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Solar Power and Solar Energy Systems- FAQ’s from MySolarPower

At MySolarPower we receive many frequently asked questions in regard to the why’s and wherefores of Solar Power and we do our best, (particularly as we are not associated with any specific system provider) to give our best un-biased opinions.

Q Why move to solar power?
A Generally, it is practical, easy to operate and is becoming ever more economical. There are financial incentives to start and once you are generating savings you should continue to do so plus you have the opportunity to decrease your personal carbon footprint.

Q In simple terms what are PV’s (Photovoltaics)?
A They are devises that can convert light into DC electricity

Q Do I need planning permission?
A For most circumstances and for most properties you will not need planning permission, but it is still wise to contact your local authority at an early stage. There are still some circumstances such as the size of the solar panels, impact upon neighbours, if you are situated within conservation areas and to check to ensure that your property is not “listed”. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland planning comes under the devolved parliaments so again it is best to check first.

Q What happens if I do need planning permission?
A Many of the better solar installers have qualified planners who will make the application for you.

Q How much energy will it generate?
A There is no simple answer as it will depend upon lots of factors, the purpose and type of solar energy system used, the number of panels (PV array), the levels of shade, the direction of the roof and angle of slope, and where you are located.
Most local installers will have enough experience with your local climatic conditions to give you a reasonably accurate answer. A well installed un-shaded IkWp PV array, can dependent upon location, produce between 720-900kWh per annum, and a fairly common assumption is that a 1kWP array will produce 750-760kWh per annum.

Q Will a PV system heat my hot water?
A No it shouldn’t as it would be both uneconomical and inefficient – solar thermal systems are designed especially for this purpose

Q Do I need lots of solar batteries?
A For solar water heating purposes you will not need solar batteries. If you have installing a PV system which is NOT connected to the grid then yes, you will need solar batteries to store the power you have generated.

Q How do I know if my home is suitable for Solar Energy?
A As stated on the product pages the basics for both PV systems and solar water heating systems are fairly standard, in that you want the most unrestricted exposure in the sunniest part of the day, south facing roof where possible and the correct angle of mounting.

Q Does it take up much roof space?
A Again this depends upon the type of system but in general terms it is about 3.5-4.0 square meters for solar water heating panels and 3 to 4 times this area for a PV system

Q What will it cost me?
A This depends upon both the type of system, the size of the system and the level of sophistication that you require but in simple terms around £3500 - £5000 for an installed solar water system and between £4500 - £14,000 for a PV system. However, whilst ever the grants are incentives are available and the popularity is maintained, it is likely that the manufacturers will continue to be more competitive.

Q What happens if its overcast?
A All the systems operate more effectively when the sun is shining but some energy is still generated even on overcast days. Most modern PV system will still run reasonably well at fairly low light levels but it will always be operating at its peak on a sunny bright day.

Q Would I get all my electricity from Solar Power?
A Unlikely – for most installations it can produce on average about 50% of standard needs and it is a similar answer with regard to hot water supply.

Q How does my proposed system connect to the grid?
A The solar panels are linked together and then connected to an inverter. This converts the energy you have collected into AC which is mains voltage compatible. All the power that you generate will firstly be used by you but any surplus is exported into the grid and you will be paid for this excess.

Q Will solar heating panels work for under floor heating?
A This is not; in our view a practical application as the requirement for under floor heating is predominantly when there is less sun.

Q What are feed in tariffs?
A It’s a fairly new government-backed scheme designed to make it worthwhile for you to produce a supply of renewable electricity.

Q How do feed in tariffs work?
A Simply put. There are three ways where the feed in tariffs help you make money (1) – You earn a fixed income from every kilowatt of energy you generate and USE in YOUR property, (2) You get additional fixed income from the energy that you don’t use and is exported into the main grid, and (3), but of course you will still need to buy some electricity but you will be buying less.

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