What is Solar PV?

Solar electricity panels, also known as Solar Photovoltaics (PV for short), use the energy from the sun to produce electricity that you can use within your home in the same way that solar calculators have for many years.

By installing solar panels you will not only reduce your bills by generating your own free, renewable electricity, but you will also reduce your carbon footprint and increase your EPC rating, which may provide you with lower mortgage rates.

How do solar panels work?

When ultraviolet light shines on the cells within your solar PV panels, a flow of electricity is created by the layers of semi-conductors that makes up each cell. These semi-conductors are commonly made from silicon which gives solar PV its distinctive dark blue to black colour.

The radiation collected generates DC (direct current) energy, the same as that stored in batteries.

An inverter then converts this into usable AC (alternating current) electricity that can then be used in your home.

Any energy that is not used can be sent back to the grid or diverted to either batteries or Solar Electric Storage heaters for use at a more convenient time.

The panels don’t actually need direct sunlight to work meaning that they can produce electricity on even the most overcast of days. They work best, and produce the most electricity, when they are facing directly south, however, they work well one West and East facing roofs as well.

Benefits of Solar PV

• Reducing your energy bills by up to £485 per year
• Reduces your carbon footprint
• Contributes to a sustainable future
• Increases your home’s Energy Performance rating

How long will it take to install?

Once we receive your enquiry we will arrange for a surveyor to visit your home and take measurements of your roof and determine the angle and orientation of your roof. Ideally, you want roof that faces south, east or west and is pitched at around 30 – 35°.

Once we have these measurements you will receive a no obligation quotation which will give you an idea of how much money you will be able to save by installing Solar PV at your property.

Installation of a Solar PV system will generally no longer than a day and will be carried out by an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited installer. This means that you will receive a warranty for all the products installed in your home, including an insurance backed workmanship warranty.

Free Solar Panels

If your home is heated with a heat pump, modern storage heaters or an electric heating system such as an electric boiler you could receive solar panels for free through the government backed ECO4 scheme.

We can also install them if you are receiving an Air Source Heat Pump as part of your ECO4 energy efficiency upgrade package.

A whole house approach to energy efficiency

As part of the ECO4 scheme we will also upgrade the insulation in your home before installing your new solar panels if:

Ventilation

If we are upgrading the insulation in your home the amount of air that can circulate will be reduced as gaps which may have allowed draughts previously are closed up. Poor ventilation can lead to poor air quality and in turn condensation forming which can cause mould and damp patches to appear.

To ensure that this doesn’t happen we will bring your homes ventilation up to the latest standards and install additional ventilation where required as part of the ECO4 grant.

Do I qualify for free solar panels?

To qualify for a free solar panels, you must be in receipt of one of the benefits listed below as well as heat your home with an efficient electric heating method.

I’m not receiving one of these benefits, can I be helped?

Up to 50% of energy efficiency measures installed in England, Wales and Scotland can be completed through the ECO4 Flex scheme and is for households whose combined gross income is below £31,000 per year or if you have certain health conditions which would make you vulnerable to the cold.

The ECO4 Flex scheme is administered by Local Authorities who are responsible for rolling it out in your area and they will verify your income or health eligibility. It is rolling out slowly and is expected to be fully live by April 2023.

We will check as part of your application if your area is now open for applications.

I’m a Landlord, can I get any help?

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came in to effect in April 2018 and means that all rented properties must now have a minimum energy efficiency rating of band ‘E’ unless exempted.

However, from 2025, all properties rented on new tenancies must meet a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band ‘C’ and properties with existing tenants must be brought up to this standard by 2028. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £30,000.

These changes are in line with the Government’s net zero emissions by 2050 targets and will also apply to properties which are being sold from 2035.

How can we help?

If your tenant is receiving one of the benefits listed above your property will be eligible for a grant to improve your property, including installing an Air Source Heat Pump along with solar panels to increase the efficiency of your property.

In fact, the ECO4 scheme says that all Band ‘E’ rated properties must reach a minimum Band ‘C’ after installation of energy efficiency measures.