Frequently asked questions

A feed-in tariff is a fixed rate per unit of electricity paid by your main provider for electricity generated by your PV array, as determined by the government. This will be be introduced in April 2010, and is set to be 41.3p per kWh generated by the solar array, for systems under 4kW installed before 31st March 2012. For systems installed after 1st April, the rate will reduce to 37.8p per kWh. Systems larger than 4kW will qualify for a tariff of 36.1p per kWh, reducing to 33p per kWh thereafter. In addition any surplus energy exported to the national grid can be sold for a minimum rate of 3p per kWh. The tariff is for 25 years and is tax free.

The payback period, defined as how long to recoup the money spent on the system in terms of savings make on electricity costs, will vary considerably depending primarily on the future cost of electricity, and the size of your system which attracts the new feed-in tariff system. Based on current average electricity costs, and assuming modest inflation of energy prices, the payback period on this calculation alone should be anywhere between 10 and 15 years, although the introduction of the  feed-in tariff at 41.3p per kWh will reduce the time further. This payback calculation also ignores any added value the system may add to your property. Try using our Payback Calculator on System Costs for illustrations. You will also be reducing your carbon footprint for many years to come.

The capital grant scheme is now closed and replaced with a feed-in tariff from April 2010. The tariff for domestic systems under 4kW will be 41.3p per kWh generated. The actual power from the system can be used for free, or sold back to the grid for a minimum 3p per kWh.

As part of the system, we provide a solar powered wireless data monitor, to be used in the house, which records and stores data collected from the PV array, so you can easily see what power is being generated and how much energy you are saving.

You do not need permission as long as you fulfil the criteria stated in our Planning section, pursuant to the Town and Country Planning Order 2008 No. 675, which came into force on 6th April 2008. There are specific points regarding the precise location of the system on your roof which you need to check. If you are in any doubt, we advise that you contact your local planning authority. To check your relevant local authority, click here

Any approved PV systems installed after July 2009 will also qualify for the feed-in tariff. The capital grant scheme has now closed.

The capital grant scheme is now closed and replaced with the feed-in tariff. Your pv system will qualify for this once the installation is confirmed by our certified installer.

The capital grant scheme is now closed and is replaced by the feed-in tariff.

PV systems need very little maintenance, we recommend that you simply regularly keep your solar panels clean and check that there is no shading on the panels. Any wiring or system components should only be checked by a qualified technician.

The power generated by the system is guaranteed for 20 years, although should have an operation life of at least 30 years. Some parts, such as the inverter, may need replacing over that period.

No, completion must be carried out by a certified installer in order to be eligible to claim the grant.

The solar array should ideally be south facing, or primarily south facing, otherwise there will be an appreciable reduction in power generated over the course of the year. Please note also your array should be sited so there is no shading during the day from nearby buildings, walls, trees etc.

If you move within 5 years of the installation, you may have to reimburse part of the capital grant received if you take the system with you, since the terms of the grant state that the system must operate at the installation for a minimum of 5 years. If you move within 5 years, you need to write to the LCBP and confirm details of the new owners, who must be made aware of the terms and conditions of the grant which is transferred to them.

There is currently good availability of grants for private householders. Recent press reports may have indicated that the grants were used up, but these were referring to commercial projects, not householder microgeneration installations. Currently the grant programme is set to continue until April 2010, when it will likely be replaced by a feed-in tariff system, which means the government legislating for a higher “subsidised” rate to be paid for your renewable electricity generated instead of providing a capital grant. Current expectation is that recipients of a grant will also be able to switch to and benefit from the feed-in tariff, so getting maximum benefit.

The capital grant scheme has now closed and is replaced by the feed-in tariff from April 2010.

You must be the owner of the property to apply for a grant.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adopted the energy saving measures stated, and you will need to co-operate with any energy monitoring measures carried out by EST or its authorised representatives. Smart Solar Ltd will not be held responsible if you have confirmed energy saving measures in your house which are incorrect and hence jeopardise the retention of your grant.

No, one of the great advantages of PV versus wind is that it is silent.

The PV system is totally safe, as long as correctly installed. We strongly recommend that armoured cabling is used to carry the power from the solar system to the consumer unit and that the cables are routed with safety in mind in order to comply with building regulations.

No, the electricity generated must be used during the day in the house, or exported back to your electricity provider.

You can either claim this yourself, or for a small administration fee, we can do this for you.

No, the householder must apply direct. However we have created an easy on-line application link through this website.

Your roof needs to be able to withstand the weight of the solar array. We can advise on viability from information you supply us, but if you are unsure, please consult a local builder or construction expert.

Yes, you need to check with your insurance provider that your policy covers this.

You do not need permission as long as you fulfil the criteria stated in our Planning section. Our standard system meets the size criteria to avoid the need for planning permission, however the proposed location of the system in terms of conforming to the rules remains your responsibility. If you are in any doubt, we advise that you contact your local planning authority.

No, unless it is for a different technology.

No, you must be the owner of the property in order to be eligible for the grant.

Smart Solar is a well financed business with good credit rating, financed with HSBC. Furthermore all client monies received for PV systems are paid into a separate client fund, until the system is delivered and commissioned.

Smart Solar uses an accredited installer for the final completion, which guarantees that you can claim your grant. Smart Solar is a member of the REA, which is the official PV solar trade organisation.

The power generated by the system is guaranteed for 20 years, although should have an operation life of at least 30 years. Some parts, such as the inverter, may need replacing over that period.

PV systems are modular, hence readily expandable, subject to space criteria. If additional solar panels are added in the future, the inverter will probably also need to be changed to accommodate a larger power supply. System extensions will not qualify for additional capital grants, but should qualify for the feed-in tariff when introduced.

No, a solar/PV system generates electricity, not hot water. If you are interested in using solar to generate hot water, you need a thermal system. Smart Solar does not currently supply thermal systems.