Domestic Solar PV

Once you've made the decision to switch to solar energy, it's important to understand the installation process and requirements. The first step is to have a professional solar panel installer conduct an assessment of your property. They will evaluate factors such as roof orientation, shading, and structural integrity before recommending a suitable system for your home.

The actual installation process typically takes between one and two days depending on the size of your system. This involves mounting panels onto your roof or another suitable location. Once installed, your system will need to be connected to the grid via an inverter which converts DC electricity produced by solar panels into AC electricity that can be used in your home.

In order to qualify for UK government incentives like Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs), your installed solar PV system must meet certain criteria including MCS certification and compliance with Building Regulations Part L. It's important to choose a reputable installer who can guide you through this process and ensure compliance with all necessary regulations. 

There are three types of solar panels commonly used in the UK: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are made from high-quality silicon and have a higher efficiency rate compared to other types. Polycrystalline panels are also made from silicon but tend to be less expensive than their monocrystalline counterparts. Thin-film solar panels are the most lightweight and flexible type, making them ideal for roofs that cannot support heavier modules.

The availability of these solar panel types depends on various factors such as location, manufacturer, and installer. However, with the increase in demand for renewable energy sources in recent years, there has been an increase in the availability of solar panels across the UK. 

Yes, solar panels can be used to heat hot water in your home. This is typically done through a solar water heating system, which uses the energy from the sun to heat water and then stores it in a tank for later use.

There are two main types of solar water heating systems: active and passive. Active systems use pumps to circulate the water between the solar panels and the storage tank, while passive systems rely on natural convection to move the water.

Both types of systems can be used to heat hot water for your home, and can be integrated with your existing hot water system. Solar water heating systems are a great way to reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint, as they use renewable energy from the sun instead of fossil fuels.

It's worth noting that the effectiveness of solar water heating systems can vary depending on a number of factors, including the climate in your area, the orientation and tilt of your solar panels, and the size of your household's hot water needs. It's a good idea to consult with a professional installer to determine the best system for your home and to ensure that it is installed correctly.

Solar panels can have a positive impact on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of your property. EPC ratings are used to measure the energy efficiency of a building, with ratings ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The rating is based on factors such as the building's insulation, heating system, and lighting.

By installing solar panels, you can generate your own renewable energy and reduce your reliance on grid electricity. This can lead to a reduction in the amount of energy you need to purchase from your energy supplier, which can in turn improve your EPC rating.

The exact impact that solar panels will have on your EPC rating will depend on a number of factors, including the size and efficiency of your solar panel system, the orientation and pitch of your roof, and the overall energy efficiency of your home. However, in general, adding solar panels to your property is likely to have a positive impact on your EPC rating.

It's worth noting that the EPC rating is just one factor to consider when installing solar panels. Other factors to consider include the cost of installation, the potential savings on your energy bills, and the environmental benefits of using renewable energy. It's a good idea to consult with a professional installer and to do your own research to determine if solar panels are the right choice for your home.

Yes, in many regions it is possible to sell excess energy produced by your solar panels back to the grid through a process called net metering or feed-in tariff.

Net metering is a system where any excess energy that your solar panels produce is fed back into the grid and credited to your energy bill. This means that you only pay for the net energy that you consume from the grid, after accounting for the energy that you have generated and fed back into the grid.

Feed-in tariffs, on the other hand, are a system where you are paid a set rate for every unit of energy that your solar panels generate and feed back into the grid. This can be a good option if you generate a lot of excess energy, as it allows you to earn money from your solar panels.

The availability and terms of net metering and feed-in tariffs vary by region, so it's important to check with your local energy provider to see what options are available to you. In some cases, you may need to install a special meter that can measure the energy that you generate and feed back into the grid.

It's worth noting that selling excess energy back to the grid is not always the most cost-effective option. In some cases, it may be more efficient to store excess energy in batteries for later use, rather than feeding it back into the grid. It's a good idea to consult with a professional installer to determine the best option for your specific situation.

Yes, you can fit solar panels to your holiday home. Solar panels can be a great way to generate your own renewable energy and reduce your energy bills, even if you only use the property or caravan for part of the year.

When considering solar panels for a holiday home, there are a few factors to consider. First, you'll need to ensure that the property is suitable for solar panels. This means ensuring that the roof or other suitable area is free from shading and has a suitable orientation and pitch for solar panels.

You'll also need to consider the cost of installation, which will depend on the size and type of solar panel system you choose. It's worth noting that the cost of solar panel installation has decreased significantly in recent years, making it a more affordable option.

Another factor to consider is the potential savings on your energy bills. Depending on the size of your solar panel system and your energy usage, you may be able to generate enough energy to cover your energy bills, or even earn money by selling excess energy back to the grid (where this is available).

Finally, you'll need to consider maintenance and upkeep of your solar panel system. This may include regular cleaning of the panels to ensure maximum efficiency, as well as occasional repairs or replacements of components.

Overall, solar panels can be a great addition to a holiday home, providing renewable energy and potentially reducing your energy bills. It's a good idea to consult with a professional installer to determine the best solar panel system for your specific situation.

All panels fitted by HSB Renewables come with a 25-year warranty.