your questions answered...

Q - How long will the panels take to pay for themselves?
Answer - The average UK home consumes around 3300kWh (or units) of electricity per annum. A typical PV solar panel system would be a 2kWp system which would produce approximately 1668kWh per year (based on 834kWh per 1kWp installed under UK conditions), which is roughly half of the expected yearly consumption. Payback will vary greatly depending on individual electricity consumption patterns and naturally, energy prices, which are projected to rise remorselessly. The time will obviously be even shorter if energy prices continue to increase in the future.

Q - Why should I buy from Planet Solar?
Answer - Planet Solar is part of Energi Investments plc which has vast experience in installing large scale commercial projects in addition to trouble free home improvement projects for homeowners. We are an MCS accredited installer and also members of the REAL Assurance Scheme so you can be confident that you will receive a high quality service from start to finish.

Q - How much energy do I need?
Answer - According to widely quoted figures, including those from the Energy Saving Trust, the average 3 bedroom house consumes around 3,300 units of electricity, or kilowatt hours (kWh) a year (assuming cooking and heating use a non-electric supply source). However, the only way to be certain is to look at your last few bills. For the most accurate figure you should call your electricity supplier to find out how many units you actually have consumed over a 12 month period. You can then compare this to the output of the system Planet Solar has recommended for you.

Q - Isn't solar power expensive?
Answer - Not if you take into consideration all the factors. For example, your electricity bills will be largely reduced plus you will receive the benefit of a 25 year revenue stream from the Feed In Tariff and have the opportunity to receive an 8% return on your investment. In addition the value or price of your house will increase as a result of having solar panels. Fitting a system helps 'future proof' your home against ever rising fuel prices, making properties doubly attractive to price conscious house buyers who are also nowadays equally keen to make environmentally friendly purchasing decisions. If fuel prices continue to rise, the most energy efficient homes, especially those with renewable power generation capabilities are likely to continue to sell at a premium.

Q - OK! - tell me how much a PV solar panel system from Planet Solar will cost.
Answer - Every system is tailored specifically, either to your budget, or stated electricity generation requirements. Other variable factors will also affect the performance and cost, like the size and shape of your roof, the presence of shading, the orientation of your house towards north and south and your home's total energy consumption. For all these reasons there is no single price. Solar PV systems start at around £8,400, based on an installation of 8 solar panels. Prices may increase up to £30,000 dependant upon the size of the Solar panel system required.

Q - Can I get a grant from the government for my panels?
Answer - Unfortunately the UK grant scheme under Phase 1 of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme was closed after the announcement of the Feed In Tariff rates on the 3rd February 2010.  Grants are currently still available in Scotland until the 31st March 2010, however there is a possibility they may expire before this date due to a rise in grant applications.

Want more information on Solar Panels for your home - Contact Us Online or freephone 0800 533 5130 today!