Please contact REACT4U direct for detailed answers to any questions you may have. However, listed below are answers to the most commonly asked questions:
1. How do Photovoltaic (PV) Systems work?
Daylight hits the photovoltaic cells and is converted to clean electricity. The inverter converts the electricity from direct to alternating current, for use in the home. At certain times the solar energy system could be producing more power than is needed and this is exported to the grid. At night and during periods of high electricity usage, power is imported from the grid in the normal way.
2. Does solar really work in the UK?
Yes, the cells in the PV system only require daylight to work and will even generate energy on cloudy days.
3. What size PV System do I need?
There is no simple answer, it will depend on:-
(a)How much do you want to invest?
Supply and Installation normally costs in the region of £5,000 - £7,000 per kWp. You need to allow approximately 8 square meters of surface area per kWp.
(b)How much of your electricity you want to generate?
For many households, systems between 1.5 & 3 kWp, that will generate between 1300 & 2500 kilo Watt hours (kWh) of electricity per annum are most commonly fitted.
(c)How many panels can be installed in an optimum location?
The system will need to be designed to suit the location, space and budget available for the project. The cost of installation will also vary according to how easy or difficult it is to access the roof and the type of fixing that is required.
4. How much money do I receive for the electricity I generate?
You will receive 41.3p for every unit (kWh) of electricity you generate as per the Government feed in tariff scheme (FITS). You will also receive an additional 3p for every unit exported back to the grid.
5. How soon will a PV system pay back the cost of installation?
We estimate that a system installed in April 2010 and benefitting from the best Feed in Tariff plus the savings on your electricity bill for the energy that you produce for yourself could pay back in under ten years. However, in addition, you will carry on receiving the tariff or ‘cash back’ for a further fifteen years plus the added benefit of free electricity for years to come after that. Remember Feed in Tariff payments are index linked which will help to offset the expected rise in fuel costs so the sooner you act the greater the benefit would be.
If you were to spend £10,000 on a system today, you could receive over 9% of your investment back per annum.
6. How much electricity can I generate?
On domestic properties the maximum size system that can be installed and qualify for the highest Feed in Tariff of 41.3p is a 4 kWp array (approximately 29 square metres surface area). Installations above this size are classed as commercial and the tariff is reduced.
7. Can I install a PV system myself or with an electrician to wire up to the grid?
No, PV systems are designed to be installed by qualified PV installers and electricians, accredited to MCS standards (Microgeneration Certification Scheme). Only qualified installers are able to process and organise your connection to the Government Feed In Tariffs Scheme (FITS).
8. What maintenance and cleaning do the systems need?
PV systems are silent in operation, have no moving parts and require minor maintenance.
9. What are the main decision points to consider?
How much do I need to invest for the best return?
How much free electricity do I need?
How many panels can be fitted in optimum location for maximum return?
10. How to contact REACT4U?
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React 4U
