Solar PV FAQs
THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What size of system do I need?
2. How much electricity do PV Systems produce?
3. Can the PV System store extra electricity?
4. What if my main roof isn't suitable?
5. Can I remove my existing roof covering and replace it with Solar PV Tiles?
6. Will I need planning permission for a Solar PV System?
7. How will PV affect a Building Energy Rating (BER) Or Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
WHAT SIZE OF SYSTEM DO I NEED?
We will recommend a system based on the size of your roof and the budget you have to invest. You can choose to install a large system as an investment or you may opt for a smaller system which will provide part of your overall electricity requirements. To assess your electricity requirements and your electricity consumption, look at your last years electricity bills.
HOW MUCH DO THEY PRODUCE?
Output will depend largely on the size of PV system installed and the orientation of your roof. Although a south facing roof is optimal, an east or west facing roof is still suitable. The output predictions we provide for you will be based on the orientation and pitch of your roof combined with the size and efficiency of the panels you select.
CAN THE PV SYSTEM STORE EXTRA ELECTRICITY
Grid connected systems do not store any electricity as excess electricity is sold back to the grid. This avoids the higher purchase cost, maintenance and replacement of batteries. Off-grid systems are available - please contact us for further details.
WHAT IF MY MAIN ROOF ISN'T SUITABLE?
PV systems can be placed on any roof, so a garage, barn or outhouse would be suitable. They can even be installed on a ground mounted frame near your home. This is often necessary on a listed building.
CAN I REMOVE MY EXISTING ROOF COVERING AND REPLACE IT WITH SOLAR PV TILES?
Yes. Solar tiles or slates are best installed on new builds or during re-roofing but are also offered where the aesthetics of the building require a more integrated look (see page 6 for details of installation methods).
WILL I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR A SOLAR PV SYSTEM?
We will recommend a system based on the size of your roof and the budget you have to invest. You can choose to install a large system as an investment or you may opt for a smaller system which will provide part of your overall electricity requirements. To assess your electricity requirements and your electricity consumption, look at your last years electricity bills.
HOW WILL PV AFFECT A BUILDING ENERGY RATING (BER) OR ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPC)?
We will recommend a system based on the size of your roof and the budget you have to invest. You can choose to install a large system as an investment or you may opt for a smaller system which will provide part of your overall electricity requirements. To assess your electricity requirements and your electricity consumption, look at your last years electricity bills.
