How Do You Qualify For SEG?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nFirst, you have to choose a renewable energy source that's included. And as we said, solar photovoltaic systems tick that box. You could also have wind power, hydropower, anaerobic digestion, or micro-combine heat and power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You also need an export meter<\/em> that allows you to measure the amount of electricity flowing to the grid. For your convenience, it's a good idea to install a smart meter as this takes regular readings automatically (usually every 30 minutes) and sends these to the SEG licensee.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt doesn't really matter what type of solar PV system you have, but to qualify it must not exceed 5MW of electricity. This shouldn't be a problem for most people, as the typical domestic solar PV system is between 4kW and 6kW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it is essential that your solar panels and<\/em> installers are MCS certified. MCS stands for the microgeneration certification scheme<\/em>, a self-regulating body that oversees renewable technologies and installations to ensure high industry standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile it's not a legal requirement for those installing solar panels to be MCS certified, you will not qualify for SEG unless they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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How Much Does The Smart Export Guarantee Pay?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIt depends on which SEG licensee you use, what their tariff is, and how much solar electricity you sell back to them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What About FiT?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Feed-in Tariff was a scheme introduced as an incentive to home and business owners to invest in renewable energy options, such as solar power. Like SEG, the FiT scheme paid for any excess electricity produced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, as the cost of these technologies began to fall, it was thought (rightly or wrongly) that they were affordable enough for the general public without government subsidies, and so the SEG scheme was brought in to replace FiT, which was completely phased out by January 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main difference between the two is that with SEG the energy companies set their own rates, resulting in a wider range of tariffs. So, it pays to shop around to see which company offers the best rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Standalone Or Grid-Connected Systems?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen you have your solar panels installed, it's up to you whether you want them connected to the national grid, or whether you'd prefer it to be an isolated system purely for your own use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each one has its pros and cons, so let's explore these to help you figure out which might be best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Standalone Systems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOn the plus side, you are free from the ever-rising energy bills as you are totally reliant on solar energy. You have complete control over your energy budget, bringing peace of mind and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, these systems usually carry higher installation costs, as the array generally has to be bigger, and you need a larger inverter and battery storage. These are essential, as you won't have the grid to fall back on if your solar electricity supply runs short. In some cases, an emergency generator is recommended as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You'll also be more aware of how you use every bit of electricity produced!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the whole, these off-grid setups are better suited for places where connection to power lines is difficult or expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Grid-Connected Systems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you're connected to the grid, you always have an electricity supply. On days when you produce more electricity than you need, you can sell it to the grid. And if there's a shortfall, you can use electric power provided by the national grid to supplement your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You'll need to have battery storage in order to sell your solar electricity back to the grid, which means an extra investment on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Do I Need Planning Permission?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn almost all cases, no planning permission is required<\/strong> for installing solar panels, whether it's a domestic solar PV system or solar thermal.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is because the government changed the regulations regarding permitted developments.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, there are a few exceptions -<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIf your property is within a registered conservation area (or World Heritage Site), you may have to get permission to install solar panels if they are to be fitted on principal walls that are visible from the highway<\/em>. And if you own a listed building, you will most likely need listed building consent <\/strong>even if planning permission isn't required!<\/p>\n\n\n\nEither way, it's always best to check with your local authority before going ahead if your property falls into either of these categories - as they say, it's better to be safe than face a fine or have to have the solar PV system uninstalled, or both!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Watch The Ridgeline<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nOn standard private dwellings (i.e. private houses that aren't listed buildings) you must ensure that the panels don't project above the ridgeline of the roof, or project more than 200mm from a roof or wall surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This isn't usually a problem with sloping roofs, although it could be an issue when installing solar panels on a flat roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Ground-Mounted PAnels<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIf you plan to install your array on the ground, you won't generally need permission unless:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe entire array is bigger than 9m\u00b2<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nIs higher than 4m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nIs less than 5m from the boundaries<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nIt is visible from the highway in Conservation Area or WHS.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nAlso, you can't put one inside the boundary of a listed building, and only one standalone<\/em> array is permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Commercial Properties<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe rules regarding commercial buildings are pretty much the same as for domestic properties, although there are often legal grey areas over ownership and boundaries so you'll need to be absolutely certain of the facts before you have them fitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many solar panel installation contractors will handle the issue of planning permission on your behalf, so always feel free to ask. At the very least, they'll be familiar with the process and will be able to advise you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Heat Pump Vs. Solar PV<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHeat pumps are another green<\/em> option, as an alternative to a traditional boiler. Instead of relying on fossil fuels, they take heat from the air or ground to heat the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMillions of homeowners have had these fitted and are enjoying the benefits, especially in these times of eye-watering energy bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But which is the best option? Should you invest in a heat pump or PV system?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall, a heat pump can be more costly to install, although they are highly efficient and will significantly reduce your carbon footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, they only heat or cool your home<\/strong>, whereas a PV system will directly convert sunlight into electricity that you can use wherever it's needed. Potentially, that makes photovoltaic energy a more versatile option.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBut here's a thought: why not combine the two? If you have the capital, it's well worthwhile investing in a heat pump and<\/em> solar panels, as heat pumps require an electric current to work and solar cells can easily provide this without any problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUltimately, it comes down to whether you want thermal energy or electricity generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And to a greater or lesser extent, it depends on your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Solar Panels - Do I Have A Suitable Roof?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis is a significant factor in solar panel installation and effectiveness, even if it might seem like an odd question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do we mean by \"suitable roof\"?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, first of all, the direction your roof faces makes a lot of difference. For the very best results, your roof should be south-facing to make the most of the sun's rays throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideally, it should be unshaded, meaning that the sun isn't blocked by other structures, trees or hills for most of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The angle of your roof also matters: it should be between 30-45\u00ba for optimum results. Even so, the solar panels will still work, whatever the angle - even on a flat roof! This only applies to the UK, however: the optimum angle (and best direction) alters according to where you are situated on the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You also need to take into account the age of your roof. If it's past its best and between 20 and 30 years old, you'll need to have it inspected to see if it is strong enough for the job. And if it's been installed in the last 15 years or so, it will still need inspecting for any damage. Repairs will have to be completed before the solar panels are installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, the type of roofing material makes a difference in terms of cost as well as suitability. The best material, from the installer's point of view, is asphalt shingles as they are easy to attach the panels to. The contractor can simply drill holes, attach the solar panel array, and place metal flashing around the holes to stop water from leaking through into the roof space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concrete or clay tiles also fit in with the suitable roof <\/em>criteria, but they can add to the installation cost as they are more tricky to work with. The contractors usually have to remove tiles rather than drill through them as they are brittle and may crack. The solar panels are instead fitted to the wooden rafters beneath, then the tiles are replaced. As you can guess, this increases the time taken which adds to the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRoofing felt or gravel and tar are mostly found on flat roofs, and these are also suitable for solar panels. Some installers might suggest securing the panels to cinder blocks instead. The main downside of fitting solar panels on a flat roof is that you will almost certainly need to get planning permission as the array will probably rise more than 0.2 metres above the roof slope. That's because these panels are set in a frame to achieve the 30 or 40\u00ba angle to catch the sun's rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news is that installation on flat roofs is generally quicker and easier, so the costs will be lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What about wooden roofs? Well, here we have some not-so-good news: most contractors won't consider fitting solar panels to a wooden roof. This is partly because of concerns about fire safety, but also because wooden tiles can easily split as they are not designed to take the weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for thatched roofs, you can probably guess that this wouldn't be a viable option. To begin with, this is a traditional method that looks appealing and often has decorative details. Placing solar panels over the top would ruin the effect, as well as present a fire hazard. Also, there's nothing to attach them to, and the thatch would rot due to being in constant shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Solar Power: The Future Of Renewable Energy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt could<\/em> very well be. In fact, it's astonishing that we haven't taken advantage of solar energy long before now.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHere's a fact that will blow your mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The amount of sunlight that hits our planet every 90 minutes is enough to provide all the energy needs of the entire world for a whole year.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWe'll just let that sink in for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That's quite a statement, isn't it? And when you combine this with wind and wave power, there's every chance that we could end fossil fuel reliance within a very short time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end, it comes down to how seriously we take climate change. Of course, your personal financial circumstances play a big role, but if you can afford to reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the long term on energy bills by investing in solar energy, it makes good economical and ecological sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Is A Solar PV System Right For Me?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSo now you know how solar panels work. You've seen that they used the sun's energy to generate electricity using solar cells in PV modules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, we've given you a lot of information to consider! It's now up to you to digest this and weigh up the pros and cons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need any further information about Solar PV systems, or have any concerns about the process or need any advice on the costs involved, feel free to contact Skylamp Solar at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As experts in solar panels and renewable energy, we believe that this technology presents an alternative way forward that doesn't cost the Earth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In simple terms, it means solar photovoltaics, and it's all about catching the sun's energy […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7718,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/990"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=990"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/990\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":90306,"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/990\/revisions\/90306"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=990"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=990"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=990"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}