Solar PV (photovoltaic)

Mainstream grant funding ended on 3rd February 2010 for electricity generating products, including solar PV. The grants were replaced by Feed In Tariffs (FITs) on 1st April 2010. This is also known as the Clean Energy Cash-Back Scheme. Under this scheme, anyone generating up to 5 Megawatts of electricity will receive payments for every Kilowatt produced for a period of 25 years after installation. Read more about Feed in Tariffs.

EnergyLink can arrange for you to have up to three quotations from approved Solar PV installers in your local area. This avoids rouge tradesmen and can save you up to 75% off the cost of your system. Even though incentives are available to dramatically reduce the payback time, it is important to make sure that the initial installation cost is competitive.

Solar PV or photo voltaic systems convert energy from the sun into electricity that can be used to power lighting and other appliances. Most PV systems are grid-tied and the electricity can be used at source or fed back into the grid. Standalone grid-tied systems only feed the electricity back into the grid and do not use any at source. Off-grid systems that charge batteries can also be installed in remote locations where there is no grid nearby.

Is Your Property Suitable?

There are several points to consider before installing Solar PV. You should be aware of the likely costs and potential savings as illustrated in our Feed in Tariff Calculator. You should have a basic understanding of the Feed In Tariffs and the fact that the large up-front cost will take several years to recover. Read more about Feed in Tariffs or try entering some examples on our Feed in Tariff Calculator.

The property or land must be owned by the user. If the property is a listed building or situated in a conservation area or world heritage site, you should check with your local authority before going any further as planning permission is far less likely to be obtained.

Solar PV Checklist

Understand the typical costs (£10,000 to £15,000 domestic).
Understand the potential savings and benefits.
Property / land is owned by the user, not rented.
No restrictions e.g. listed building, conservation area.
At least 8m2 of space to locate panels (1 kWp system).
Panels can face between South East and South West.
Panels will not be shaded by buildings, trees, etc.
To be fitted by approved installers, not DIY.

In most cases, solar panels are located on a roof. You must have at least 8m² of space available to situate the panels for a 1kWp system. The panels must ideally face between South East and South West. It is possible to split them between East and West facing although this will be more expensive. The proposed panel location should not be shaded by trees, buildings or other obstacles. If panels are to be installed on a roof which is the most common location, it should be strong enough to take the weight.

How EnergyLink Can Help You

EnergyLink can arrange for you to receive up to three quotes from approved installers of Solar PV systems in your local area. Our installers can all carry out free, no-obligation surveys of your property. If the surveys shows that your property is suitable and you are willing to go ahead, the installer you choose will arrange the work and assist you with the FITs.