Q: Is my home suitable for Solar PV panels
There’s a very good chance your home will be suitable. For whilst its true Solar Panels are best fitted on a South facing roof or garden there is some degree of flexibility. (But -Closer to South the better return you will yield). Most homes have several roof surfaces from which to choose and it doesn’t matter if it’s on the front or back of your home. Our FREE site survey will tell you everything you need to know..
Q: How many Solar Panels do I need?
Advances in technology means Solar Panels have become far more efficient. An average installation consists of 8 to 12 panels but of course it all depends on the size and area of roof or garden you have free. Simply, we recommend having the largest system you can afford and maximise the payback for unused energy.
Q: How long do PV panels last?
Over time PV cells will gradually become less efficient. The conventional view has always been that most will dip below 80% of their rated capacity within about 20 years. However research in Japan suggests these estimates are overly conservative and tests conducted on over 300 PV Panels made all the way back in 1984 showed 90% of them could still generate over 80% or more of the original output.
Q: Why is MCS so important?
There is a very strong argument that Solar would add value to your property. Clearly, the lucrative Feed-in-tariff would normally stay with the installation and will pay the new home owners a long term dividend plus give them cheaper fuel bills thus making your home a more prosperous investment.
Q: Will Solar add value to my house price?
There is a very strong argument that Solar would add value to your property. Clearly, the lucrative Feed-in-tariff would normally stay with the installation and will pay the new home owners a long term dividend plus give them cheaper fuel bills thus making your home a more prosperous investment.
Q: Do the panels need to go on the roof?
If you have a suitable un-shaded are in your garden then it is possible to install a standalone ground mounted system. Cables can be buried carrying electricity back to your house.
Q: Who pays the Feed-in-Tariff money?
Although the FITs are established in law, rather than coming from the government, the tariffs are actually paid by the energy suppliers.
The suppliers pass on the cost of the Feed-In Tariffs scheme to all their electricity customers.
So the bottom line is that people who don't install renewable energy systems pay for those who do!
Q: Is the money really TAX FREE?
Yes. This makes Solar such a great investment if you are looking for a tax free return. The payments are also INDEX LINKED which means when inflation rises so will your payments.
Q: Why is April 2012 so important?
The Government are set to change the amount you gain from the FITs tariff slightly downwards which means the rewards (although still very good) won’t be as high as they are now.
Q: Does Extra energy have a protected Guarantee?
Extra is one of the very first Solar PV installers to be accepted by the DGCOS Ombudsmen Scheme. This insures your guarantee, gives you free legal arbitration should something go wrong and insures your hard earned deposit. You are totally secure when dealing with Extra Energy.
Q: Will PV panels work when it’s cloudy?
Your panels work from radiated sun. This is daylight and even on cloudy days modern panels will be able to soak up much of the invisible energy from the sun and generate electricity for you.
Q: How do I maintain my solar panels?
Made using specially hardened glass, they are tough enough to withstand harsh weather, overweight squirrels, and pretty much anything nature can throw at them. Occasional cleaning will help keep them at their most efficient.
Q: Other than that they are basically maintenance free What about DIY option?
Some stores offer do-it-yourself kits but generally these are not popular due to the fact they are not normally MCS accredited and that means you cannot claim your Feed-in-tariff.
Q: Does Extra Energy get involved with Rent a roof or free solar panels?
Although this option does give you a small benefit of cheaper electricity (on average around £150 a year) but there is a catch. You will forfeit the right to earn money from the Feed-in-tariff. All payments go straight to the company which installed the solar panels and this Free solar offer is fraught with potential problems regarding who really owns your roof and what happens if work is required to the roof or you wish to move home?
We at Extra Energy believe in getting the benefits for our clients and we want to Feed-in-tariff to be pocketed by YOU as the recipient of the FIT. With such large rewards at stake, taking out a loan or remortgage to secure a FIT in your name, rather than renting still makes financial sense.
