We are not tied to any one supplier so we are able to offer a range of panels to suit your project. This allows us to select the best option and design a customised system for your home.
We use companies that offer the best product and performance warranties.
For the mounting system we only use Schueco or Schletter for their product warranty, range of brackets to suit different roof structures and tiles and their proven performance track record.
For the Inverters we use SMA, PowerOne and Deihl for Warranties up to 10years and options to purchase extended warranties.
Very little maintenance is required if a well designed solar PV system is installed properly.
Modules that are tilted at 15° or more have the additional benefit of being cleaned by rainfall to ensure optimal performance, in addition the glass on the panels is self-cleaning glass. As a precaution we recommend the panels should be cleaned every five years. This can usually be carried out from the ground using a low pressure washer and a long lance (no detergent or abrasives).
The inverter manufacturer will typically recommend that the inverter is inspected every five years.
You can expect them to operate for 25 years or more before they need replacing, although the inverter may need replacing over the lifetime of the panels.
Once fitted, your installer should leave written details of any maintenance checks that you should carry out from time to time to ensure everything is working properly. This should include details of the main inverter fault signals and key trouble-shooting guidance. Ideally your installer should demonstrate this to you at the point of handover. In areas that experience high levels of dust and grime such as city or industrial locations your solar PV array may need additional cleaning from time to time as rainfall may not be sufficient. Consult with your installer for exact maintenance requirements before you commit to installing a solar PV system.
In England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland changes to permitted development rights for domestic renewable technologies mean that most solar electricity installations don’t generally require planning permission, as long as they respect certain criteria.
A key criterion is that the panels should not protrude more than 200mm when installed and should not protrude above the ridge line. Particular exceptions apply for installations on flat roofs, listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas, world heritage sites and designated landscape areas.
Make sure you inform your building insurance company of your installation as they may need to note it as a material fact on your policy. This shouldn’t increase your premiums but check first with your insurance company.
All solar installations are also subject to the following conditions:
In order to claim the tariffs you need to complete a “Feed in Tariff” application form with an energy supply company. You should do this as soon as the system is installed. Ring up your electricity company and ask for a “Feed in Tariff” application form. Some electricity companies may want you to call them as soon as you know you are installing PV. Whoever your company is, we recommend you ring them as soon as you have an installation date, and ask them
As a minimum most companies will require you to complete their application form and send in a copy of the MCS Certificate supplied by your installer and a copy of the final invoice for your generation technology.
To receive your tariff payments from the commissioning date, most suppliers will need to receive the application form and MCS certificate / number, within 5 working days of the commissioning date.
All of the large suppliers offer home generation contracts and in most cases your existing electricity supplier should be able to sign you up. If your electricity provider does not offer the feed-in tariff, ring one of the big suppliers instead (e.g. E.on, nPower, SSE). There are also a number of smaller “green” suppliers that are offering FITs payments.
Please note in order for your system to qualify for feed in tariffs, it must be installed by an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited installer. The Solar Installation Team is an MCS accredited installer. We will provide you with a certificate after the installation. You need this in order to sign up.
There are several different types of solar PV with different characteristics, costs and benefits.
The main options for domestic use in the UK are:
As a minimum most companies will require you to complete their application form and send in a copy of the MCS Certificate supplied by your installer and a copy of the final invoice for your generation technology.
To receive your tariff payments from the commissioning date, most suppliers will need to receive the application form and MCS certificate / number, within 5 working days of the commissioning date.
All of the large suppliers offer home generation contracts and in most cases your existing electricity supplier should be able to sign you up. If your electricity provider does not offer the feed-in tariff, ring one of the big suppliers instead (e.g. E.on, nPower, SSE). There are also a number of smaller “green” suppliers that are offering FITs payments.
Please note in order for your system to qualify for feed in tariffs, it must be installed by an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited installer. The Solar Installation Team is an MCS accredited installer. We will provide you with a certificate after the installation. You need this in order to sign up.