Has Solar PV technology been around long?

YES -  In 1838 the photoelectric effect was discovered by physicist Edmund Becquerel although it wasn’t until the 1950′s that the technology was developed enough to produce efficient working cells. During the 50′s and 60′s Solar PV was put on satellites and sent into orbit but it was still too expensive for general use. The next few decades brought better technology with lower prices and Solar PV was installed in world-wide remote villages to provide electricity for where there was no supply. Grid-connected Solar PV has had a massive growth since 1990′s in the more developed countries of the world.

Can the Government afford to keep paying me for the electricity I generate?

YES – It’s not the Government but your energy provider who has to pay you. This position is protected by legislation for the next 25 years.

Will the money I get paid go down every year?

No - the amount you get paid is fixed and index-linked for 25 years. The agreed rate for each unit of electricity generated is 43.3p, but due to a recent Government proposal this rate will reduce to 21p from 12 December 2011. If you opt for Solar PV now, and have your installation completed by Wednesday 7 December 2011 and have your paperwork with your energy provider by the end of that week, you will receive the higher tariff.

Can I make money from this if I have to pay a loan off too?

YES – The Feed-in Tariffs are designed so that the average monthly income from your installation will be significantly greater than your monthly loan repayment (with a 25 year loan). You can use the Energy Saving Trust’s Cash back Calculator to work out when your payback period will be.

Will I save each year by using this free electricity?

YES – This depends on how you manage your usage, but a typical Solar PV system can produce around 40% of the electricity a household uses in a year. And, by being more ‘electricity aware’ you may find that you become more careful with your usage than before.

If we don’t use all the electricity the panels produce during the day can it be fed back to the grid?

YES – It is fed back into the National Grid automatically and you will get paid an additional 3.1p. When you go on holiday, your roof will make even more money for you because almost all your electricity will go back to the grid.

Is the equipment reliable?

Yes – Most home PV Solar Systems have no moving parts and operate over very long periods with no or minimal maintenance - PV solar is a tried and tested technology. Research by the independent EU Energy Institute confirms that more than 90% of the solar panels on the market 10 years ago remain capable of performing well after 30 years of life, albeit with a slight drop in performance.

Will my electricity supply be stable?

YES -Your electricity supply will remain the same quality and power as it is today, using electricity from the system during the day and from the grid at night or if you use more than the system can produce.

Is the UK sunny enough for Solar PV?

YES – Solar Photovoltaic generate electricity from light, not heat. There is enough light, even on overcast days for solar panels to generate electricity. At the height of summer you could get around 17 hours of free electricity every day. Germany has a climate similar to that of the UK and is the world leader in annual PV installations.

Will it really make a difference to my bills?

YES – It could save around 50% on your annual electricity bills because you will be using the FREE electricity during the day.

Does it work in the winter?

YES – Electricity is still generated even on short winter days. From sunrise, light is absorbed and the system starts to generate electricity. Snow can shade the modules and reduce the generation but as heat rises and the snow melts, plus the smooth surface of the modules helps the snow slide off.

Will the installation work be messy?

NO – Installations are a straightforward process. Our skilled solar PV installers can fit an entire system in one day. There is very little mess as generally the equipment is installed in your loft and next to your electricity meter which have easy access.

Can Solar panels really make a difference to the environment?

YES – PV systems produce zero emissions while generating electricity. Annually they offset almost a tonne of CO2 per kilowatt installed.

Do I need to use all the electricity the system generates?

NO- Any excess is fed automatically back into the national grid.

Is the system noisy?

NO – PV systems have no moving parts.

Do I need to switch the system on every day?

NO – The system automatically starts generating electricity with light.