Photo (meaning light) and Voltaic (meaning production of electricity) is electricity that is generated by converting sunlight into usable electricity by a process with no moving parts and which produces zero emissions and no noise

These are actually often referred to as ‘solar modules’ to avoid confusion with the other type of solar panels – solar thermals, which are water-heating devices. The PV modules are the components that do the actual conversion. There are many different types, including modules that fit above, or integrate within, an existing roof; PV tiles that take the place of conventional tiles; building-cladding materials and transparent modules which can provide shading on awnings or glass roofs. There are also thin-film types of panels which are flexible, but less efficient. Eco Energy will advise you on the best technology for your particular needs.

The other type of solar panel is ‘solar thermal’. These are panels (or collectors) which are connected to your plumbing and heat some of your water by solar radiation.

The need for electricity is not going to go away anytime soon, neither is the sun. On the other hand, coal, gas and oil are. These have become short-term solutions to a long-term need. By installing your own clean, silent, maintenance-free, micro-generator on the roof of your premises, you will be making an important contribution to sustainable development by reducing the need for large, inefficient and polluting power stations. Not to mention the significant reduction in your electricity bills! There are also ‘buy-back’ schemes run by all the major electricity suppliers.

Panels that we supply and fit will have warranties that guarantee >80% efficiency after 20 to 30 years, depending on the manufacturer. The entire installation, materials and workmanship, is guaranteed for at least two years, but it should be noted that many of the earliest systems, installed back in the 1970s, are still working happily today, albeit at slightly lower efficiency! The panels are essentially maintenance-free, a wipe-down once a year may be desirable but generally, the angle they are installed at means they are self-cleaning. The electrical inspection and testing requirements are the same as for any other domestic electrical installation.

In March 2019, the government FiT ceased. As of January 2020, the government SEG programme ensures that energy suppliers will be obliged to offer a pay-back scheme.

Unless you live in a listed building, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or of Special Scientific Interest, you will probably not need planning permission. If you live in a conservation area your council may ask you for details of the proposed system. We will, of course, advise you of these factors at the first visit to your property – the assessment stage.

The space needed is dependent on lots of variables including orientation, pitch and shading.
In some cases, where space is restricted, it is possible to use more powerful panels in order to achieve higher output from smaller, more awkward areas of roof space, but the more powerful panels tend to come with additional costs. However, panels do not necessarily need to be mounted on pitch roofs, they can be mounted on flat roofs, garages and outbuildings or can be ground-mounted (garden installation).

What does “grid-connected” mean?
In times of high generation and low consumption (for example, when you are on holiday in the summer), the excess electricity flows automatically back to the National Grid without payment. However, you may have the opportunity to sell the excess and receive a payment for the export having made an agreement with your electricity supplier. Since January 2020, electricity suppliers have been operating under the government’s new SEG scheme.
Find out more here: https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/electricity/solar-panels/smart-export-guarantee-and-feed-tariffs