Q. How quickly will my investment be paid back?
We estimate an average return on investment of 7 years through savings made by generating your own electricity and revenue generated through the Feed-In Tariff. Given increasing electricity costs this could be quicker.
Q. Can you explain the Feed In Tariff (FIT) system?
There are 3 financial benefits:
- The generation tariff is where you get paid by your energy supplier for ALL the electricity you generate! The rate is determined by the size of the system you install and this is guaranteed for 25 years and indexed linked to inflation.
- The export tariff where any surplus electricity you do not use is exported back into the grid and you get paid an extra 3p per unit (kW) by your energy supplier.
- The savings made on your electricity bill because you are producing and using some of your own electricity.
The Feed-in Tariff is TAX FREE to domestic households and INDEX LINKED TO INFLATION for both commercial and domestic installations. All payments are guaranteed by the Government for 25 years.
Please note that you can only receive the Feed In Tariff (FIT) if your system has been installed and certified by an MCS accredited installer.
Q. Do I need planning permission?
Planning consent will be required if the property is a listed building or in a conservation area. Otherwise, this is classed as permitted development. SKYShades will check this on your behalf with your local authority.
Q. What is the MCS?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) gives consumers the guarantee that certified solar PV products, and the installers of those products, have conformed to a rigorous set of standards for safety reasons.
Only MCS accredited installers can issue you with the certification to enable you to benefit from the Feed in Tariff.
Q. Does solar PV film need direct sunlight to work?
The panels require light, not direct sunlight to work, making it ideal for the UK climate. They work at their optimum when the sun is at its strongest so it’s best to ensure that the panels are not shaded.
Q. What electrical and structural checks do you perform prior to installation?
We provide a full technical survey prior to going ahead with an installation. This includes structural (where necessary) and electrical details and is conducted by qualified engineers from our network of MCS qualified installers. You will be advised of any problems prior to work commencing.
Q. Is the electricity generated compatible with commercial or domestic supply?
Yes. As it is converted to 240v AC in the same phase as your normal grid power, there will be no discernible difference.
Q. How long does film solar panels last?
Solar panels have a manufacturer’s warranty of 25 years.
Q. What is the science behind solar panel technology?
In a nutshell when solar radiation/solar energy enters the earth’s atmosphere, it does so as a short-wave. When these short-waves hit something, be it a person, building or solar panels, then the short wave converts to long-wave. This process expels energy and this energy produces heat.
Q. Can solar panels be added to flat roofs?
Yes, our lightweight solar panels can be fitted directly to flat roofs with no need for any frame work.
Q. How long does solar technology last?
Solar panel technology has been around for a century now. Solar heating panels including evacuated tubes have longevity of around 30 years. PV solar last much longer, but PV solar panels installed in the 60′s is still working. SKYShades products come with a 25 year warrantee.
Q. Will solar panels replace my energy bills fully?
No, you won’t be able to totally replace your current energy supply, but you could get close with a realistic budget and the implementation of different solar panel technology combinations.
Need to know more or simply want to talk through the various options available to you.
Contact SKYshades on 01480 498297
Alternatively use our ‘Out of Hours’ form.
