Solar Panel Advice and Solar Panel Installer Advice
How do you find the best solar panel installer? Out of all of the solar panel installation companies and solar panel installers, how can you find the best company for your situation? Should you choose solar thermal or photovoltaic panels? What considerations are there for having a solar panel system installed? Are there upkeep and maintenance costs for solar panels?
Whenever you are considering you options on a large investment, there are always plenty of questions, so read on for our top ten tips on some solar panel advice and how to find the best solar panel installer for you.
Find The Best Solar Panel Installer
Tip One: MCS Approved Installers
Firstly, the most prudent solar panel advice is that you should choose an MCS approved installer for your solar panels. MCS stands for Microgeneration Certification Scheme and indicates to consumers that the solar panel installers abide by the standards and regulations that are stipulated by the MCS.
MCS Approved Installers have received certification following assessment on the supply, design, installation, set-to-work and commissioning of renewable microgeneration technologies including solar panels.
Tip Two: MCS Approved Solar Panels
As well as the solar panel installation company being MCS Approved, you should ensure the solar panel installers you have selected use MCS approved solar panels. In a similar way to MCS Approved Installers, MCS Approved Solar Panels have undergone and adhere to rigorous and tested standards.
To receive certification, MCS Approved Solar Panels receive product testing and the manufacturing processes, materials, procedures and staff training all undergo assessment. If all of the criteria is met, then the certification will be awarded.
Tip Three: NIC EIC approved Solar Panel Installers
All electricians who provide services in the UK are required to be NIC EIC certified, and solar panel installers should also be NIC EOC approved, to ensure that your solar panel installation is safe and meets national safety requirements as stipulated by the governing body who is responsible NIC EIC certification.
By ensuring your solar panel installers is NIC EIC approved, you will have the reassurance that all of the work undertaken will meet the standards required for the safety of your property and occupants.
Tip Four: Obtain Lots of Solar Panel Quotes
Don't stick with the first solar panel company you find - get quotes from as many solar installation companies as you can, and don't be afraid to tell companies that you plan to do this. Not only will it ensure that companies will provide you with competitive quotes, but it will also mean you will have benchmarks from which you can compare quotes against quotes and quite possibly "play" companies off against each other to improve the price. Remember that companies only exist to make money, so they don't want to lose you.
Once you have had a couple of companies visit your property to provide you with solar panel quotes, you will have a better understanding and knowledge of what to expect and what you are told. Consider all your quotes before committing to any one in particular.
Tip Five: Cheapest Solar Panels Are Not The Best Solar Panels
As with most things in life, the cheapest solar panels you can find does not mean they will be the best solar panels. That doesn't necessarily mean you should opt for the most expensive solar panels either. Opt for a solar quote which you think is a fair price from a company that you feel comfortable about dealing with.
This doesn't jut apply to the company's solar panel quote, but actually down to the individual solar panels and materials the company will use. If you haven't been provided with a detail or itemised solar panel quote, ask for one. That way you will know what you are paying for equipment and materials, which you can then compare to other quotes you have received.
Tip Six: Research Solar Panels and Solar Panel Technology
Solar panel technology is constantly evolving and changing. Relatively speaking, it is quite a new technology so there will always be revisions and improvements being made. Don't be afraid to ask you solar panel company what products they will be using for your install and do some background research: do people like them? Are the solar panels efficient? Are there any problems with the solar panels? Take your time to learn about solar panel technology, and you will avoid be "blinded" by jargon.
Tip Seven: Calculate Potential earnings From The Feed in Tariff
The Government's Feed in Tariff has been extremely influential in the popularity of solar panels. The scheme pays you for all of the electricity you generate from your solar panels, even the power that you consume personally. From 3rd March 2012, the rate is 21p/kWh and then from 1st July 2012 the rate of return will be between 16.5p/kWh – 13.6p/kWh. This rate will depend on the number of solar panel installations completed between March and April 2012.
What makes the Feed in Tariff so good is it means that whilst your initial investment for a solar panel installation will mean that you are saving money on your energy bill, you will also be generating an income at the same time. This takes the investment in solar panels way beyond most other "normal" monetary investment returns, so if you have money invested in savings accounts, it may be worth considering having solar panels installed. Don't forget of course that aside from monetary returns and savings, you will also have an impact on you carbon footprint so you will be investing in the future of Earth as well. The Feel good factor.
Tip Eight: Consider Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Panels
You may wish to consider whether solar thermal or photovoltaic panels would be more beneficial to your property. Solar thermal panels are responsible for generating hot water, whilst photovoltaic panels will generate electricity.
If you are unsure as to which technology you want, then speak to a few solar panel installation companies, and see what they suggest. It may be that you actually require both systems to be installed, and there's no reason why you cannot do this. If you decide that you would benefit more from solar thermal panels, then still consider having a photovoltaic panel installed at the same time, if for no other reason than eventually, it could pay for itself and the solar thermal panels thanks to the Green Deal.
Tip Nine: The Renewable Heat Incentive
Whilst the Renewable Heat Incentive does not pay as much as the Feed in Tariff, it is still a worthy incentive that should be carefully considered. The scheme aims to encourage property owners to reduce their heating energy bills and carbon foot print by providing the following benefits:
- A Return of .085p per kWh for 20 years
- A reduction on your energy bills
- A payment contribution provided by the government
Speak to a solar panel installer today about your options with the Renewable Heat Incentive.
Tip Ten: Solar Panel Maintenance Costs
Over the life expectancy of a solar panel installation, there should be little maintenance or upkeep of the panels themselves. However, the inverter, which is responsible for converting the direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), will need replacing at some point in the life span. The cost to replace a solar panel inverter is in the range of £1000 so this should be taken into consideration when calculating solar panel maintenance costs.
Another consideration for solar panel maintenance is that generally speaking, solar panels are installed on rooftops or high up above the ground, so if you are not completely able-bodied, you may need to call someone in throughout the solar panel's life to have them cleaned or clear any fallen leaves or debris to ensure they can work to their full potential.
