Solar PV Benefits
In the context of ever-rising energy costs, a cost effective and sustainable alternative is required to conventional fossil fuel technologies.
Solar panel electricity systems, also known as solar photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells don’t need direct sunlight to work – they can still generate some electricity on a cloudy day. The cells convert the sunlight into electricity, which can be used to run household appliances and lighting.
Generate clean energy
Cut your carbon footprint: solar electricity is green, renewables energy and doesn’t release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants. A typical home solar PV system could save over a tonne of carbon dioxide per year – that’s more than 30 tonnes over its lifetime.
Maintenance free
Solar PV panels have become extremely durable and their lifespan has increased considerably due to improved engineering and highly developed technologies. Solar PV panels are relatively maintenance free. They may need to be cleaned every so often and replaced after around 25 years use, but other than that they do not need regular maintenance.
Get paid for what you generate
The Feed in Tariff scheme is a Government funded cash payment scheme which pays for every unit of electricity generated through renewable sources, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The tariff is paid for 20 years and will rise in line with the retail price index (RPI). Every unit of green electricity produced is paid for under the tariff scheme regardless of whether it is then used on site or not. A further export tariff is paid for all electricity returned to the National grid.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) certificate is required to receive FiTs payments and the overall grade on the EPC determines the tariff level you will be eligible for with ratings of D or above qualifying for a higher tariff than those properties with grades less than D.
