Frequently Asked Questions About FiTS for Solar Panels

Few government policies and policy changes have sparked as many questions or as much confusion as the recent changes to the FiTS for solar panels. Part of the problem is that the changes are still under contention and subject to final decisions of the UK courts. A larger part of it, however, is down to the many unscrupulous solar PV installers who are intentionally obfuscating the answers to boost their sales. Here’s the scoop on some of the most frequently asked questions about solar panels.

What Are the Feed-in Tariffs?

There are two feed-in tariffs covered by the scheme. The Generation Tariff pays a fixed amount for every kilowatt hour of electricity generated by solar PV systems of less than 5MW size, whether the electricity is used by the owner of the solar panels or exported. The Export Tariff is an additional payment for every kWh of electricity that is exported to the grid instead of being used on site.

Does the Government Make Payments to Me?

The payments are made by your electricity supplier. The major electricity suppliers are required by law to participate in the FiTS, but some smaller suppliers may not. Check with your energy supplier to find out if it participates.

How Does My Supplier Determine How Much Energy I’ve Exported?

Eventually, every solar PV installation will have a special smart meter that measures the electricity you export to the grid. As a short term measure, the energy companies are allowed to estimate an average export level and make payments based on that.

How Much Are the Feed-In Tariffs?

This is where the confusion comes in for many people, thanks to the recent changes to the FiTS. The breakdown is:

Solar PV systems registered before 12 December 2011will receive 43.3p kWh for 25 years.

Solar PV systems registered 12 December 2011 through 2 March 2012 will receive 43.3 kWh for electricity generated until 31 March 2012 and 21p/kWh for electricity generated after that date for 25 years.

Solar PV systems registered 3 March 2012 though 31 March 2012 will receive 43.3p/kWh until 31 March 2012 and 21p/kWh from that date on.

Solar PV systems registered 1 April 2012 through 30 June 2012 will receive 21p/kWh if they have an EPC band D or above or 9p/kWh if they have a lower EPC rating.

The government is proposing to reduce the tariff rate again as of 1 July 2012, with the rate to be determined but expected to be in the range of 16.5p to 13.6p/kWh. Systems installed before that date will continue to receive the rate in effect at the time their system was registered.

Will I Pay Taxes on the Tariff Payments?

No. FiTS payments are tax-free and guaranteed at the rate in force at the time the system was registered for 25 years.

The FiTS is a powerful incentive to choose solar panels as a source of alternative energy. Check with a local installer of solar PV systems to find out just how much you can benefit from it.

The Best Advice on Solar Panels in the UK

While the Feed-in Tariff scheme has sparked a great deal of interest and thousands of installations of solar panels in the UK, it has also raised many questions about the benefits of solar PV and the benefits of solar panels on a personal level for homeowners across the country. If you are considering a solar PV installation to supplement your energy needs and provide income through the FiTS, there are certain steps you should follow.

Learn About Solar PV Systems

Before you start shopping around, educate yourself about the various types of solar PV systems and solar panels on the market. Get a feel for reasonable installation prices in your area and check the level of energy generation you can expect from different sizes and types of solar panels. The Solar Energy Calculator at the Energy Savings Trust website is a useful tool for this.

Schedule an Energy Assessment for Your Home

As of 1 April 2012, your property must have an energy efficiency rating of D or better in order to qualify for the full FiTS. The Department of Energy and Climate Change notes that many properties in the UK already meet that requirement. Many more can meet it with minor changes or energy savings measures that cost less than £500. Have your property surveyed in advance of shopping for solar panels to learn if you must do anything to meet the FiTS standards so that you can apply for the scheme as soon as your panels are installed.

Get Solar Quotes from at Least Three Installers

Shop carefully for the best solar panels and solar PV installers in your area. In order to qualify for the FiTS, your system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer, so be sure the ask about certification and check to make sure that the installers you interview are actually certified. Get at least three quotes from different installers and compare them to each other, checking references as well as prices, to choose the best fit for your needs.

Register for the FiTS

Once your solar panels are installed, ask your installer to register you on the MCS database. Once he has done that, he will send you a certificate of confirmation. When you have the MCS certificate in hand, send a completed application form, the MCS certificate and your EPC certificate to your FIT electricity supplier to be registered to receive payments.

Installing solar panels on your rooftop can benefit you in many ways. Take the time to ensure that you do everything right so that you can reap all of the benefits of your new solar PV installation.

Anatomy of a Solar Panels Installation Consultation

Before a solar PV installer even pulls out a hammer, the company will do a full and detailed site assessment to help determine the best size, location and configuration for your solar panels. The assessment has several parts and will result in a detailed site analysis and a quote on the best solar PV system for your needs. If you’re considering installing solar panels for your property, here’s what the surveyor will be looking for when he comes to assess your property for installation.

Location of the Solar Panels

In general, the best place to install solar panels is on a pitched roof, but there are exceptions. In some cases, there’s not enough roof space but the property does provide an appropriate place for a free-standing solar PV installation or is suitable for a wall-mounted installation.

The solar surveyor will be looking for an existing roof that faces south, southeast or southwest and that is pitched between 15 degrees and 45 degrees. A flat roof often provides the most flexibility. In either case, the surveyor can design or recommend a system that includes frames to position the solar panels at the perfect angle for your location.

The roof must also be large enough and sturdy enough to support the solar panels arrays that are the right size for your intended system. Or, more to the point, the size of your roof will play a major role in determining how much capacity your solar panels will deliver. Larger solar panels can generate more electricity. Likewise, more expensive, smaller arrays may also generate more electricity than larger, less efficient solar panels.

Mounting Options for Solar Panels

The solar surveyor will recommend a solar PV system that will collect optimal levels of the sun’s energy at your location. He may, for example, fit the panels directly to the roof if it provides an acceptable pitch. If the roof is too flat, the solar array may be mounted on an angled frame to position it at the best angle for collecting the sun’s rays. The solar PV designer will use information you provide along with his own observations to decide how to best configure your solar modules and mount your solar panels.

Shade and Obstruction Free

In addition to the right orientation and pitch, the surveyor will study the area around your property to determine if there are structures, trees or other obstructions that will cast shade on the location for the solar panels. Any shade will reduce the efficiency of the installed solar PV system because the panels generate electricity from the sun’s rays. If a shadow prevents the rays from hitting the solar array for part of the day, you’ll lose a portion of the surface area that could be generating electricity.

Once he has finished the survey, the solar installer will provide you with a detailed quote and answer any questions you may have. Most experts recommend that you get at least three quotes from solar panels installers before making your decision.

Is It a Good Time to Invest in Solar Panels?

The answer to this common question depends on whether you’re planning to invest in a solar PV company or wondering whether it’s a good time to install solar panels on your rooftop. According to U.S.-based Bloomberg News, there’s surplus inventory of solar panels and a drop in demand, contributing to further steep price cuts. If you’re planning to buy stock in a company that makes or sells solar panels, that may not be the news your want to hear. If, on the other hand, you’ve been holding back on your decision to install a rooftop solar PV system, lower prices could make your decision a lot easier.

What Lower Prices for Solar Panels Means for You

The most obvious effect of the dropping prices for solar panels and installation of solar PV systems is that you can get some real bargains if you choose to switch to solar energy now. Prices have been dropping significantly for a couple of years, and each price drop has sparked new users into jumping on the solar bandwagon and quite literally hitching their wagons to a star.

The price drops also prompted the government to reconsider the level of their current tariff support for solar panels. Because the cost of installation had dropped so steeply since the FiTS was established, the government said, the tariff was far more generous than planned and had drawn customers into the market much faster than expected.

The rapid adoption rate endangered the tariff program, the government explained, and forced earlier adjustments to the rate than planned. Thanks to the publicity surrounding the tariff adjustment, many people walked away believing that it’s really not profitable to install solar panels any longer.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the government’s adjustments to the tariff plan include scheduled reviews of the rate and decreases when necessary to keep the returns on new solar PV installations within the expected parameters. Qualifying installations of solar panels are expected to return enough in tariff and savings to completely repay the cost of installation within 7 to 10 years.

However, the tariff payments will continue to be paid for a full 25 years – at the rate originally promised when your solar panels were approved for the programme. Depending on the efficiency of your solar PV system and the amount of electricity it generates, you could conceivably earn £1,000 annually from the FiTS.

If you wait for the prices for solar panels to come down further, however, you risk reducing those payments and your eventual profit.

The profit on tariff payments are in addition to the savings you’ll realize by using electricity generated by solar panels. Keep in mind that those savings will continue even after the FiTs is finished.

If you’re considering solar panels but were hesitant because of the controversy surrounding the tariff rate, consider the whole picture. Solar PV is still one of the best investments you can make with your energy dollars.

Important Answers About Solar Panels for Homeowners

Deciding to install solar panels is a big step for a homeowner. While most advice you’ll read focuses on solar panels and the benefits for your electric bill, a homeowner must also take into account the effect of the solar PV system on his home and its value. Knowing the answers to some basic questions can help you make your decision and choose the best solar PV system for your home.

Will Solar Panels Increase the Value of My House?

If you own the solar PV system, most experts agree that solar panels will increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to buyers. A solar PV system promises lower electricity bills, which is always a selling point, and if the FiTS certificate is included in the purchase of the house, it can be an added incentive to buyers who are considering a purchase.

Keep in mind, though, that you’ll benefit most from installing solar panels if you are planning to remain in your house for at least the next 7 years. If you are planning to move house sooner than that, you may not recover your investment in solar energy.

Does That Include Free Solar Panels?

Actually, most real estate experts agree that free solar panels will decrease the value of your home and may make it more difficult to sell. When you opt in to a rent-a-roof scheme for free solar panels and free electricity, you are essentially entering into a 25-year lease with the solar panels company. That means an additional entity to consider during the sale and more complications. Buyers who want to take advantage of the FiTS will not be interested if they can’t own the solar PV system, which could eliminate part of your market.

Will Solar Panels Damage My Roof?

A qualified solar installer can install a solar PV system without damaging your roof as long as your roof is in good repair. A reputable firm will alert you to any issues with your roof and will not install the panels on a roof that can’t support them. Many of the concerns raised by homeowners about solar panels are based on misunderstandings of how the panels are installed or are addressed by the method of installation. Ask your solar PV installer about the possibility of roof damage and how they address it before you buy. His answers should reassure you.

How Much Maintenance Will a Solar PV System Require?

Solar PV is remarkably low maintenance. There are no moving parts to wear out and most solar panels are guaranteed for at least 25 years. After the first 10 years, you will probably have to replace the inverter – the electrical device that transforms the direct current from the panels to alternating current for household use. At today’s prices, that will cost you about £1,000. Aside from that, maintenance consists mainly of washing down the panels once or twice a year – less work than you put into cleaning out your gutters.

Solar panels represent an excellent investment in reducing your energy costs and, with the addition of the FiTS, can generate income for you over the course of 25 years. Shop carefully for the best deal with a reputable solar PV installer.

A Guide to Buying Solar Panels

Which solar panels should you buy?  When you decide to install a solar PV system, you’re making a commitment to purchase a product that you’ll be living with for the next 25 years. Aside from your house, few investments have that long a lifespan. Given that, and the size of the investment – the typical home solar PV system can cost £6,500 to £10,000 installed – you would think people would put as much thought and care into buying solar panels as they do into buying their next automobile.

Unfortunately, the factors that influence quality in solar panels aren’t as commonly and easily understood as engine sizes and fuel economy. The ratings are littered with jargon and industry-speak and numbers that make little sense to most laypersons. Here’s a brief overview of the factors that you should consider when deciding which solar panels to buy.

Wattage Ratings

The wattage rating should be a good guide to determining the output and power of solar panels, but it’s not as simple as all that. The nameplate rating on solar panels is arrived at under what they call “Standard Test Conditions”, which often bear little resemblance to the typical British seasons. Those conditions are considerably cooler than most real world situations – and solar PV efficiency drops considerably as the panels heat up. Instead of going by the STC rating, look for the PTC rating – PVUSA Testing Conditions. Those figures will give you an output rating that’s far closer to real world performance than the STC rating.

Power Tolerance

On the spec sheet for your solar panels, you see a listing called “Power Tolerance”. That figure represents the range of performance you’ll see based on the wattage rating. For example, a power tolerance figure of +/-5 on solar panels that are rated for 200 watts means that the panels will be able to output between 195 and 205 watts at peak power. That doesn’t sound like it makes much difference until you consider the effects across an entire solar PV array, which may consist of as many as 16 panels. If all of them are operating at 10 percent below the actual wattage rating, it’s a significant difference.

Keep in mind that solar panels with a lower wattage and tight power tolerance rating can actually outperform those with higher wattage and a larger range.

Performance Guarantees

Look for solar panels with a performance guarantee. Most reputable manufacturers will offer one that guarantees a minimum level of output over a fixed period of time. The most common guarantee is for 90 percent of the maximum output for 10 years and 80 percent of the maximum for 25 years.

Temperature Coefficient

Some manufacturers provide a number called a Temperature Coefficient of Power or TCoP. The figure tells you the percentage of power loss suffered by the solar panels for each degree above 0 C the solar panels reach. As noted above, solar panels lose efficiency at higher temperatures. The TCoP measures that power loss. Look for manufacturers who provide a TCoP rating, and choose solar panels with TCoP ratings of -0.5 percent or less. If there is no TCoP rating, expect that the panels perform more poorly than that in hot conditions.

When you talk with a solar PV consultant, ask about the solar panels used by his company for installation. Many companies buy their solar panels from only one source, while others offer solar panels from a variety of manufacturers. The more you know about the system to be installed the better able you will be to make the best choice for your needs.

Full EPC Level D Need for Solar Panels Tariff Going Forward

Starting 1 April, homeowners who wish to take advantage of the FiTS will have to ensure that their homes have an EPC rating of level D or better. The solar panels can contribute to the rating, however. If you intend to profit from the FiTS with a solar PV system, you may need to make other changes to bring your home’s energy efficiency rating up to level.

While the new requirement may sound scary, achieving a level D rating may not take much in the way of changes and investment. In fact, the government estimates that about 51 percent of UK homes already hold an EPC D rating without taking any measures. In addition, the solar panels themselves can make a significant impact on the EPC rating.

If your property is not up to the required rating, there are a number of things you can do to improve your level. If you are close to a level D, in fact, installing solar panels may put you over the top and qualify you. According to DECC, if you intend the solar PV system be counted toward your rating, you’ll need to install the solar panels and then have an EPC survey done.

One value of having an EPC evaluation done before installing solar panels is the list of recommended improvements supplied as part of your EPC. Those recommendations are tailored to your home and area and are the best measure for deciding which improvements you can make to increase your EPC rating. The recommendations are broken down by cost into those that cost less than £500 and those that cost more than £500. Some of the lower cost improvements will set you back as little as £15.

Low Cost Efficiency Improvements Can Help Qualify for Solar Panels Tariff

If you want to improve your chances for that all-important rating, these measures can improve your efficiency rating.

Replace all of your traditional light bulbs with energy efficient lighting choices. This can cost as little as £11 and yield considerable savings.

Use a programmable thermostat to control energy use for heating and cooling your home.

Insulate water and heating pipes to reduce heat loss and save energy used to heat water.

Install cavity wall insulation to reduce heat transfer through the walls of your home.

Protect against draughts with weather stripping and caulking to reduce energy used for heating. This may be the most overlooked and cheapest way to improve the energy efficiency in your home.

As noted, installing solar panels is a high value efficiency improvement and may be enough on its own to boost your EPC rating into the range needed to participate in the FiTS. If you have any doubts about your home’s energy efficiency, have an assessment conducted by a qualified assessor.

Beware of Shady Solar Panels Companies

Solar panels offer many benefits to property owners – clean energy, lower energy costs and, thanks to the tariff scheme, a steady income from electricity generation for 25 years. Unfortunately, the rush to install solar panels has brought many get-rich-and-run firms out of hiding to take advantage of consumers.

Even more unfortunately, many of these companies can fleece consumers, close their doors – disappearing with deposits paid for solar panels that will never be delivered – and open shop under another name to do it all again. The news website “This Is Lincolnshire” reported earlier this week about one such company that promised solar panels and took deposits after knocking on doors, then closed up shop.

At least one customer reported that he finally got his solar panels, but they were installed by another company that claimed to have bought the contract from the original group. Most of the Lincolnshire property owners, however, expect that they’ll never see their deposits again.

How to Avoid Dodgy Solar Panels Installers and Shady Solar PV Companies

The REAL Assurance Scheme aims to help homeowners avoid rogue installers, outright cheats and solar companies that do shoddy work. The organization, which is made up of solar PV installers, holds its members to high standards and requires certifications of all members listed on the REAL website. They also offer a number of tips to help property owners ensure that they contract for solar panels with legitimate, qualified solar PV installation companies.

Don’t do business with companies that come knocking at your door. Solar panels installers are jammed up with business. They don’t need to send people out knocking on doors or send out blind mail to your Inbox. Only do business with solar PV installation companies that you approach, and only approach those that are members of the REAL Assurance Scheme.

Check the Energy Saving Trust website for information about realistic costs and returns for solar panels in your area. You can enter your post code and other information and get an assessment of how much you can expect to gain from installing a solar PV system. That information will help you evaluate how truthful a salesperson is being with you.

Don’t sign with the first company that offers you a contract, especially if the company is pressuring you to close the deal immediately. Get at least three quotes from three different solar panels installers, and ask for references and testimonials from previous customers. Be sure to contact them yourself.

Always read any paperwork completely before signing it.

Only sign a contract with a company that holds a current MCS certificate.

The vast majority of solar PV installers are legitimate companies that install high-quality solar panels and systems. Use these tips to make sure you’re dealing with one of them.

Are Solar Panels Still a Worthwhile Investment?

With the changes to the FiTS, many people are beginning to wonder if solar panels are still a worthwhile investment for their homes. If the drop in the tariff rate to 21p kWh has you rethinking your decision to install a solar PV system for your use, these are some facts you should know.

The original FiTS rate was based on much higher costs for solar panels and solar PV installation than we are paying today. When the FiTS was developed, the government expected the price of solar panels to come down slowly over the course of several years. The tariff was designed to return approximately 8 percent on investment. The dramatic drop in the cost of solar panels boosted the ROI, brought far more people than expected into the market sooner than expected and endangered the FiTS. The adjusted FiTS brings the expected ROI back to the level at which it was designed to operate – about 8 percent for a 4 kWp solar PV system.

In short, investing in solar panels now, even with the reduced tariffs, will still result in a high ROI.

In addition to the FiTS income, the benefits of solar panels include lower electricity bills starting from the day your solar PV system is hooked up and operational. According to government figures, the typical 3 kWh home installation will see a savings of about £190 annually. That’s over and above the income from the FiTs.

The typical 3 kWh home installation will pay out approximately £500 annually. That income is tax-free, linked to inflation and guaranteed for 25 years.

Using those figures, the total gain for installing a 3 kWh home solar PV system – the most common size installed for a single family residence – is approximately £690 per year. Over 25 years, that amounts to £17,250.

The typical cost of a 3 kWh solar PV system, including VAT and installation, is about £7,500. That means that over the course of 25 years, your solar panels will earn a profit of nearly £10,000, tax-free.

The actual return on your investment will vary according to the actual amount of electricity your panels generate and the amount of electricity you use. The FiTS is designed to pay you for every kWh of electricity that your solar panels generate, with an additional payment for every kWh your solar PV system generates and exports to the grid. Thus, if your panels generate more electricity and you use less, your profit will be greater.

The best way to get an individualized assessment of the ROI for solar panels on your roof is to set up a consultation with a local installer of solar panels, who can survey your property and tell you approximately how much electricity you can expect if you install a solar PV system on your roof.

Facts About the Changes to the FiTS for Solar Panels

Are you confused about the effect of the government’s changes to the FiTS scheme for solar panels and solar PV installations? You’re not alone. The recent court decision and the government’s decision to seek leave to appeal that decision to the Supreme Court have left a great deal of uncertainty about what will happen to those who have (or have had) solar panels installed between 12 December 2011 and 1 March 2012. These are the facts about the changes and how they will affect solar PV installations now and in the future.

If You Were Registered for the Scheme by 11 December 2011

…and your solar PV system is rated for up to 4kWh, you will receive the 43.3p tariff rate for 25 years. The proposed changes do not affect you.

If You Will Be Registered Between 12 December 2011 and 2 March 2012

…and your solar PV system is rated for up to 4kWh, you will receive the 43.3p tariff rate for electricity generated until at least 1 April 2012. Depending on the decision made by the court, your rate may drop to the proposed 21p rate for electricity generated after 1 April 2012 or you may receive the 43.3p rate for the full 25 years.

If You Will Be Registered After 2 March 2012

…and your solar PV system is rated for up to 4kWh, you will be paid the 21p rate for all electricity generated by your solar panels for 25 years. Your home may also need to meet higher efficiency standards in order to qualify for the tariff program.

The government also released a fact sheet about the FiTS changes that include information on the expected return rate for installed solar panels at the lower 21p rate. According to those figures, even at the lower rate, a typical home installation could generate up to £500 annually for 25 years in addition to approximately £190 in electricity savings. The Energy Saving Trust provides a solar energy calculator that can help you pinpoint your projected savings and payments more closely based on your post code.

To summarize for those who are weighing whether to install solar panels at this time:

If your solar panels are installed and become eligible for FiTS before 3 March 2012, there is a possibility that your solar PV system will be eligible for 25 years of payments at the 43.3p rates. That is not a certainty, however. If the government appeals and wins its appeal, your solar PV system will be eligible for the 43.3p rate for electricity generated between 12 December 2011 and at least 1 April 2012. No matter what the outcome, you are guaranteed to receive at least the 21p rate for 25 years as long as your solar panels are accepted as eligible for FiTS.

500 Council Homes in Cambridge to Get Solar Panels. Shouldn’t Yours?

The South Cambridgeshire District Council had thought they’d get in on the solar panels gold rush by installing solar PV systems on 2,300 council homes, but when the Government slashed the FiTS without notice in November, they backed off the plans.  However, after a new study of the possibilities and economics has renewed the plan and it’s back on. The district council has announced that it wants to install solar panels on as many as 500 properties where the roof space and orientation will generate the most electricity.

The solar panels will be paid for and installed by the end of March by Savills Solar. Participating households will have free electricity during the day, and any surplus electricity generated by the solar panels will be sold to the electric companies to pay for the project.

Savills Solar will pay for and fit the panels by the end of March, with electricity being available to households for free during the day, and the surplus being sold to pay for the project. The 500 tenant households that will be part of the solar panels project are expected to save at least £150 on their fuel bills annually. The council’s cabinet member for housing expressed frustration that the benefit couldn’t be more widespread, but says that he is pleased that the council and the solar PV company were able to find a way forward.

The change in plans was made necessary by the recent announcement by the UK government that the subsidy rates provided by the Feed-in Tariff Scheme would be reduced by 50 percent from 43.3p to 21.1p.

Thousands of property owners jumped into the fray to take advantage of the high subsidies for solar panels – among the highest tariffs in the EU. The enthusiastic response, coupled with the unexpectedly rapid drop in the prices of solar panels and solar PV installation, swamped the financial means of the tariff program and, according to ministers, endangered its existence. Reducing the tariff rate, officials explain, brings the return on solar panels back into line with original expectations and increases the number of people who can benefit from it.

As the South Cambridgeshire Council discovered, the reduced tariff rate is still a profitable proposition for many homes. The homes chosen to be part of the solar panels installation program will see savings of over £150 annually, and take in more than that amount through a combination of tariffs and selling off the excess electricity.

The revenue from solar panels amounts to between 25 and 30 quid a month when you count in the tariffs and the savings. If you could find a better use for that kind of money than to shovel it at your electricity supplier, contact a solar panels installer in your area and request a consult to find out if your roof is a suitable location for a solar PV system.

New Solar Panels Tariff Rates Are Still a Good Deal

Around the country and all over the Internet, new adverts are proclaiming the government’s loss in the matter of the solar panels subsidy. Back in November, the government announced a hurried reduction in the 43.3p per kWh feed-in tariff to 21.1p per kWh and the solar panels industry went into a frenzy of sales and business as homeowners rushed to get their solar PV systems installed before the tariff rate changed.

The solar industry and others with a concern stepped up and challenged the Government’s ruling as illegal, and the courts agreed, calling the decision to reduce the solar PV tariff rate “legally flawed”. Since then, the Government has appealed the court’s ruling to the High Court – and lost, and announced that it will take the appeal to the Supreme Court. The end result is that no one is quite sure of the current rate for the feed-in tariff.

So where do the actual facts lie? And is it worth it anymore to install solar panels on your roof?

Here’s the breakdown for solar PV tariffs as it currently stands.

If you installed solar panels before 1 November, your FiTS payment will be 43.3p per kWh generated by your system, and that rate is guaranteed for the next 25 years. At that rate, your solar panels will likely pay themselves off within 5 to 7 years. Beyond that time, you’ll continue receiving hundreds of pounds annually in FiTS income, in addition to the savings you’ll realize by reducing the amount of electricity you buy from the electric company.

If you install solar panels between now and 1 March, you may receive the 43.3p rate for the next 25 years if the government fails its final appeal. You may receive the 43.3p rate until 1 April and the 21.1p rate going forward from that date, or you may receive the 21.1p rate from the time your solar panels are installed, depending on the agreement reached by the courts. At that rate, your solar panels will have paid back your investment between 10 and 12 years from installation, and you’ll receive a few hundred pounds of income a annually for the remainder of the 25 years in addition to the savings you’ll realized from generating a portion of your own electricity instead of paying for it all. And in either case, the money you receive in FiTS payments is tax-free.

In short, installing solar panels still makes good financial sense, even if you only get the lower subsidy. It will simply take longer to repay your investment and your profit will be less – but it will still be quite a decent return on your investment. The only real difference is that if you install and register your solar panels now, before the 3 March deadline, you’ll have a chance at getting the higher rate on the FiTS, at least temporarily. Even at the very worst case scenario, you’ll earn a decent return on your investment.

Solar Panels and Roof Types

Choosing to install solar panels on your roof can be a big decision. In most cases, you’ll be committing about £7,500 to the project, and placing a system of heavy panels on the roof of your house. Understanding the types of solar panels and solar PV systems that can be installed on roofs can help you make your decision. The National Energy Foundation lists five different solar PV roof system types identified by the EurActive Roofer Project that ran between 2005 and 2008. The five types of solar panel roof systems identified are:

Traditional Bolt-On Modules on Sloping Roofs

Most solar panels installed in the UK are of this type. The system consists of rigid solar panels that are permanently fixed to a sloping roof by rails and hooks or by dedicated fixings. Properly installed, solar panels of this type do not compromise the integrity of the roof. The panels are nearly always installed to sit several millimetres above the actual roof surface to allow for ventilation. The Department of Energy and Climate Change estimates that as many as 80 percent of the roofs in the UK are suitable for this type of solar PV installation, and nearly any UK installer can provide solar panels and fittings for this type of system.

Roof Integrated Modules

In some cases, particularly when a new roof is being fitted to a home, the solar panels replace the roof covering rather than being affixed to it. Installing solar panels this way can reduce costs slightly and reduces the visual impact of a solar PV system on the roof. It offers a lower profile, and requires no special consideration for wind loading since the panels are the roof rather than being fixed to it. In some cases, the solar panels cover the entire roof. In others, they are put in as roof lights.

Solar Tiles

Solar tiles are among the more expensive ways to incorporate solar panels on the roof. They often use amorphous silicon for flexibility, and are the least visually intrusive of the main types of solar PV systems.

Continuous Thin Film Solar

Thin film solar is an emerging technology that is used almost exclusively in commercial installation. The solar panels made this way are generally supplied with electrical connections already attached so they can easily be installed by regular roofers. Like solar tiles, continuous film solar is a more expensive technology.

Traditional Solar Panels on Flat Roofs

While the idea roof for solar PV installation is pitched at about 30 degrees, solar panels can be installed on a flat roof. Instead of mounting directly to the roof, the solar panels are installed into A-frames that are bolted to the roof. One of the major advantages of installing solar panels this way is that it’s possible to set the panels at the optimal angle for the specific location where they are being installed.

To find out which solar PV system is the best choice for your home, contact a local solar installer and request a consultation.

Answers to Basic Questions About Solar Panels

Are you looking for simple answers to basic questions about solar panels? These are some of the most frequently asked questions about solar PV systems, and simple answers that anyone can understand.

What are Solar Cells?

Solar cells are the smallest element in a solar PV system. They are made of silicon or another substance that conducts electricity. The silicon is treated to generate a flow of electricity when light shines on it. Solar arrays or solar panels are multiple solar cells arranged into a single panel.

Do Solar Cells Store Energy?

No, they just convert sunlight into electrical current. The electricity generated must be used immediately or stored in batteries to use later.

Does That Mean I Won’t Have Electricity at Night or on Cloudy Days?

Your solar panels won’t generate electricity at night, but you’ll still have power. Most solar PV systems installed in the UK are grid-tied systems – that is, they are connected to the national grid. In a grid-tied system, your home will draw electricity from your solar panels when it is available. When your solar panels are not generating electricity or not generating enough electricity, your home will draw power from the conventional electric grid.

What if My Solar Panels Make More Electricity Than I Use?

In a grid-tied solar PV system, any electricity that you don’t use will be exported to the national grid. If you are participating in the Feed-in Tariff scheme for which most small solar PV systems qualify, you will receive a payment for every kilowatt hour that your solar panels produce, whether you use it or export it to the grid. You’ll receive an additional amount on top of the base payment for electricity that you export to the grid.

How Much Electricity Will My Solar PV System Generate?

The amount of electricity generated by your solar panels depends on many factors, including your geographic location, the positioning of the panels, the weather and light conditions and the size and type of solar PV system you install. The Department of Energy and Climate Change estimates that solar panels installed on most homes in the UK have the capacity to generate up to 50 percent of your annual electricity use.

Weather Conditions? How Well Will My Solar Panels Work on a Cloudy Day?

Solar panels are most efficient with bright, sunny weather. If the sky is lightly overcast, your solar PV system might produce half the amount of electricity, while on a dark, overcast day you might only get about ten percent of electricity you’ll get on a clear, sunny day.

Solar panels provide electricity without any harmful carbon or other side effects to the environment. Solar PV systems are silent, easy to maintain and generate electricity as long as there is daylight. If you have other questions about solar panels, talk to a solar installer in your region to get more specific information about solar power in your area.

Choosing The Right Companies to Give a Quote on Solar Panels

The government’s subsidy for solar panels and solar PV systems has brought the cowboys out of the woodwork again. The same operators who went into overdrive to sell thermal windows 15 years ago have come out in force to profit from the sudden market for solar panels. They’re cluttering your Inbox with offers of free consultations to determine if your home is a good fit for solar panels and knocking up and down your street asking to speak with the man of the house. How do you decide which companies you ask to give you a quote on a solar PV system? These suggestions and tips can help you make a decision about which companies you can trust to give you a real quote on solar panels and installation.

Ignore the door-knockers.  Legitimate installers of solar PV systems don’t need to drum up business by knocking on doors up and down the street. They have plenty of customers ringing them up and making appointments without resorting to these shady business tactics. If you let one of these shady characters into your home, you could be opening yourself to anything from high-pressure sales tactics to a home burglary.

Choose companies that are accredited through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. MCS is an internationally recognized quality assurance scheme that regulates installers and products that generate electricity. When you choose a company that is MCS certified, you can be sure that both the company and the solar panels they install have committed to reaching the high standards required for accreditation. In addition, you’ll only be eligible to participate in the feed-in tariff scheme – which pays you for the electricity your solar PV system generates – if your system was installed by an MCS-certified installer.

Find a solar panels Installer through the MCS Website.  MCS has an installer search page on its website where you can search for solar PV installers in your area. There are thousands listed, so you’ll still have to narrow your search down through other means, but it’s a good starting point.

Check the company website.  The company website is a starting point to learning about the solar installer. It should provide you with the basic information you need to book an appointment as well as background information on what to expect from a solar installation consultation and appointment. Some will also post testimonials from satisfied customers, which may be nice to read but should be taken with a grain of salt, especially if they’re posted by the company rather than via a feedback tool that allows customers to post their own reviews.

Ask for references.  Ring up the company, prepared with a list of questions to which you want answers. A legitimate company will take all the time you need to answer your questions and make sure you understand the responses. If you’re happy with the conversation, ask for references from former customers – most companies have at least a few people who will discuss their experience with the company with prospective customers.

At the end of all that, you’ll have come down to two or three installers who sound legitimate, friendly and knowledgeable. Make appointments with them for a consultation to determine which can offer you the best quote on installing solar panels on your property.