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Government Lose in Court of Appeal: Last Chance to Receive the 43.3p Tariff! Under the 43.3p tariff returns of over 18% are possible from a 4kw solar PV system!
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Solar PV Systems
Generate your own electricity with solar pv panels on your roof and create a sustainable income stream.
Index linked and guaranteed tax-free income for 25 years with returns of over 18% possible!
Quick Links:
- Why Is Now A Good Time To Install Solar Panels?
- How The Government 'Feed In Tariffs' Work
- FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels
- What About Planning Permission?
- Scottish Residents and Businesses: Loan Scheme Available
- Solar Panels: A Simple 5 Step Approach To Our Professional Service
Why Invest In Solar Panels Now?
Government Lose In Court Of Appeal! Last Chance To Benefit From Higher Feed-In Tariff Rates!
You may have seen in the news that the UK Government tried to significantly reduce the Feed-In Tariff rates, but this decision was reversed by the courts. So at the moment, you can still benefit from the higher 43.3p per unit rates when you install solar panels.
There has never been a better time to invest in solar panels for your home.
This proven technology delivers both sustainable choices for your energy needs and an attractive investment. The reasons to have solar panels on the roof of your home or business premisis have never been clearer:
- Save money on your utility bills
- Get paid for generating your own energy
- Live more sustainably and be more environmentally friendly
- Protect yourself against rising electricity costs
Now there are government cash-back schemes for the generation of clean energy. This means that renewable technologies are a very attractive long term investment. Photovoltaic or 'PV' solar energy is now incentivised by the - Feed-in Tariff Scheme - a relatively new initiative in the UK, backed by the government in order to make it financially attractive to use electricity generated from renewable sources (and in particular PV solar energy) through the use of solar panels for both householders and businesses.
Feed-in Tariffs (FITs)
What are they?
Feed-in tariffs is the name given to a government cash-back scheme which subsidises solar panel technology and aims to encourage more people to use renewable energy in Nottingham, England, Perth, Scotland and the whole of the UK. Once you have your solar panels installed and operational, you will receive payments direct from your power supplier, for all units that you generate - both the electricity that you use and the electricity you produce that becomes part of the national grid!
Here's how you make money
To make it financially attractive to use electricity from renewable sources such as solar panels, when your installation is complete, you will earn up to 43.3p for every unit (or kWh) of electricity that you generate.
- It's tax free, inflation-proof and lasts for 25 years after your installation. Until March 2012 you would lock in at a rate of 43.3p upon joining the scheme (correct at time of publication, actual feed-in tariff rates are subject to current Government policies changes and likely to increase).
- You earn an additional income for every unit of surplus electricity sell back to the grid at 3.1p every unit. Any electricity which you then use in your home results in a further saving on what you would have imported from the grid.
- Your solar energy installation will be supplying around 50% of your electricity free of charge. Over a 25 year term you could easily double your initial investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is solar energy?
Solar PV panels use energy from the sun to create electricity. The good news, particularly in our British climate, is that solar panels only need daylight to work, not necessarily direct sunlight. Even better news: as a fuel, sunlight is totally free.
How do solar panels work?
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems use silicon cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be used to run household appliances and lighting. PV cells are contained in solar panels that you usually attach to your roof. A solar PV panel cell consists of one or two layers of a semi-conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the solar cell it creates an electric field across the layer causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity. Solar PV panel cells are referred to in terms of the amount of energy they generate in full sunlight, known as kilowatt peak (kWp). The renewable energy produced by solar panels generates no greenhouses gases.
Is my home suitable for photovoltaic solar energy?
The vast majority of homes in the UK are suitable for the purpose of solar PV panels - including your house in Nottingham or Perth!
There are three main factors to consider regarding the suitability of your home for solar panel installation:
- Which way does your home face? The direction that your house faces can affect the amount of sunlight that it sees. Best results are realised when the solar panels are facing in a southerly direction. Although they are most efficient when orientated in a southerly direction, solar PV panels are still very efficient when the panels are east or west facing.
- What is the angle of your roof pitch? The slope (or pitch) of your roof will make a difference to the amount of sunlight it will receive on a daily basis. The best pitch is between 30 and 35 degrees, but excellent results can be attained between 20 and 50 degrees. Our detailed survey will reveal the pitch of your roof and we will calculate the yield based the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation for Solar PV. Please ask us about the various solar solutions for your property.
- Is your roof affected by any shading? Any shading on your roof area from trees, adjacent properties and chimneys or vents will have an impact upon the performance of your panels. This will be factored into your quote so that you know the true impact upon your electricity generation output of the shade falling on your solar panels.
How much electricity will my solar PV system generate?
The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation for solar pv panels is undertaken using the Government recommended formula. This is an industry standard tool used by all companies within this sector. This equation is as follows:
Predicted Generation (kWh/year) = Irradiance x Shading factor x kWp x 0.85.
It is important to note, however, that the amount of energy produced can vary over the course of a year. Any solar PV solution that we provide will take into account the fact that more of your energy will be produced in the summer months. This can be appreciated by the graph below.
How many solar panels for how much power?
The size of your solar PV panel array will depend on how much power you need for your home, what financial and C02 return you would like to make, the type of solar PV panels used, the roof space available and your budget. Typical systems cover 15 to 30 square metres and usually have an output of between 2kWp (kilowatts peak) and 4kWp of electrical power (kWp-solar PV panels are referred to in terms of the amount of electricity they generate in full sunlight). A typical solar panel installation by MG Renewables could meet around half of the annual electricity needs for lighting and appliances in the average household in Nottinghamshire or Perthshire.
Planning Permission
Changes to the permitted development rights for domestic renewable technologies mean that most solar PV panel installations don't require planning permission, as long as they don't protrude more than 200mm from your building. All of the solar panel installations by MG Renewables meet this requirement. Exceptions to the planning permission rules apply for Listed Buildings, buildings in Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites. You should always check this out in advance because obtaining planning permission after an installation can be difficult and expensive.
Scottish Loan Scheme
Latest news for those living in Scotland
Home renewables loan scheme - Cash for renewable electricity and heat technologies.
If you live in Scotland, a new interest-free loan scheme could help you install a renewable energy system for your home.
What's on offer?
Loans of up to £2000 are available for a range of renewable heat and electricity generating technologies - for example heat pumps, solar panels, micro wind turbines or biomass boilers. The loans are time-limited and operate on a 'first come first served' basis. Those installing electricity technologies should also be eligible for - Feed-in Tariff Payments - and the loan scheme opened on 1 April 2011 (we are currently accepting applications). There are some things you will need to get together to support your application, including our quote, and an energy report from your local Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre.
If you are interested in applying for a loan you should call your local Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 or ask us for an application form.
One of our friendly advisors will be able to discuss all of your solar PV requirements with you in more depth and answer any questions you may have. Please give us a call on 0844 800 3454 to find out more (local call rates apply).
Our Five Step Approach
Solar PV Installation - 5 Simple Steps to Realising your own Solar Energy
Step 1 - From Advice...
We also offer up to date and professional advice to prospective domestic and commercial clients. Will we provide you with all the information you require in order to make an informed decision through comprehensive feasibility assessments and design. We also provide financial payback analysis giving guidance on your return on investment so when it comes to the final decision you have all the information at your fingertips.
Step 2 - to survey...
We always undertake full surveys prior to our installations to ensure the integrity of the roof is suitable and to provide you with the options to maximise your investment. We choose our panels and other equipment from a variety of sources, and provide bespoke solutions according to the needs of the installation.
Step 3 - to placing your order...
As a REAL (Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd) Assurance Scheme Member you can be sure of our commitment to exceptional service. We also provide you with the Independent Warranty Association (IWA) deposit protection policies for additional peace of mind.
Step 4 - to installation...
We provide solar solutions with you in mind. Our systems are cost effective, professionally designed and pleasing on the eye. As an established renewable energy company providing services that include solar solutions, our aim is to provide a high quality service to all of our clients and exceed expectations. Every installation is completed to the highest standard, with all installers fully qualified.
Step 5 - to your reassurance
As a REAL (Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd) Assurance Scheme Member you can be sure of our commitment to exceptional service.
*Solar PV panel UK quotes subject to property survey.
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"This thanks is for the very cheerful & professional way you went about your work.
C & B Donnison, Nottingham
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