The costs involved with a solar power system

Solar panels cost quiet a lot of money to start off with.

Not only is there the price of your solar panel system but also delivery and installation charges. These initial outlay costs are all people see generally but if you wait just a small amount of time what you will begin to see is an annual reduction in your power bills. These reductions can equate to quite large amounts over time and the system can pay for itself numerous times over in its lifetime.

How much will it cost initially?

The cost of a solar panel system is directly relatedl to the amount of power it is designed to generate. Obviously, the more you intent to use it for the bigger your system should be. Grid connected solar power systems are by far the simplest, and in the United Kingdom they currently cost between £ 5,000 and £ 7,000.

This is excluding VAT and installation. With VAT and installation you will be looking at closer to £10,000.

Is there any funding available?

The government run the “Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme”. As a part of this scheme the government will pay home owners to generate heat from solar power systems up to 18pence per Kw generated for a fixed 18 year period. The government has also introduced “Feed in tariffs” for home owners who generate their own electricity. The price paid is £41.3p per Kw generated which is guaranteed for a 25 year period.

Does having a solar panel system add value to my home?

The quick answer to this is yes. A recent survey has found that people are willing to pay anything up to £10,000 more for a home that is built in an environmentally friendly way. Estate agents are now reporting a devaluing of homes that have poor energy efficiency standards. So, your solar panels cost is nothing really if you are adding value to your home that will only increase over time.

As you can see there are many incentives to installing a solar power system that far outweighs the solar panels cost initially. Aside from the monetary benefits there are also the benefits to the environment to consider. CO2 emissions will be reduced greatly and our carbon footprint will decrease. Overall I think that every homeowner should consider installing a solar panel system as soon as they are able.

For more information see solar panels cost

What you have to do previous to the solar panel installation

You have done it! You've purchased a solar power system and therefore are now waiting for its planned arrival. Could there be something that you have to do in preparation for the solar panel installation visit? How about we we take a look?

Clearing away debris

Prior to your solar panels turn up and are set up you need to check out theplanned surrounding surroundings. You might want to have a peek at your homes roof to confirm to see if there are any potential obstructions. An obstruction probably will be an overhanging tree. You will have to be sure that any trees within your garden or surrounding area aren't directly obstructing the region in which the panels shall be and thus barring out sun rays.

If there are any obstructions you will have to get rid of them just before your solar panel installation visit. If you never remove any objects in the way, your solar panel systems will not be as effective as possible.

Your access route

Solar panels are not the lightest items in the planet. It usually requires a few grown men to transport just one panel. You must make sure that you preserve or devote a close parking space for your installers. It's also wise to guarantee that the distance in between their van and their working area is clear.

Be sure you don’t have wheelie bins, by way of example obstructing routes and entrances. Furthermore look for wobbly paving slabs and clutter which may result in a trip hazard.

Have their contact details:

This is really a significant one yet one which is much disregarded. Always jot down the information of your solar panel installation company if possible. This will allow you to speak to somebody if you have any problems or considerations.

Typically you will be provided a slot of time like in between 9am and 1pm and so on. They do this to make sure you don’t be required to wait in right through the day, however you're still best to request their contact details.

Therefore as you can see there are a selection of minor but very important things that can be done in planning for you solar panel installation. As soon as put in you'll rapidly get the returns of your system. Your energy bills will decrease and you'll know that you are having a positive effect on the planet.

If you would like to read more see solar panel installation.

A rise in solar installation

It appears that society has ultimately noticed that if we'd like the entire process of global warming we will need to do something about it ourselves. Due to this nationwide realisation habits for instance recycling, growing your own fruit and veg, walking and carpooling have raised, in addition to solar panel installation.

Price -

When solar panels first came on the scene, they were extremely expensive and for that reason only really available to the exceedingly rich. But this is the exact same any time any new little bit of technology comes available on the market. But now, as they have existed for a time, they are becoming more inexpensive.

Local authorities -

Several town and city councils are implementing systems which usually inspire their residents to acquire solar panel installation on theirroofs. In the majority of areas this really is initially offered to people who would massively enjoy the lowered utility bills and very unlikely to be able to have the money for the panel themselves.
For that reason, these campaigns are mainly targeted at those on benefits, weak or residing below the poverty line.

Sell it back -

One of the main benefits of having solar power panels placed on your homes roof is that you are now able to sell back any extra power you have made back to theelectricity board. Therefore not only will you reduce your bills but you will additionally be handed a cheque from the main board denoting the sum they owe you for your extra electricity. Now isn't that cool?

As you have seen many reasons exist why there has been an increase in solar panel installation recently and we’re sure this is only likely to increase a lot more within the next year or two.

Specifically just where you must fit your solar panel systems

Acting ‘green’ has grown to be incredibly hip a heaps of men and women wish to spend money on getting solar panel systems mounted on their own houses. On the other hand, this isn't a choice for being taken lightly; it is generally because of the price tag and whether your homes roof would work and whether it is in sufficient state to withstand solar panel systems.

Ahead of even searching for a fantastic quotation etc you should make certain that your property is ready.

Since you may assume solar panel systems are fairly weighty so your roof ought to be in excellent condition in order that they do notsimply fall through in to the attic or somebody's bedroom. Have a very good roofer come round and make certain your roof-tiles are stable but additionally the roof beams are certainly not enduring rot or weakened in any way.

You additionally have to be sure the sun shines righton to the location in which you plan for the solar panels to go for the best time frame feasible. Even though good solar panel systems can easily transform sunlight directly into power with out direct sunlight, you are going to create a lot more usable sustainable energy when they are capable of getting some direct solar rays.

On the other hand, if you uncover your roof is just not suited you can even acquire ground based solar panel systems. In certain aspects they are less complicated since you can easily put them wheresoever the sun shines the most. The sole initial work you'll want to do is make sure your garden posseses an electrical supply.

To find out more look at solar panel systems.

How Midland Businesses Can Think Green

Many businesses in the midlands are keen to show off their green credentials in a changing world. Businesses that use a lot of packaging or produce a lot of waste are frowned upon by their customers in this day and age. Many businesses are exploring ways to reduce their carbon foot print in order to strengthen their brand and reach a greater scope of people.

Let’s look at some of the ways Midlands based businesses can do this. We will look at things like waste reduction and solar PV. Midlands based businesses are leading the way in green innovation!

Reduce packaging:

Statistics from a few years ago show that UK households produced the equivalent weight of 245 jumbo jets per week in packaging waste. Per year this is 4 times as much packaging waste as their luggage allowance on a jumbo jet. These stats are scary and thankfully businesses are now starting to take this on board. Many companies will argue that packaging is essential. In this case they should seek to source recycled cardboard and packaging materials. Customers are loving all things eco-friendly at the moment and businesses should seek to always satisfy their customers.

Reduce waste in the office:

A lot of businesses produce a lot of waste in the workplace. Just think about how much paper is used unnecessarily in just one day. Something to also consider is how employees travel to work. A car-pooling scheme might be a good way to reduce emissions as well as petrol costs. As well as car-pooling employees are now being encouraged to bring in packed lunches so as to reduce the amount of waste with sandwich wrappers and drinks cartons.

As the old saying goes “you are on the outside what you are on the in”. Used in this setting it means if you can be eco-friendly in the office with your staff it will be easy to recreate this for your customers. This would be a good starting point than say solar PV. Midlands customers are open minded and as long as they can see efforts are being made they are happy.

Use alternative energy:

Many companies are now starting to install solar PV. Midlands based businesses are picking up on this and are looking to do the same. It is becoming more common to see solar panels on office block and at head office builders these days. Imagine the joy of being able to continue business in the event of a power failure because you can generate your own energy.

For more information see solar PV Midlands.

How to find good solar quotes

Many of us are now realising that we must do our bit in using renewable energy sources. With a lot of talk about global warming and our carbon footprint amongst our government and world leaders, it is now time for those of us who can to take the reins. Solar energy is the best place for the greener amongst us to start.

Solar panel systems are now widely available and are more reasonably priced than they have been previously.

Looking for a provider

Online:
As the popularity of solar panels has increased so has the amount of providers out there. There are lots of reputable companies out there and the best place to start looking for solar quotes is probably online. Check out as many websites as you can to compare prices. The systems will probably be fairly similar but prices can vary quite a lot.

Word of mouth:
Most people come in to contact with solar power systems when a friend of family member has one fitted. Once the benefits are clearly laid bare many jump on the bandwagon as they see their acquaintances save on their bills. Ask around to see if you can find somebody you know who has a system. Pay them a visit and have a look at it and ask them critical questions. These questions should be things like where did they buy? How much was it? Was the installation hassle free and easy? How long was it before they began to see savings?

Getting solar quotes

Ask a couple of providers for solar quotes and compare them. If one is cheaper than the other then go back to the more expensive company and see if they will beat the cheaper quote you have received. Even if they offer free installation this may undercut the other company and save you cash.

Government schemes

Many governments offer schemes and financial support for those who have solar panel systems. Get your solar quotes and then find out if you can get any help towards the costs of it by contacting your local council. Other than helping pay for the actual system another way of getting cash back is through the National Grid.

If you generate surplus electricity it can usually be given in to the grid. They will then pay you for that electricity.

There are a lot of benefits to having a solar panel system in your home. It would be a good thing for us all to become a lot more self-efficient.

For more information see solar quotes

Facts about Solar Energy

Many people are aware of the benefits of Solar energy, the only thing that puts them off is the solar panel cost. What people don’t realise is that the initial outlay is returned in savings multiple times over in the course of the systems life.

Solar energy has many applications

Solar energy is not just good for heating and lighting houses. It has also been used to heat swimming pools, power cars, fans, calculators and other smaller appliances.

Quick Facts about energy usage

- About 30% of a households total energy consumption is used to heat water.
- In one hour more sunlight falls on our earth that what is used in solar energy by the whole population in a whole year.
- Electric ovens, microwaves and air conditioning systems consume the most energy when running.

Quick facts about the Sun

- The Sun is 109 times bigger that the Earth.
- The Suns average temperature is 5700C
- The Sun is 150 million km from the Earth.

About your Solar panel system

Remember that although you have the system and solar panel cost to consider at the beginning you will reap the rewards!

Panels are usually mounted on a roof that is unobstructed by trees or buildings. It needs to installed facing North so as to receive maximum amounts of sunlight. An average system usually consists of 10 to 12 panels, a battery, inverter, charge controller, wiring and a support structure. You are able to store excess solar energy in batteries for use at a later date.

Solar energy usage across the world

Worldwide productions of solar cells increased by 60% in 2004 alone! However the material these cells are made out of, Silicon, has been in short supply ever since. One of the biggest solar power plants is in Bavaria and has 1,400 movable solar panels providing power to 3,500 homes. The largest is in the Mojave Desert in North America. Its Solar panels cover 1000 acres! A large solar power plant is currently being built in Israel and it is planned that it will supply more than 200,000 Israeli’s with electricity.

Attitudes must change for solar energy to take off

Solar energy is more than just being willing to install a system and put up with the solar panel cost. It is about our attitude toward renewable and unrenewable power that must change. We live in a throwaway society. Things are easily bought and are just as easily discarded. More and more people are beginning to live greener lives but it will take a worldwide collective effort to really make a change!

For more information see solar panel cost.