FAQs

The most commonly asked questions about this technology are shown below. Please feel free to raise any new questions, and we'll endeavour to answer them. If you leave us an email address, we can automatically update you when your question is answered.

My roof doesn't face south, can I still benefit from this?
Raised: 24 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

Yes, south facing and flat roofs are best but a roof facing any direction will work. However any shading may cause problems.

Do I need planning permission?
Raised: 24 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

Most areas don't normally need planning permission but we can help with those area's that do require planning permission such as conservation areas

How much disruption can I expect when the installation takes place?
Raised: 25 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

There is minimum disruption, most of the work takes place externally with the electrical connections carried out inside

How much will it cost me to install the equipment?
Raised: 25 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

Systems vary in cost depending on a number of factors but typically are in the region of £10k - £20k

How long will it take me to make back the money I've spent on the system?
Raised: 25 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

Depending on your situation you can expect to recover your initial investment in 5-10years

Will the panels ruin the look of my house?
Raised: 25 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

Most panels are mounted slightly above the surface of the roof, we can install panels that look like tiles and even panels that fit in bespoke glazing frames.

Will there be lots of different people I have to deal with?
Raised: 25 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

The person allocated to your project will follow your project through all the stages and hand it over to you on completion. You will have that person's mobile phone number and they will be available to deal with all your enquiries and visit you (if required) throughout the life of the project

Will installing this equipment decrease the value of my house?
Raised: 25 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

Not at all, if anything we expect it to add value to your house price

Will the government renege on the funding?
Raised: 25 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

These schemes are legally binding contracts for 25 years paid for by the utility companies not based on government funding. If you don't have one of these systems you are effectively subsidising those that do!

Do the panels have any guarantees?
Raised: 25 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

The commercial use of solar panels have been around since the mid 60s, however the technology is now well advanced and the panels are guaranteed for 25 years (to 80% efficiency)

How do I know your payback calculations are correct?
Raised: 25 Sep, 2010
Answered By: Patrick Rayner

The energy generation is calculated using the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure for Energy Rating of Dwellings (SAP 2005)