LATEST FEED-IN TARIFF NEWS
Wednesday 1st February 2012: REAL have emailed their members to warn that Solar installers currently guaranteeing a FIT rate of 43.3p for 25 years are mis-selling, and should instead advise customers that they will not receive a FIT rate lower than 21p. Read More.
Read All the latest Solar PV FIT news.
Solar PV Feed In Tariff Calculator
To use our Solar PV Feed in Tariff Calculator, simply change the values in the left column, and click the Calculate button. Some common values have already been selected for you. Please see the information below the calculator for an explanation of how it works, including:Input Values
Output Values
Assumptions
Calculator Inputs:
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System Type
The vast majority of Solar PV systems are tied into a property i.e. Building-Tied. Higher Feed in Tariff rates are paid for Building-Tied systems.
System Size
The bigger the system, the more money you can make from Feed in Tariffs. However, the size will obviously depend on your budget and the available roof space. Our calculator works with all values from 1kWp to 250kWp but bear in mind that different rates are paid depending on the size of the system:
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** Standalone systems only feed electricity back into the grid.
It is common for installations to come close to but not more than the 4kWp limit to take advantage of the higher rate. For example, a 4kWp system will earn more money than a 4.1kWp system. If you are not sure how much space is available on your roof, each kWp takes up roughly 8m2 which is about the size of two family saloon cars. Some example installations are shown in the images below:
Based on the system size entered, the calculator will estimate the space required to locate the solar panels.
Estimated Export
The Export Tariff is paid by the Utility company of your choice. It does not have to be whoever supplies your electricity. Some Utility companies assume a 50% export and do not measure the actual amount fed back into the grid. If you think you will export all of the electricity (i.e. not use any) and providing the Utility company fits an export meter, choose 100% Exported. Similarly, if you think you will use all of the electricity choose 0% Exported. The latter is the best option because by using the electricity you save around 14p per kWh by not purchasing it from your supplier. Exporting electricity only pays 3.1p per kWh.
Region
Choose the region you live in based upon the map. The further North you live, the lower the levels of Solar Irradiation. There are less hours of sunlight and generally poorer conditions the further North you are. However, location is not a major factor because Feed in Tariffs still produce a good return on investment no matter where you live. If you are in an area that appears to border two regions, select one region at a time and see how much difference it makes. This does not make any difference to applying for quotes through our web site and our installers will be able to estimate the amount of electricity produced more accurately.
Calculator Outputs
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Estimated System Cost
This is an estimated maximum figure based upon the national average installation cost. In many cases, the cost will be lower and so the payback time and the return on investment will be better. A surveyor can give you actual costs and estimate the savings more accurately.
Electricity Generated
A 2kWp system might produce 1737kWh of electricity per year. Other factors affecting the amount of electricity generated are the region you live in (as explained above). The direction and tilt of the panels can also affect output, as explained in the assumptions section below.
Generation Tariff Income
This amount is paid for every kWh of electricity produced. For example, a 2kWp system producing 1737kWh of electricity each year will earn £365 per year from the Generation Tariff (1737 x 21p per kWh).
Export Tariff Income
As explained above, some Utility companies do not fit an export meter and assume 50% of the electricity is exported. If you use all the electricity and there is an export meter, this figure will be zero. If you export all the electricity, you will be paid 3.1p per kWh so a 2kWp system producing 1737kWh each year will yield £52 (1737 x £0.03). If 50% of the electricity is exported and 50% is used, you will receive a £25 Export Tariff payment. As above, the more electricity you use from Solar PV the better because you are not having to buy it from the grid at around 14p per kWh.
Electricity Bill Savings
This value depends on how much electricity you use and how much is exported. If you don't use any of the electricity, this figure will be zero. If you use it all, you will save 14p per kWh as you're not having to buy electricity from the grid. In the above 2kWp example, if all 1737kWh was used, you'd save £242 per year on your bills (1737 x £0.14).
Total Income & Savings
The total of the Generation Tariff, Export Tariff and Savings made on electricity bills over a period of one year.
Lifetime Savings
The Total Income & Savings per year multiplied by the Feed in Tariff period of 25 years. After this time you will continue to save on bills if you use the electricity produced.
Payback Time
This is an approximation of the length of time it will take to recover the initial cost of the system.
Return On Investment
This is the annual return on investment, calculated as a percentage of the initial installation cost.
Panel Space Required
An estimate of the amount of space you will need to install the panels for the size of system required. As mentioned above, each kWp requires approximately 8m2 of space.
Calculator Assumptions
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An average electricity price of 13.95p per kWh is assumed. If you pay less for your electricity you will not save as much money by using the electricity generated. Conversely, if you pay more than this you will save more. The calculator also assumes that the roof faces due South and the panels are angled at 30 degrees which is the position in which they will generate the most electricity. The table below shows the percentage decrease in performance when the optimal direction and tilt are not achieved.
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Providing there is some tilt and the panels face somewhere between South East and South West (through South), you will still achieve a good return on investment that will make the installation of Solar PV panels worthwhile. If you are unsure of the available space, the direction the roof faces or whether it is shaded then use our Roof Checker.
N.B. Fitting Solar PV to East/West facing roofs results in a performance drop of up to 15%. Some installers advise it is still worthwhile and some do not. We are unable to separate enquiries and send them to the correct installers so unfortunately, we cannot help in these circumstances.
> The panels face in the optimal direction i.e. South facing.
> The angle or tilt of the panels is optimal for your location.
> No shading by trees, buildings, etc. as this reduces performance.
> Does not include maintenance costs but they are typically low.
> Does not account for variations in electricity prices.
> Does not account for inflation but FITs are index linked.
> Space required for panels assumes 8m2 per kWp.
