Domestic Solar Energy Solutions2024-03-05T15:22:39+00:00

Domestic Solar Energy Solutions

How Does Domestic Solar Energy Work

Solar PV panels work by converting the energy from sunlight into Direct Current (DC) electrical energy which is converted into useable Alternating Current (AC) Energy for homes and businesses by an inverter.

Domestic

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) for Homes

Solar PV panels are a great way to generate your own renewable energy and reduce your electricity bill. With most Solar Panel Systems designed to last 25 years, PV is a great long term investment.

Domestic Solar Energy Solutions

Energy Storage

Combining a PV System with Energy Storage allows you fully optimise the energy you have generated during the day. Without a battery, any electrical energy created which is not directly used by the household is exported to the grid at a £ per kWh rate much lower than the import rate. Instead of exporting surplus energy at a loss, homeowners are now able to store the surplus energy and power their homes and charge their vehicles even when the sun isn’t shining. This also means an increased independence from the National Grid and  power outages.

Solar Car Ports

The average EV Battery size is around 40kWh which is more energy than an average flat with 2 people use in a week. Trying to charge a large EV battery using self generated renewable energy without importing expensive power from the Grid is difficult if you don’t have enough roof or ground space to mount a sizeable solar system. Solar Car Ports are pre-fabricated structures designed to be installed in your garden with additional solar panels on the roof which can increase your PV generation and help offset imported energy.

EV Charging

Solar Panels with a compatible electric vehicle (EV) chargers can keep your car charged using renewable energy.

When combined with battery storage, solar panel charging can be:

  • Cheaper

  • Greener

  • More convenient

Find out how combing Solar Panel and EV Charging can save you money and help the environment

Common Questions and Answers about Domestic Solar Energy

How much money can I save with Solar Panels?2024-03-05T14:42:01+00:00

How much money can I save with solar panels in the UK depends on various factors, including the size of your solar panel system, the orientation of your roof (South facing works best), the amount of sunlight your location receives, shading and your electricity consumption patterns, We would usually expect following best practices a saving between 60-70% and sometimes higher.  Here are some key considerations:

  1. Sunlight Availability: The UK is not known for its abundant sunlight, but solar panels can still generate electricity even on cloudy days. The efficiency of your panels and the total amount of sunlight your location receives will dictate the overall electricity production which is quantified in kW’s.
  2. System Size: The size of your solar panel system is a critical factor. Larger systems can generate more electricity, but they also require more roof space and a higher upfront investment.
  3. Panel Efficiency: Solar panel efficiency has improved over the years. Higher efficiency panels can convert more sunlight into electricity. Make sure to choose panels with a good balance of efficiency and cost. At Landsmart we aim to only install panels rated at a minimum of 400W and an efficiency of at least 20%. Efficiency in relation to solar panels means that 20% of the energy which the panel receives is converted into electrical energy.
  4. Orientation and Tilt: The orientation and tilt of your solar panels can impact their performance. Panels facing south and tilted at an angle close to the latitude of your location generally yield better results. The optimum angle of tilt for a solar panel in the UK is between 30-35°.
  5. Shading: Shade from nearby buildings, trees, or other obstructions can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels. It’s important to install panels in a location with minimal shading.
  6. Energy Consumption: Your electricity consumption habits also play a role. If you use more electricity during daylight hours when the panels are producing, you’ll see a greater impact on your overall energy savings.

How much money can I save with solar panels, to get a more accurate estimate of the potential electricity savings, please contact us for a free solar assessment.

How long do Solar Panels Last?2024-03-05T14:23:42+00:00

How long do Solar Panels Last, On average Solar Panels have a working life of between 20-25 years.

Do I need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?2024-03-06T09:35:30+00:00

Do I need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?

If your installation fits within certain parameters and isn’t on a building registered as listed then you do not need Planning Permission and the installation can be installed under Permitted Development rules (PDR). Below are the guidelines that must be followed when installing solar panels under PDR.

  • Ensuring that the panels do not protrude more than 200mm beyond the wall or roof
  • The solar panel is no higher than the roof (excluding any chimney)
  • If your property is in a conservation area, panels must not be fitted to a wall which fronts a highway

You can find out more on Planning Permission and Regulations for Homes on This Article on our Renewables Blog.

How much money can I save with Renewable Energy2024-03-06T11:37:58+00:00

How much money can I save with Renewable Energy?

There are many factors to consider when switching to renewables. For all of our customers we look for the system which delivers the best return on investment in the quickest time and also offsets the largest amount of carbon. Depending on whether you are looking to install solar panels, energy saving technologies or change to a Heat Pump, the following is a non-exhaustive list of considerations.

  • Solar panels can save you up to 50% off your energy bills if you consume the electricity whilst it is being produced during the day.
  • Installing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) can increase your saving by up to 80%
  • A Heat Pump will significantly increase your electricity consumption but eliminate your gas/oil consumption.
  • The cost of gas is considerably cheaper than electricity, but this is predicted to change over the coming years as gas becomes more and more scarce. For example, currently, gas is priced at 0.07p p/kWh whilst electricity costs around 0.27p p/kWh. Using these prices, this means that running a Heat Pump will be more expensive than a traditional gas boiler to run but the homeowner will have no gas bill and a drastically reduced carbon foot print.

You can find out more on Calculating your potential energy savings on This Article on our Renewables Blog.

Can I make money from my Solar Installation?2024-03-05T14:43:25+00:00

Can I make money from my Solar Installation? Yes, you can! The Solar Panel Tariff, also known as the Solar Export Tariff, is the rate at which you can be reimbursed for sending excess electricity to the National Grid. Unless you have battery storage to retain any excess electricity that is generated by your Solar Panels, you are eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This means you’re reimbursed for every unit of generated electricity you export to the grid. The SEG was introduced in 2019 to replace the Feed in Tariff (FiT) Scheme to encourage energy suppliers to offer competitive prices for energy. Rates vary between suppliers and for exporting energy and you are not tied to the same supplier you purchase energy from. On average in Dec 2023, SEG payments are around 0.15kWh.

How do I qualify for the Solar Export Guarantee2024-03-05T14:07:32+00:00

In order to apply for the Solar Export Guarantee, you will need to provide your chosen energy company with a copy of your Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) Certificate for your installation and also confirmation from the Distribution Network Operator that your system has been registered. As part of our installation service, we apply for and provide you with both of these confirmations. Landsmart has full MCS and National UK Electrical Accreditations so you don’t need to worry about any sign off or registration for your system post installation.

How long does a typical Domestic solar installation take?2024-03-05T14:01:52+00:00

On average our domestic installations take between 2-3 days depending on the size and complexity of the system.

What Are Energy Assessments For?2024-03-07T16:42:23+00:00
What Are Energy Assessments For?

They are designed to lower increasingly expensive energy costs and move you towards a sustainable future. Business energy assessments are extremely important and, for some companies, a legal requirement.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will tell you how energy efficient your home or business premises is: its level of carbon emissions and also how expensive it is to heat and light.  EPCs are useful to identify ways in which to improve energy efficiency and how to save money on energy bills.

The easiest thing to do is get in contact with Landsmart and ask us to conduct a Free Energy Assessment.

Common Questions and Answers about Domestic Solar Energy,

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