The Power of the Sun
in your home
What you need to know!
Solar electricity panels, also know as photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun’s energy
and convert it into electricity that you can use in your home. By installing solar
panels, you can generate your own renewable electricity.
Are Solar panels right for me?
Do you have enough space?
Space is a key consideration. The average system size is around 3.5kWp and this will typically take up around 20m² roof area.
An unshaded, South facing roof is ideal for maximum electrical output. East and West facing roofs could still be considered, but North-facing roofs are not recommended. A system facing East or West will yield around 15 – 20% less energy than one facing directly South.
Shaded Roofs
Any nearby buildings, trees or chimneys could shade your rood and have a negative impact on the performance of your system.
Finding an unshaded spot is best, however, sometimes shading is unavoidable. Some solar PV systems can minimise the impact of shading using ‘optimisers’. If you don’t have shading, the use of optimisers is not necessary or beneficial, other than the increased monitoring opportunities they offer – they won’t generate more energy.
Do I need permission to install a solar PV system?
Solar PV panels are considered ‘permitted developments’ and often don’t require planning permission. However, exceptions apply and it’s best to check with your local planning office for guidance. If you live in a listed building, conservation area or national park, additional restrictions may apply.
If you’re planning to install a solar PV system in your home, you must register it with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). The DNO is the company responsible for bringing electricity to your home. Usually, your installer will register the device for you.
The UK Government has advice on how to register your new energy device in England, Scotland and Wales.
Benefits of solar electricity
Cut your electricity bills
Sunlight is free, so once you’ve paid for the initial installation, your electricity costs will be reduced.
Cut your Carbon Footprint
Solar electricity is low carbon, renewable energy. A typical home solar PV system could save around one tonne of carbon per year, depending on where you live in the UK.
Getting the most out of your solar PV system
Reduce your electricity use
During daylight hours, you’ll be generating electricity even on cloudy days, but if you’re using more power around your home than your panels are generating, or during the evening when your panels are not generating any electricity, you’ll be supplementing this by importing electricity from the grid.
Use more electricity during the day
As your solar PV system will be working at its peak during daylight hours, it’s a good idea to run your electrical appliances such as your washing machine, dishwasher, and iron during the day. If you’re at home, then this may be easier to do, but if you are away during the day, you could try setting timers for your dishwasher and washing machine.
Combine with other renewable systems
You can combine solar PV with other renewable technologies such as heat pumps or solar hot water systems. These technologies work well with each other, as solar PV could help power a heat pump, for example, or several of these systems could feed into a thermal store.
Export payments
With any domestic PV system, there will be times when the electricity you generate is more than you can use or store, so the surplus will be exported to the grid to be used by somebody else. If you want to be paid for exporting, you need to make sure you’re getting an export payment. If you were able to claim the Feed-in Tariff (this closed to new applications at the end of March 2019), then you will be getting export payments as part of that. If not, you need to find an energy company that will pay you for this surplus.
Costs
The average domestic solar PV system is 3.5kWp and costs around £7,000.
The amount you will pay is influenced by the size of array and will be affected by any difficulty with access to your roof. Some of the installation costs can be shared if you already have scaffolding up for roof repairs or if you are building a new house. Costs are also affected by whether you choose panels or tiles, and whether you opt for building-integrated panels or choose panels that sit on top of your roof. Panels on top of the roof are the cheapest option, while tiles are the most expensive for the equivalent system.
Maintenance
Solar PV systems need little maintenance. Keep an eye on nearby trees to ensure they don’t begin to overshadow your system.
In the UK, panels that are tilted at 15 degrees or more benefit from being cleaned by rainfall, which helps to ensure optimal performance. Debris is more likely to build up if you have ground-mounted panels, or if you live in an area with more dust in the air. In these cases, you might need to have the panels cleaned occasionally.
Once fitted, your installer should leave written details of any maintenance checks that you should carry out to ensure everything is working properly. This should include details of the main inverter fault signals and key troubleshooting guidance. Ideally, your installer should demonstrate this to you once the system has been installed.
Keeping a close eye on your system and the amount of electricity it’s generating (alongside the weather conditions) will help you understand what to expect and alert you to when something might be wrong.
Our Certifications
Are you accredited and what do the accreditations mean?
Yes, as a reputable solar company in the UK, Shine Solar holds accreditations from relevant industry bodies. These accreditations demonstrate our commitment to meeting and exceeding industry standards and signify our dedication to providing high-quality solar installations and services. Here are some of our accreditations and what they mean:
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS): Shine Solar is MCS accredited. The MCS is a recognized quality assurance scheme for renewable energy systems, including solar panels. Being MCS accredited means that we have met the rigorous standards set by the scheme, ensuring that our installations comply with industry best practices and meet safety, performance, and durability requirements.
TrustMark: TrustMark is a government-endorsed quality assurance scheme that ensures companies meet high standards of workmanship, customer care, and trading practices. Shine Solar is TrustMark registered, giving our customers added confidence and peace of mind that our services have been independently assessed and meet trusted industry standards.
These accreditations validate Shine Solar’s expertise, professionalism, and commitment to delivering top-quality solar installations and services. They provide assurance to our customers that they are working with a reputable and reliable solar company that adheres to the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
Frequently asked Questions
How much money will I save going solar?
By harnessing the power of the sun, solar systems can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources, resulting in substantial savings on your electricity bills. On average, our customers in the UK typically see reductions of 40-70% in their energy costs after installing a solar system.
Can I sell my excess solar energy to the grid?
Yes, at Shine Solar, we are pleased to inform you that you can indeed sell your excess solar energy back to the grid. This is made possible through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), an initiative introduced by the UK government to support homeowners and businesses in generating renewable energy.
Under the SEG, energy suppliers are required to offer payment to customers who have installed small-scale low-carbon generation systems, including solar panels, and are exporting excess energy to the grid. The amount you receive will depend on the energy supplier you choose and the specific tariff they offer.
By participating in the SEG, you can not only reduce your dependence on the grid but also potentially earn money for the surplus energy your solar system produces. This allows you to make the most of your investment in solar energy and contribute to a more sustainable future.
At Shine Solar, we can guide you through the process of connecting your solar system to the grid and accessing the SEG. Our team of experts will ensure that your system is set up correctly to maximize your energy production and optimize your earnings from exporting excess energy.
What are the benefits of installing a battery with solar panels?
Installing a battery alongside your solar panels can provide numerous benefits, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of your solar energy system. At Shine Solar, we understand the importance of maximizing the benefits of solar energy, and incorporating a battery storage solution offers several advantages:
Energy Independence: With a battery, you can store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during periods of low sunlight or at night. This reduces your reliance on the grid and gives you greater control over your energy usage, promoting energy independence.
Increased Self-Consumption: By storing surplus solar energy in a battery, you can maximize self-consumption within your property. Rather than exporting excess energy back to the grid, you can utilize it directly, leading to greater savings on your electricity bills.
Power Backup: During power outages or grid failures, a battery system allows you to continue using electricity stored in your battery. This provides peace of mind and ensures that critical appliances and systems, such as lighting, refrigeration, or medical equipment, remain operational.
Time-of-Use Optimization: In some regions, electricity tariffs vary based on the time of day. By using a battery, you can store solar energy when rates are low and consume it during peak tariff periods. This helps to further reduce your electricity costs.
Grid Support: Battery systems can play a vital role in supporting the wider energy grid. By charging your battery during periods of excess renewable energy supply, you can help balance the grid and contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy network.
At Shine Solar, we offer a range of high-quality battery storage solutions tailored to complement your solar panels. Our expert team can assist you in selecting the right battery system for your specific needs, ensuring you enjoy the maximum benefits of solar energy and energy storage technology.
How do you ensure the highest quality installations?
At Shine Solar, we prioritize the highest quality installations to ensure that our customers receive reliable, efficient, and long-lasting solar systems. We have established a comprehensive approach that encompasses several key factors:
Experienced and Certified Installers: Our installation team consists of experienced professionals who have undergone rigorous training and certification in solar installation. They possess the knowledge and expertise to handle all aspects of the installation process, ensuring a seamless and efficient setup.
Site Assessment and Design: Before proceeding with the installation, our team conducts a thorough site assessment to evaluate the specific conditions of your property and determine the optimal system design. This includes analyzing factors such as sunlight exposure, shading, roof condition, and structural considerations to maximize the performance and longevity of your solar system.
High-Quality Components: At Shine Solar, we only source solar panels, inverters, and other system components from reputable manufacturers known for their reliability and superior performance. We carefully select products that meet the highest industry standards to ensure that your solar system operates efficiently and withstands the test of time.
Stringent Quality Checks: Our quality control processes involve conducting regular inspections throughout the installation to verify the correct placement and secure connection of all equipment. We adhere to industry best practices and local regulations to ensure compliance and the highest level of safety.
Ongoing Maintenance and Customer Support: We provide comprehensive post-installation support, including regular system monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Our dedicated customer support team is readily available to address any inquiries or concerns you may have regarding your solar system.
Industry Accreditations: Shine Solar is proud to hold accreditations and certifications from relevant industry bodies, demonstrating our commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and professionalism. These certifications ensure that we continually meet or exceed industry benchmarks for solar installation.
By following these thorough processes and maintaining a commitment to excellence, Shine Solar can deliver the highest quality installations to our customers in the UK. We strive to provide you with a solar system that not only meets your energy needs but also exceeds your expectations in terms of performance, durability, and customer satisfaction.
How do I know my solar panels are built to last?
At Shine Solar, we understand the importance of durability and longevity when it comes to solar panels. We use high-quality solar panels that are built to last, and we provide several assurances to give you confidence in the long-term performance of your solar system:
Quality Assurance: We source solar panels from reputable manufacturers known for their commitment to quality and reliability. We carefully select panels that meet rigorous industry standards and certifications, ensuring that they are built to withstand various environmental conditions and maintain optimal performance over time.
Warranty Coverage: Our solar panels come with extensive warranty coverage. We offer industry-leading warranties that protect against manufacturing defects and provide peace of mind. These warranties typically include power output guarantees over a specified period, ensuring that your solar panels will continue to produce energy efficiently over the long term.
Testing and Certification: The solar panels we offer undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards. These tests assess factors such as resistance to weather conditions, mechanical stress, and electrical performance. By selecting panels that have undergone stringent testing and received certifications, we can ensure their durability and long-term reliability.
Performance Data: Our solar panels are selected based on their proven track record of performance. We rely on comprehensive data and specifications provided by manufacturers, including information on panel efficiency, temperature coefficients, and degradation rates over time. This data helps us choose panels that will deliver consistent and reliable energy production for many years.
Experienced Installers: At Shine Solar, we have a team of experienced and certified installers who are well-versed in the proper installation techniques for solar panels. Proper installation is crucial for maximizing the lifespan of your panels. Our team follows industry best practices to ensure that the panels are securely and correctly installed, minimizing the risk of damage or premature wear.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support: We provide comprehensive post-installation maintenance and support to help you keep your solar panels in optimal condition. Regular monitoring and maintenance can identify and address any potential issues promptly, ensuring the long-term performance and durability of your solar system.
By providing high-quality solar panels, extensive warranty coverage, thorough testing and certification, experienced installers, and ongoing maintenance and support, Shine Solar strives to ensure that your solar panels are built to last. We are committed to delivering durable and reliable solar systems that will continue to generate clean energy for many years, maximizing your return on investment and promoting a sustainable future.