Domestic Photovoltaic Systems
Domestic PV systems normally range between 1 and 5kWp, generating 780 to 3900kWh / year, requiring 7 to 32m2 of PV array, and costing between £5500 and £20,000 (after 5% VAT and LCBP grant funding).
Our domestic installations usually take no more than 4 days, and have always been on time and on budget.
From initial estimate to post-installation, Solstice Energy will provide comprehensive information including professional design drawings, as well as grant and planning assistance.
Low Carbon Buildings Programme domestic grants of up to £2500 are available for PV installations. This grant funding is given on the condition that you reduce your electricity and heat demand as far as possible and practicable through cost-effective energy efficiency measures, such as fitting low energy lights and adequate insulation. This is a simple paper or online application with an instant response and we will provide you with all the information you need to apply for and claim your grant.
Click for enlargements. All images are of Solstice Energy installations and © Solstice Energy
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Our installation went incredibly smoothly despite the job requiring a small section of scaffolding and some roofing work. Everyone turned up exactly as promised, there was surprisingly little mess or fuss and the electrical work required was handled very professionally. We were also impressed by the high standard of information and documentation provided. It's very satisfying to see the power we are generating on our display, and we are now more conscious of the power we are consuming and making further efforts to improve our energy-efficiency.
Mrs Jill Gould, Nov 2008
Case Study
In March 2007 Solstice Energy commissioned a 3.6kWp system at the home of John and Fran Spicer.
Having decided to go for a photovoltaic installation rather than hot water we set about finding a supplier. Various websites gave details of approved suppliers and we requested quotes from a number of reasonably local companies.
Following visits from the companies to assess the site, responses were received and we then picked Solstice Energy based on a combination of confidence gained from discussions with them during and after the visit and their pricing.
A few weeks after signing the contract the scaffolding was put up and within a few days the installation was complete. There was minimum inconvenience as the internal work is relatively minor (and most of that was in the loft and therefore out of the way), whilst the installation of the panels onto the existing roof has little impact apart from some noise.
It then took a little while to sort out the fitting of an import/export meter (to replace the normal import meter) via the electricity supplier, and to fill in the paperwork to become a registered generator (not surprisingly there are rules around who can pump electricity into the national grid). After which it all pretty much runs itself – most visitors don't even notice, although it's good to tell the electrician when he's in as the voltage on a summer day is lethal!
The only ongoing differences are that you need to give an extra meter reading each quarter (the export), and expect to have your bill re-done as the standard billing run isn't set up for people selling electricity to the electricity company. But our experience has been that the people who handle this growing business are very helpful – just be prepared to work through the oddities that occur, such as the company needing to pay you (but it is a nice feeling!).
John Spicer, Dec 2008
The work took four days, and the final cost was £14,090 after 5% VAT and grant funding of £2500.
Predicted output for the system was 3060kWh / year, but actual output has been 3500kWh / year. Much of this power is exported to the grid during the daytime, and sold to Scottish & Southern Energy who offer a very competitive rate for domestic exported power.
John and Fran have kept detailed records since installation, and last years spreadsheet shows how the financial benefits have been made. The previous years net benefit of £664.81 will grow in line with inflation and electricity price hikes, and this effect can be predicted by using our interest rate calculator. You can see that with a conservative annual increase of 7% on that £664.81, the £14,090 cost will be recouped in under 14 years and doubled in under 21.
Play with the calculator to see the effect of different electricity price increases.