+ Q: Can I use Solar PV to power my business or public building?
A: PV systems can be blended into virtually every conceivable structure for commercial buildings, farms and public buildings such as libraries and schools.
You will find PV being userd outdoors to power security lighting as well as structures that serve as covers for parking lots and bus shelters, generating power at the same time. In business, PV systems are used to offset and operate all kinds of electrical systems, including lights, cooling systems, appliances and many more.
PV modules today can be built into glass skylights, walls and roofs. Some resemble traditional roof shingles., Using integrated PV provides a dual-use building material, reduces PV system costs by using the building as the mounting or support structure, and reduces utility bills through on site power production.
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+ Q: Wil I have to pay tax on the money from the FIT?
A: No, so long as the electricity generated is for domestic consumption. Businesses are taxed accordingly.
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+ Q: Are there grants available?
A: The low carbon buildings program closed its grants scheme for electricity generating systems in February 2010 with the introduction of the Feed-In Tariff on the 1 April 2010. However grants may be available from your local council. Please contact them for details.
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+ Q: How much electritiy does a PV system deliver?
A: For every kW peak power installed on a south facing roof the systrem will generate about 800 Watts. This reduces by approxcimately 20% for an east or west facing roof
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+ Q: What is the difference bertween a kilowatt (kW) andf a kilowatt hour (kWh)?
A: A kW is a thousand watts and a unit of power. It measures the rate of energy conversion. A kWh is the amount of work done, or energy used, when one kW of power works for one hour.
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+ Q: What is kWp?
A: kWp is the kilowatt 'peak' or maximum output of a systerm. This value is rated under a standardised test condition for panels across all manufacturers to ensure that the values listed are capable of comparison.
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+ Q: What is the difference between monocyrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels?
A: Monocrystalline panels generally have a higher output per kWp power istalled, but are a little ore expensive than polycrystalline panels. The polycrystalline wafer has a dark blue colour, whilst the monocrystalline wafer is black.
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+ Q: Is efficiency important with Solar PV?
A: The efficiency of a panel relates to how effectively it converts the sun's energy to an electric current. However, the sun's energy is free and a panel can simply be made larger to offset a lower efficiency. If roof area is not a premium, then it makes sense to choose high efficiency panels, which will maximise the amount of power that can be generated from a roof. Mipower offers both high and standard efficiency modules.
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+ Q: Will solar panels work in the UK and during the winter?
A: Yes. Solar panel suppliers have enhanced the efficiency of solar power systems to the extent that it is now a very viable option, even in cloudier climates. The important thing to bear in mind is that solar power depends on intensity of light, not simply dirtect sunlight. Even when it's overcast, your solar panels will produce clean electricity to help power your home.
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+ Q: How will shade affect my Solar PV system?
A: Shading is a major issue. In most types of panel, even minor shading can result in significant loss of energy., This is because the cell with the lowest energy determines the operating current of the series string in which it is connected. This is one of the key areas covered in our survey which is carried out before any installation., We use modern arrays that can bypass the affected diodes to minimise shade effects; nonetheless these effects must still be considered.
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+ Q: What does an inverter do?
A: The Solar PV panels generate direct current (DC). The inverter converts the DC current to 240v AC current that can be used in your property
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+ Q: How does the electricity I produce get into my home?
A: We connect the system to your fuse board (consumer unit). The electricity will flow from there to wherever it is needed around your property.
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+ Q: How heavy are Solar PV panels?
A: Approximately 20kg per panel.
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+ Q: Will my roof be strong enough
A: Most roofs are strong enough to take a solar installation without any reinforcement.
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+ Q: How are the panels fixed to the roof?
A: For a standard roof we use rigid stainless steel brackets that are fixed directly to your roof rafters. The brackets hook out from underneath your existing tiles. We do not drill tiles / slates or use mastic / silicone to weather proof your roof.
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+ Q: Who will fit the panels to the roof?
A: At each stage of the process we use specialist installers. Our scaffolders erect the scaffolding, all roof work will be completed by our trained roofing specialists and our professionally qualified electricians will carry out all electrical work.
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+ Q: How big a solar PV system do I need?
A: The size of the solar system you need depends on several factors such as how much electricity or heat you use, how much sunshine is available where you are, the size of your roof and how much you're willing to invest. After talking through your exact requirements we will be well placed to recommend the size of system to best suit your needs.
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+ Q: How much roof area doI need for a solar PV installation?
A: Our systems start from around 1kWp power which occupies about 6 square metres on your roof.
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+ Q: Do your prices include scaffolding?
A: We have our own scaffolders and include scaffolding installation in all of our prices unless there are specific reasons for us not to do so, in which case we will discuss this with you.
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+ Q: Do I need Planning Permission?
A: Our roof-mounted systems do not need planning permission unless the property is a listed buiding or is a conservation area.
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+ Q: How long will the installation take?
A: Installation normally takes 2 - 3 days.
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+ Q: Do I need to inform building control that I intend to install a solar system?
A: Yes, you should speak to building control about your intentions and they will advise you if you needto take any further action with them. If further action is required we will discuss it directly with them.
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+ Q: Do I need to inform my electricity supplier?
A: For systems below 16 Amps output (approx 4kW peak power) we will inform them once the installation is complete. For systems larger than 16 Amps we will require permissoin in advance from the network operator.
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+ Q: Will I have electricity during mains power cuts?
A: to ensure safety to our installers, our standard systems do not operate during power cuts We can offer an upgrade that enables the system to automatically disconnect your property from the Grid and which provides power from the panels as well as battery back up in your property during power cuts.
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+ Q: Do I need a three phase electricity supply?
A: No. We can install a system on a three phase or a single phase electricity supply, up to 4kW peak power per phase. We can seek permission from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to increase your size of input.
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+ Q: Can I export any of the electricity I generate?
A: Yes, all unused electricity will automatically be exported. Your electricity company can fit an export meter or they can pay you based on estimated rates (usually 50%). The electricity supplier may choose to authorise us to fit this meter. Please do not confuse the export meter with the gross generation meter which we fit as standard on all our installations.
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+ Q: How much will I be paid for electricity I generate?
A: The Feed-In Tariff pays up to 41.3p/kWh for all electricity generated, whether you use it or not.
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+ Q: As a landlord, if I install Solar PV who will receive the FIT?
A: The FIT, which constitutes the main revenue, can be paid directly to the landlord. If the occupants pay the electricity bill directly they will see a saving on their electricvity bill as they will be using less electricity from their Grid supplier.
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+ Q: What is the payback period for a solar PV installation?
A: We would expect a system to pay for itself at least three times over 25 years of use. With the new FIT, initial return on investment is between 7-9% tax free, index-linked and guaranteed for 25 years.
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+ Q: Will PV systems be dropping in price dramatically over the next few years?
A: Many developments are taking place in the PV industry and popularity is increasing. However, we would expect prices and performance to change gradually rather than dramatically. The Government is interested in maintaining a consistent return on investment for systems installed now and over the coming years. On this basis we would expect Government incentives to reduce as the cost / performance ratio improves.
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+ Q: How long will my PV system last?
A: A well designed, installed and maintained PV system will operate for at least 25 years. The PV module, with no moving parts, has an expected lifetime exceeding 30 years. Most system problems occur because of poor installation, failed connections, insufficient wire size, or components not rated for DC application. Another common cause of a problem is the failure of electronics in the controller, inverter and protection components.
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+ Q: What guarantees will I get?
A: Panels generally have an output guarantee of 25 years depending on manufacturer. Inverters normally have a guarantee of five years. Most other components and labour is usually guaranteed for five or ten years. Check your quotation for specific details.
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+ Q: Are the solar panels fragile?
A: No. Solar PV panels are robust and can withstand the normal stresses placed on them by nature.
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+ Q: What maintenance and cleaning does the system need?
A: Solar PhotoVoltaic systems have no moving parts and require no maintenance. Most of the time the rain will keep the modules clean, however a build-up of dirt can affect system performance. The degree of soiling will depend on the location, but usually dust accumulation and self-cleaning reach a steady state after a few weeks if the array tilt is at least 15 derees. In extreme cases, dust may cause a power reduction of about 10%. At low tilts, horizontal glazing bars can trap debris which could lead to shading of part of the array. The design of the system should aim to minimise uneven soiling.
The modules can be cleaned with either a hose or, if possible, soapy water and a non-abrasive brush very occasionally.
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