If we could, our team of experienced solar PV professionals would talk about solar all day long. So if you have an interesting question don’t forget that you can always contact us to submit your specific question.
Before you do that, make sure you check out the frequently asked questions below. We’ve been asked a lot of questions over time from both domestic and commercial clients and have a deep understanding of customer requirements.
Is solar right for my home or business?
We would certainly hope so given the fantastic opportunities of solar PV! Essentially, the most important factors in relation to a properties suitability are the amount sunlight that hits the property and the roof space available. Our initial desktop assessments will attempt to assess your properties suitability and if everything is in order, we will schedule a follow-up consultation and site survey to assess the property in detail. We will then be able to offer a detailed proposal including system location, size, pricing and financial analysis.
Will my home or business need to be adapted for solar PV?
No, it is not necessary to make any adaptations to your property, solar PV should work seamlessly on your property. Once the system is installed you don’t need to purchase new appliances or change your electrical sockets; everything will operate the same as before. There will be no practical changes to the way your property operates, the only change you will notice is a reduction in utility bills.
My electricity bills will reduce dramatically, is that right?
Yes, having solar PV installed on your property will certainly help to reduce your electricity bills! The exact savings are related to the size of system installed and your specific electricity usage. For example, if you use your washing machine during daytime hours more often, you’re likely to see even bigger reductions in electricity bills. Similarly commercial properties should see significant reductions given that the vast majority of electricity for commercial operations is during the day. For manufacturing companies or warehouses this is a significant benefit. When your solar system generates more electricity than you use during the day the excess power flows back to the grid and you will notice that the electricity meter literally spins backwards!
Surely I need to wait for new technologies?
It is really not necessary to wait for technology to advance, now is a fantastic time to invest in solar PV because the technologies are exceptional and the costs have reduced significantly. The opportunity to utilise the suns energy for our electricity requirements is not going to change, so why not utilise solar PV now. We offer a variety of solutions to our clients and continue to evaluate new technologies that are applicable to both domestic and commercial clients. Of course, it is not just about the technologies, both domestic and commercial customers need to be aware of current government incentives. The feed in tariff scheme helps homeowners and commercial operations to benefit financially from the installation of a solar PV system. Furthermore, there are finance schemes to help organisations and individuals to pay for a solar PV installation. One such example is energy efficiency funding.
How large will my solar PV system be?
Every property and of course every roof is different and this often dictates the size of solar PV system installed. It is also dependent on your specific energy requirements, as well as roof space and solar objectives. Domestic solar PV systems can be as large as 4kW as this coincides with the highest feed in tariff rate. Commercial solar PV systems on the other hand, could be anything from 4kW upwards. A small commercial property may have a 10kW system, while larger commercial operations may have solar PV systems ranging from 50–500 kW. We even design solar pv for huge ground location installations where total output is measured in megawatts. Utility scale solar pv as well a solar farms are becoming increasingly popular.
Will the solar PV system require maintenance?
You will be pleased to know that the solar PV system requires very little maintenance, predominantly as a result of no moving parts within the installation. The only things you need to keep an eye on include shading and ensuring the solar panels are clean. They may need to be inspected from time to time. As part of a free solar panel installation from Sustain, we will complete any maintenance free of charge for the duration of the contract. In the unlikely event that your system is underperforming we will alert you and look to rectify any problems. For those clients who have a purchased solar PV installation we have maintenance plans and contracts to suit specific client requirements. Commercial systems, for example need a little more attention to detail than smaller domestic solar PV installations.
How reliable is solar PV?
There are plenty of examples to suggest that solar PV is a very reliable technology. Solar panels are a proven source of energy for large office buildings, national multisite organisations and the public sector. Some of the most well-known brands are utilising solar PV for their energy requirements. They are also finding that solar PV helps them to meet specific carbon reduction commitments stipulated by government. Don’t forget that solar panels have been in space for many years powering space stations and satellites.
Is a battery back-up system required?
No, you’re solar PV system is capable of operating many electrical appliances within your property and when the solar PV system is not an operation you can utilise electricity from the grid. You never have to worry about running out of electricity.
What about evenings, or when the weather is poor?
The solar PV system generates energy as a result of sunlight, so when it is cloudy less light hits your solar panels, thus reducing electricity production. You will be right in thinking that the solar PV system will not produce any energy at night, so you will utilise electricity from the grid during evenings. There will be no power interruptions, there’s a seamless transition between utilising solar PV electricity and that which is generated from the grid.
How durable is the solar PV system?
The solar panels offer a manufacturer’s warranties of 25 years and other parts, including the inverter offer 10-year warranties and the opportunity to extend warranties where applicable. You can rest assured that the solar PV system should operate effectively for many years, given the advantages of these warranties. Depending on the system you have installed, we have effective monitoring and repair services available. For commercial operations, our clients often specify comprehensive monitoring and maintenance packages. As such, we have options available for your requirements.
How long is it before the system is up and running?
A typical solar panel installation for a domestic property is one day, but scaffolding is typically erected two days prior to the main installation. For more complicated roofs we may take a little longer to ensure that your installation is of the highest quality. When installing large commercial solar PV systems, the installation time is very much dependent on the size of the system and client stipulations. From the initial agreement to commissioning certain regulatory requirements need to be adhered to as part of a commercial installation. There are less requirements for a domestic solar PV installation.
Permits and regulations, are there any?
As part of our comprehensive service process Sustain will ensure that planning permission is in place and we will initiate appropriate communications with the distribution network operator and the electrical grid where applicable. For domestic installations, there are less stipulations, however certain properties will be protected by listed status and as such we may not be able to install solar panels.
What about roof repairs following a solar installation?
In ideal circumstances it is best to install solar panels on a roof that is in good condition. Following the site survey we will make suggestions if the roof is currently not of a sufficient standard for the installation of solar panels. When the solar panels have been installed they will help to protect your roof from the elements. If roof repairs are required we are able to help you with the process to ensure the efficient operations of the solar PV system.
Is a solar PV system financially viable?
Yes, solar PV is a clean technology that is fundamentally cheaper than electricity from the grid! Not only are you able to save money on your electricity bills, but you could make an income through the government guaranteed feed in tariff scheme. For the next 20 years you could receive an income that will help to pay for the system and also make even more money on top of that. Solar also has the potential to increase your property’s value. If you currently don’t have the capital available to purchase a solar PV installation, we have financial packages available and you can also have solar PV installed for free. You can get a quick estimate by speaking with one of our knowledgeable energy consultants.
Will the government really continue with their incentives?
The short answer to that question is certainly yes, especially given the UK’s close connections with the European Union. There are clear directives which the UK has to adhere to in relation to reducing carbon emissions. As such the UK government has implemented the feed in tariff scheme and other incentives to encourage both homeowners and businesses to install renewable technologies. The intention of these incentives is to encourage the long-term investment in renewable technologies, including solar PV. In the example of the feed in tariff scheme, it is guaranteed for 20 years after the installation date so you’re able to obtain an income for a considerable period of time. While solar PV and other renewable technologies offer significant advantages, if government guaranteed incentive schemes were not in place, we would not see the changes necessary in carbon emissions.
Is now the best time to install solar PV?
Now is certainly one of the best times to install solar PV. The current incentive schemes for both domestic and commercial operations offer effective rewards for early adopters of the technologies. Furthermore, the solar panels themselves are now at an efficiency, which is certainly a massive plus point. We are now able to install solar PV on smaller roofs because the efficiency of the solar panels has risen so much that we can install fewer panels and still deliver fantastic electricity production.
Is financing available?
Homeowners and businesses can obtain financing from external companies to support the growth of solar PV. We recognise the importance of owning a solar PV system but we also offer different solutions including the installation of solar PV for free. Sustain can provide a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for business owners, where solar PV is installed and the business owner can benefit from cheaper electricity. In this instance, we install and maintain the equipment on your site and you just pay a low monthly payment. See our financial options and the difference between a free and purchased solar PV installation.
What is the biggest size system without a grid connection?
Sustain typically install grid connected solar PV systems, which enable you to produce electricity at your location and then switch to the electrical grid when the solar PV system is not generating any electricity. This type of system offers greater incentives by way of the feed in tariff scheme but it is significantly less if you have an off grid solar PV installation. For local communities and remote rural locations, we may install an off grid solar PV system to run the operations of a village or perhaps a commercial operation in a remote location.
Do solar panels have to be mounted on a roof?
No, it is possible to install solar PV on a ground location, utilising the correct mounting system with a tilt that is usually above 10 degrees. For these type of installations planning permission is required and communications with the distribution network operator and electrical grid are necessary. Farmers and landowners typically take advantage of these particular installations, especially when the land is not suitable for arable farming. In most instances ground mounted solar PV installations are very large, generating megawatts of electricity.
When is the best time to use your free electricity?
Solar panels will be in operation during the day, generating plenty of electricity for your property. It is at this time that you should ideally utilise the electricity to power appliances and other electrical items within the home or commercial premises. If you manage electricity usage effectively during the day by using timers and other energy management solutions you will notice larger reductions in electricity bills. Solar PV is a fantastic benefit for commercial operations because electricity usage is typically during daylight hours, so it can really make a difference to the overheads of a business.
What about hybrid solar panels for heating water and generating electricity?
Although there are technologies available to complete this task we would not suggest the installation of dual function solar panels. Solar thermal (water) panels require hot temperatures, whereas solar PV (electricity) operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. It is essentially not best to not mix the two technologies.
Once the system is installed, will I still pay for electricity?
Even when your solar PV system has been installed you will still need to pay for electricity that you use from the electrical grid. You will pay the set tariff as agreed with your electricity provider but you will import less electricity from the grid because you are generating electricity from your solar PV system. You will of course see a reduction in electricity bills but it is still dependent on how you utilise electricity generated by the solar PV system during the day.
