The Options For Installing Solar Panels In The Uk For Homeowners And Business Owners

The UK receives just as much sun light as mainland European countries such as France and Germany. With the UK's recently introduced feed-in tariff scheme, installing solar panels on your house or business roof has become a lucrative investment opportunity. The feed in tariff pays 43.3p per kilowatt hour of electricity that your system generates, along with a nominal 3 pence per unit of half of all electricity generated through the export tariff.

Commercial installations receive less payments per kilowatt hour generated, however the return on investment still ensures that solar pv (solar photovoltaic panels) is a great investment opportunity. Home owners should look to receive around 9 - 11 per cent return on investment per annum for a period of 25 years.

The FiT scheme is backed by the government, but paid by utility companies with quarterly payments from the property owners. A typical install would be in the region of three point three kilowatt peak - typically around 16 panels, taking up a roof area of twenty five metres squared.

Many installation companies in the UK will also install the solar panels for free, and in return they would collect the payments from the fit scheme to maintain and monitor of the system. Usually, to qualify for acceptance of such schemes, you should have a large non shaded roof of at least 25 metres square facing south. Depending where about in the country your property is located will depend on how many degrees from due south would be acceptable for inclusion on such schemes.

Warehouse systems in England and Wales have the potential to range up to around one megawatt in size if they were to be ground mounted, however on roof installations generally peak at around two hundred kilowatts, which is enough to cover a large factory roof.

Due to recent cuts in the feed in tariff payments for jobs over 50 kilo watt peaks, these larger installations will not be able to receive the high returns on investment of around 15 per cent per year, meaning large scale investment is not as appealing, however it will mean there is a rise in the interest in installations in the region of 25 to 50 kilo watt peak installations.

Last year, an industry report was published, showing the expected industry growth over the coming 15 years. Reports indicate that the solar photovoltaics industry in the UK is growing at around 400% per annum, which is currently in line with this report.

The Renewable Energy Association recommend that you get at least three quotations for a solar photovoltaics installation, to ensure that you are not overcharged, and to ensure that you are given all the information available. One common point that many hard sales tactic sales people negate mentioning is the face that inverters are likely to need be replaced within the 25 year feed in tariff payment period. Solar pv panels are estimated to convert energy at around 80% after 25 years, but still remain effective for at least 40 years or more from the date of commission.