the sun is not shining, including power outages. This can provide backup power for critical appliances and systems in your home or business, such as refrigerators, lighting, and medical equipment.
6. What kind of warranties are available for solar PV systems?
Solar PV systems typically come with several warranties to protect against potential issues. These warranties can vary depending on the manufacturer and installer, but here are some of the most common types of warranties available:
- Product Warranty: This covers defects in the solar panels and other system components, typically for a period of 10-25 years.
- Performance Warranty: This guarantees the solar panels will produce a certain amount of electricity over a specified period of time, usually 25 years.
- Inverter Warranty: The inverter is an essential component of a solar PV system, and it typically comes with a warranty of 5-10 years.
- Workmanship Warranty: This covers the installation of the solar PV system, typically for 1-2 years.
It's important to review the warranties offered by the manufacturer and installer before purchasing a solar PV system. This will help ensure that you have adequate protection in case of any issues with the system.
7. What government incentives are available for installing a solar PV system?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): The SEG is a new scheme that came into effect in January 2020. Under the SEG, energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers are required to offer a tariff to pay homeowners and businesses for the excess energy they generate and export back to the grid. The rate paid for the excess energy will depend on the supplier and the market conditions.
There may be local or regional grants or incentives available for installing a solar PV system.
8. How does a solar PV system impact the value of my home or business?
Installing a solar PV system can have a positive impact on the value of your home or business. Studies have shown that properties equipped with solar panels tend to sell faster and at higher prices than those without. This is because solar panels reduce energy costs, which can be a significant factor in the decision to purchase a property. Additionally, solar panels are seen as environmentally friendly and sustainable, which is increasingly important to many home and business owners.
These are just a few examples of the questions that customers often ask when considering investing in a solar system. It's important to do your research to get a better understanding of the costs, benefits, and requirements of installing a solar system.
We believe Solar UK can help with any questions relating to solar and how it will aid you, so drop us an email at sales@solaruk.com but if you want to speak directly with one of our team, and we hope you do, please call us on 01424 772903.
April 2022 until 31 March 2027
0% VAT
VAT on a range of domestic energy efficiency and renewable energy installations, including solar PV and LaZer2 solar thermal is now 0% in Great Britain.
The reduced rate will apply from 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2027, unless the government introduces further legislation to extend its implementation.
Battery Energy Storage (BESS) also qualifies for 0% VAT in Great Britain if they are supplied as part of an installation with a qualifying material – in other words, a solar PV or LaZer2 solar thermal system.
From the 1st February 2024 BESS will be included on the qualifying materials list provided by the government, as a standalone product qualifying for 0% VAT in Great Britain