Solar Electricity Panels (PV)- FAQs
1) How much electricity does a solar PV system generate?
2) What is the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Scheme?
3) Will I be eligible for the (FIT) Scheme?
4) Do I need planning permission?
5) Do I need to inform builiding control?
6) Can I export any electricity that I generate?
7) How much will I be paid for electricity I generate?
8) What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels?
10) Are the Solar PV panels fragile?
11) How does a Solar PV system work?
12) Do the PV panels need direct sunlight to work?
1: How much electricity does a solar PV system generate?
Answer: Each kWp should generate around 800-850 kilowatts per hour (kWh) per year, this is based on the condition that the panels are unshaded and are south facing with a tilt of 30-50º.
2. What is the Feed-In Tariff Scheme?
Answer: The Feed-In Tariff is a scheme created by the government that rewards homeowners for any renewable electricity they produce.The FIT guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity generated by the system, as well as a separate payment for the electricity exported to grid. These payments are in addition to the bill savings made by using the electricity generated on-site.Therefore once you have a microgeneration technology installed you should experience a monthly reduction in your electricity bill and then receive an income from your Feed-in tariff provider.
3. Will I be eligible for the (FIT) Scheme?
Answer: For a system to benefit from the Feed-in Tariff, it must be installed by a company that is registered under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
4. Do I need planning permission?
Answer: normally planning permission is not required, unless the property is listed or located in a conservation area.
5. Do I need to inform builiding control?
Answer: Yes, you should consult with building control about your intentions, and they will advise you if you need to take any further action with them.
6. Can I export any electricity that I generate?
Answer: Yes, any unused or excess electricity can be exported, your electricity company can fit an export meter or they can pay you based on estimated export rates (usually 50%).
7. How much will I be paid for electricity I generate?
Answer: From February 2010, The rate for retrofit installations of less than 4 kW will was 41.3p/kWh.
8. What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels?
Answer: Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be slightly more expensive than polycrystalline panels, however monocrystalline panels are regarded as having a higher output per kW peak power installed. Polycrystalline wafer has a dark blue colour, monocrystalline wafer is black.
Answer: The Solar PV system holds a guarantee of 25 years
10. Are the Solar PV panels fragile?
Answer: Solar PV panels are very robust and can withstand the normal stresses subjected by nature.
11. How does a Solar PV system work?
Answer: Solar panels generate electricity using energy from the sun. An inverter converts the electricity from direct to alternating current, for use in the property. The electrical energy produced is either used directly in the property, or when the system is producing more power than is needed it is exported to the grid. At night, power is imported from the grid in the normal way.
12. Do the PV panels need direct sunlight to work?
Answer: No, The panels produce energy from daylight, not direct sunlight, so they still produce energy on cloudy or overcast days.