"The Buyers Guide" to Solar Electric (pv)

A Solar PV (Photovoltaic) System converts the Sun's rays into electricity. This electricity is the same as what we would call standard “mains” electricity and as such, can be used in exactly the same way in residential or commercial applications. At night, when there is no sun to supply power, the panels will not produce any, so any electricity used would come from the National Grid in the normal way. In daylight hours, a 2kW system provides enough electricity to power a typical house.

Any excess electricity would then be fed back to the National Grid for resale to other consumers. Each unit of electricity generated earns the system owner 41.3p if used in their own home or not. Each unit of electricity fed back to the grid earns the system owner an additional 5p on top of this value.

Benefits...

• Free Daytime Electricity – minimum £200 saving every year
• Earn £1000 tax free for the next 25 years
  Once the solar panels are fitted there should be no maintenance required and therefore no additional costs.

The only drawback is the high initial cost to purchase and install the system.
Domestic system prices range between £7500 and £20000 depending on the power output, however, a system would pay for itself within 10 years and continue to yield a tax free income for a total of 25 years.

Solar Thermal Systems

A Solar Thermal System can be used to provide hot water for domestic consumption.

Residential system prices range between £3500 and £12000.

They provide up to 70% of all domestic hot water and can reduce household bills substantially.

From 2011, there will be RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) payments to system owners likely to be around £350-£400 per year as an incentive to install a solar thermal system.

If you would like to know more about the specific benefits to you of a Solar PV system or a Solar Thermal system, please enter your details into the form at the side of this page and we'll arrange for up to three independent specialists (MCS accredited and certified) to contact you directly and offer advice and solutions.