An area to install the panels that is free from shading or obstacles that can block out the sun. It needs to be around 20m² for a 4KW system.

A solar panel is between 1.7m² & 2.1m². The smaller panel usually is less in watts and therefore you need more of them to get to the same size output of a larger panel. A standard 4kW system would take up around 20m². With all solar panel installations we need to leave a border or gap from the sides of the roof. This is worked out by our surveyors when they attend your location.

There are few ways to overcome some of the problems installers face when working with multiple panels. One is to use a string inverter with multiple inputs each with MPPT capability. This allows for different strings, not modules to have different orientation, tilts and module types without having one string hinder the performance of the other. The second option is to add DC optimisers to the string inverter system; these are like the micro-inverters. DC optimizers are installed at each module and make adjustments to the output on an individual basis.

There are strict laws and compliance in place to protect consumers, installers and contractors in solar PV. This is not something you can try at home. There is a serious risk of death and systems are designed to protect you at all times, but this is live electricity and just like educating a child not to put fingers in sockets, the same rules apply. Don’t touch things that could cause harm. Call the experts or professionals.

The main difference between the two technologies is in the crystal purity of the panel cells. Monocrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from a single crystal of silicon while polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from several fragments of silicon melted together. The crystalline purity of the cells of monocrystalline solar panels is therefore much higher than that of polycrystalline solar panels.

Tier one panels are classified based on the volume of large scale projects using them within a specific time frame and carry Tier 1 status as they are a preferred product. Our current Q-Cells or JA solar panels are both Tier 1 approved.

The Feed in Tariff or FIT is a financial incentive backed by the government and is paid from your electricity supplier. This is to encourage you to create your own clean electricity. Every KWH of energy that your system produces generates a fixed income regardless of whether you use it or not and any electricity not consumed can be sold back to the grid.

No solar panels require daylight to work so even when the sun isn’t shining your still generating.

They have a life expectancy of over 20 years, the manufacturer warranties start at 5 years with some going up to 20 years.

Yes as they will be providing the FIT payments.

Not usually but if you live in an area of conservation or your property it’s always worth checking.

An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate this shows how energy efficient your property is. To achieve the maximum FIT payment the property must be a band D or above.