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.