It's probably an obvious question, but knowing about your installation company is so vital. You need a reputable and experienced company, but not just that, you need a company who will explain the whole
process plus one which genuinely listens to you and understands your needs.
That is exactly why we use GoEcoRenewables based in Buttercrambe just outside of York. A family run business with nearly 20 years behind them in the renewable energy sector. We researched
many renewable energy installation companies in the early days and these guys came top by a long way. Most of the installation companies it has to be said did a good job of installing solar panels but GoEcoRenewables exceled
in their quality of work, customer liason, communication, after care service and understanding regarding installation and technologies.
After installing many hundreds of PV arrays on all sorts of roof types we know that your installation will be in the best of hands. GoEcoRenewable also happen to be Yorkshire's premier renewable energy
installers.
Photovoltaic solar panels turn energy from sunlight into low-carbon electricity which you can use in your home. This allows you to drastically reduce electricity bills and also helps lower your
carbon footprint.
Layers of semiconducting materials are used to construct cells which form a solar panel. The process goes like this: light hits the cell and creates an electric field spanning the layers.
More intense light produces more electricity. An inverter, normally located in a loft space, converts the electricity to alternating current from direct current, so you can use it in your
property.
Export Tariffs
You will receive FiT rates as well as money for selling any unused units. This is normally split 50:50 with the energy produced. You will be paid a deemed 50% in export tariff, even if you use
all
the free electricity you generate.
Feed-in Tariff (FIT)
These are payments to you from energy suppliers for producing electricity — whether you use it all or not. This is paid to you by your energy supplier but the government
sets the rate. The rate is guaranteed to be fixed for 20 years.
Any income generated via FiT is income tax free and will rise with inflation, as it is index-linked.
Typical Returns from Solar Energy
Solar PV
The Feed In Tariff is tax free and index linked for 20 years. Export to the grid is deemed at 50% of annual generation.
Annual Solar PV Generation
3570 kwh per annum
Feed In Tariff
4.11p per kwh
Annual Feed in Tariff Payment
£151.73
Export Tariff
4.91p per kwh
Annual Export Tariff (50% of 3,570)
£86.57
Annual Electric Savings (60% usage)
£299.88
Annual Hot water saving from I-Boost
£150.00
Total Annual Benefit
£688.18
The system will pay for itself in 7 years.
Over 20 years the system will save and earn you a total of £13,763.60
The UK government has committed to reducing UK carbon emissions by 80% by the year 2050.
Installation of Solar Panels/ PV Arrays
1. Scaffolding.
As part of the installation process we will arrange for scaffolding to be put up by our trusted local supplier approximately two days before the installation to make sure there is plenty of time to
ensure everything is safe for our installers. This cost is included as part of the quote you will have been given.
We will also utilise safety rails to ensure our installers are safe when working.
2. Fitting the Roof Anchors.
The type of roof anchors we use depend on the type of tiles your home has. We can cater for all types but it's very important to use the correct anchors for any given roof construction. We will take
measurements to ensure the frame rails which fit onto the anchors sit perfectly straight and aligned correctly.
The anchors will then be securely screwed into place onto your roofs rafters once we have determined where your rafter lie in relation to your roof tiles.
3. Attaching the Frame to the Anchors.
The next step is for us to attach the aluminium frame to the anchors. Each bar will be checked to ensure its fixed onto the anchor tightly and to make sure it's perfectly straight so that when the
solar panels are placed on the frame they are parallel.
4. Installing the Solar Panels onto the Frame.
Now that the frame has been fixed to the anchors on your roof we need to clamp the solar panels to it. It's important to ensure the panels are perfectly straight as they are being clamped, so our
installers will constantly check the alignment.
5. Wiring the Solar Panels to the Inverter.
The inverter is the small box which is usually installed into your loft space which collects all the solar energy and converts it from DC to AC.
Our electricians will need to run the DC wiring from the solar panels into your home underneath your roof tiles. Cables will be routed into your loft space and every effort will be taken to conceal
any cables. There are other ways to wire the DC cables from the solar panels to the inverter and this will all depend on the type of roof tiles you have.
6. Connecting to the Mains.
By now the electrician will have installed the inverter and the electrical safety equipment to ensure the system is totally safe. The next step is to install a small consumer unit and meter next to
your existing fuse box and connect it to your existing supply.
The stage will require switching off your power for approximately 1-2 hours.
7. Going Live.
Once everything has been installed and checked our installation team manager will switch on the inverter and power up the whole system. We will run various checks to ensure the system is running as
expected and arrange for your MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) to be sent to you. This is also the stage at which we fully explain to you how everything works.
Microgeneration Certification Scheme is a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme, supported by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
Questions
What is Solar PV?
PV stands for Photo (light) Voltaic (Electric). Solar PV panels will convert light into electricity. Even when the sun is blocked out by clouds the PV arrays still generate electricity because it's
light they use and not always direct sunlight.
How much electricity can I generate?
A 4kWp system which is approximatelt 16 panels will generate approximately 4000 units (kWh) per year on a south facing roof. Even if your roof is East or West facing you can still expect to generate
around 3000+ units (kWh) per year.
What is the energy usage of a typical UK home?
This is a difficult question to answer with any accuracy because most families are totally different in their energy usage plus when they use their energy. As a very rough guide it can be assumed that
the average household in the UK will use around 3300 units per year.
Are there any finance options for buying solar panels?
Yes, we offer very good rates for financing a PV system. Our surveyor will give you the full details about this. Your monthly payments will be easily off-set by your energy savings and the FIT (Feed
In Tariff) which is the price you charge for selling back to the National Grid.
How do I tell if I am using energy from my solar panels or the National Grid?
You will not be able to tell. The panels will automatically feed all the electric appliances in your home until the point where its not generating enough energy to service all the appliances which is
when
the system will automatically swith to the grid for the extra power needed. The same also applies in reverse, if you are using energy from the grid as soon as the inverter knows it has enough energy
it will automatically switch back to solar panels.
Basically, the first point of call for all your home energy needs in the solar PV array. It's only when you put a big load on the PV system that it needs to get extra energy from the National Grid.
Our surveyors and installers will advise on optimum usage methods and times to get the most out of your panels.
What if we have weeks of cloudy weather?
If you have a long period of cloudy weather then your home will simply draw its energy from the National Grid as normal. However, it is important to note than even on very cloudy days your Solar PV
array will still be generating energy for your home even if it is on a lower level.
Do I need to have planning permission?
If you are installing 16 panels or less then you do not need any planning permission. A 16 panel (4000kWh) system will generate all the electricity you need plus allow you to sell some back to the
National Grid.
However, if your home is listed or in a conservation area then obviously you will need permission. City planners are always sympathetic to an energy renewable systems because of the Government's
commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Does it matter what type of roof I have?
No, as long as the roof is stable we can install without a problem. We have different system frames and anchors for all different roof tiles also.
What if my roof does not face South?
We can stil linstall on a roof which does not face directly South and the system will still generate plenty of electricity. However, to advise you properly we would need to carry out a free survey and
explain your options.
How much can I expect to earn and save?
This obviously depends on the amount of panels you have fitted. We have created a Solar Panel calculator which will show you all related figures.
What if I am producing more energy than I can use?
Simple, you will just sell the excess energy back to the National Grid.
How do you actually fix the panels to my roof?
We have created an installation guide for you which will detail our installation process, times and testing.
How long will the panels last?
You can expect the panels to last around 50 years. Over this time they will lose a very small amount of their capacity. Over 30 years you can expect your system to lose about 10 - 15% of their
capacity to generate electricity.
What is an inverter and where is it installed?
The inverter is the small box which will convert the DC current from the solar panels to an AC current which is required for home use. We will talk to you about this and explain where is best for it
to sit. In many cases it is placed in the loft of your home but not always.
Will there be many cables showing after install?
No, our installers will hide all cables in the eaves of your roof and under tiles. Very rarely there might be a few cables showing but this will be because of obstructions and sometimes roof
construction.
When we survey your home we will be able to advise you on all aspects of cabling.
I have heard about solar panels which sit flush with the roof tiles, do you supply these?
Yes we do. the use of flush fitting solar panels is used mainly for new builds as there is a requirement to lift roof tiles to fit the panels. If this is something you would prefer then we can
certainly do this. The extra cost for these type of panels will be approximately £40 per panel.
Does my home need to have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)?
Yes, all homes are required to have an EPC rating of D or above.
How long does the install take?
Usually about 1 day. in this time your electricity will need to be turned off for approximately 1-2 hours. Please refer to our installation guide for more information.
I currently rent my home, can I still have solar panels installed?
Yes, but you wil need the permission of your landlord.
How long will it take to gt my money back?
On a 16 panel system you will get your money back in full after around 6-7 years. You will then continue to earn more money from then on from your FIT (Feed In Tarrif) and obviously you will continue
to use less energy from the National Grid.
Please use our Solar Panel calculator to get precise figures and to generate your own payback graph.
What size are the panels and how much do they weigh?
Please refer to our technical sheet for full dimensions and mechanical specifications. Click here.
Solar Panels Calculator
How many panels can you fit on your roof?(each panel has dimensions of 1640mm X 992mm)