Solar FAQs

What is SOLAR PV (photovoltaics)?

What is the Feed-In Tariff?

Why Ocean Electrical?

Is my property suitable?

Will I need planning permission?

Will SOLAR PV affect the price of my property?

How much will it cost?

WHAT IS SOLAR PV (PHOTOVOLTAICS)?

SOLAR PV (photovoltaics) is a renewable energy system which uses SOLAR PANELS, usually on the roof of a building, to convert daylight into electricity.

The electrical energy produced is either used directly in the home, or when the system is producing more power than is needed it is exported to the national grid.

WHAT IS THE FEED IN TARIFF?

The Feed-In-Tariff was introduced in April 2010 by the UK government as an incentive for people to use Solar PV as a renewable Energy to produce electricity.

For every KWh of energy that your system generates you will receive 43.3 pence (existing domestic properties). 

The Feed-In-Tariff may be reviewed by the government in 2012. The rate is expected to be lower so now is the time to have Solar PV installed.

The rate of 43.3 pence per KWh is guaranteed for 25 years.

WHY OCEAN ELECTRICAL?

• Ocean Electrical is a qualifiedSOLAR PV installer accredited by the Government Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). You can only get the Feed-In Tarrif if you use an MCS accredited company.
• Ocean Electrical is a reputable company with a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
• Ocean Electrical is a member of Checkatrade, ‘Buy With Confidence’ (the local Trading Standards scheme) and has been an NICEIC member since 2005.
• We will carry out a free survey which will illustrate what your SOLAR PV system will cost, how much electricity it is likely to generate and what your likely return on investment will be.
• Our Company has been assessed to ensure all correct operating procedures are in place.
• Our operatives are health and safety trained.
• Ocean Electrical will deal with your project from design to completion.

IS MY PROPERTY SUITABLE?

Ideally your property will need to have a south facing roof with very little shading or obstruction to obtain maximum potential (and maximum Feed-In Tariff).

Your roof will need to be in good condition and be structurally sound enough to take a SOLAR PV system.

Payback times may be longer for roofs that are not facing south. If you don't have a south facing roof, you may want to consider having SOLAR PV on an outbuilding, garage or garden (planning permission may be required).

WILL I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?

Solar roof systems fall under permitted development rights so in most cases you do not need planning permission.

However, if you live in an area of 'outstanding natural beauty' or in a listed building you should contact your local council. Also, if you choose to have solar SOLAR PV on an outbuilding, garage or in your garden, planning permission may be required.

WILL SOLAR PV AFFECT THE PRICE OF MY PROPERTY?

Having a SOLAR PV system should increase your property value.

You have a power plant on your roof with a guaranteed income for 25 years.

As a selling point, you are selling your property with free electricity.

Your home will be more sustainable and you will cut the amount of carbon your property emits.

You will be contributing to the Government target to cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2020.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

6 Solar panels 1.5Kw = £5000

8 Solar panels 2.0Kw = £6000

10 Solar panels 2.5Kw = £7000

12 Solar panels 3.0Kw = £8000

14 Solar panels 3.5Kw = £9000

16 Solar panels 4.0Kw = £10000

 Below is an example of what a 12 Solar panel 3.0Kw system could generate. 

Year	FIT	Fuel	Export	Total	CO2
	Payment	Saving	Income	Benefit	Saving
	£	£	£	£	kg
1	1095	152	39	1286	1333
5	5753	907	234	6894	6534
10	12252	2295	593	15139	12747
15	19591	4421	1142	25155	18656
20	27881	7678	1984	37543	24275
25	37244	12666	3272	53183	29619

The profit over 25 years is assuming RPI (Retail Price Index) @ 3.5% and annual energy price inflation of 10%.

This is a guide only. Actual costs will depend on the criteria of each individual installation.

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