Solar Panel Installers Beckenham

05/09/2023

SOLAR PANEL INSTALLERS BECKENHAM. BRITISH HOUSEHOLDS INSTALLING SOLAR PANELS AND HEAT PUMPS AT RECORD LEVELS AS UTILITY COSTS RISE.

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British households are making more green energy upgrades than ever before after installing a record number of solar panels and heat pumps in the first half of the year, according to the industry’s official standards body.

The industry figures show there were more green energy installations in June than in previous years.

On average, more than 17,000 households installed solar panels every month this year, while the number of homes installing heat pumps reached 3,000 a month for the first time, according to the data.

Each month of 2023 was a record month for battery technologies, as installation figures consistently surpassed the month before, bringing the total number of batteries installed in homes and businesses across the UK to more than 1,000 in 2023 so far.

The industry’s accreditation body, MCS, said the green energy boom has put households on track to install more renewable energy than the last record set in 2012, when many raced to install solar panels before government subsidies were reduced.

Ian Rippin, the chief executive of MCS, said: “As the cost of energy continues to grow, we are seeing more people turn to renewable technology to generate their own energy and heat at home.”

Small-scale renewable energy installations at homes and businesses across the UK now have a total capacity of 4 gigawatts (GW), greater than the nuclear power plant under construction at Hinkley Point and almost double the capacity of Europe’s biggest gas power plant near Pembroke in Wales.

“We need to continue to push this expansion to meet our shared national ambitions to reach net zero by 2050. More consumers have the confidence to invest in small-scale renewables now than ever, but we have to make that transition even easier,” Rippin said.

The UK government has set targets to reach 70GW of solar capacity by 2035 and to install 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028. But the uptake of heat pumps has fallen far short of the government’s aim, despite £5,000 grants to reduce the cost of replacing an old gas boiler.

In total there were 17,920 heat pump installations in the first six months of 2023, according to MCS data, meaning that if the same pace continued over the second half of the year, heat pump installations would reach just 6% of the government’s target.
Bean Beanland, the director of external affairs at the Heat Pump Federation, said there was “a tremendous job of work to do” to ensure that heat pump technology becomes mainstream over the remainder of this decade.

The accreditation body believes that one of the biggest barriers to the government’s heat pump ambitions is the need to recruit enough qualified, skilled installers to meet the demand for trustworthy advice and installations.

There are 1,500 heat pump installation companies certified in the UK, but an estimated 50,000 workers will be needed to meet government targets. So far this year, more than 850 new contractors have become MCS certified, more than the number who signed up during the whole of 2022.

Beanland added: “It is essential that the lowest-carbon heat becomes the lowest-cost heat, so that homeowners and landlords can justify the transition away from polluting fossil fuels. If this is coupled to a genuine affordability and future funding package, then households will be able to contribute to climate change mitigation with confidence and at a cost that is fair to all.”

NOTE: We claim no right or title to this article which appears in theguardian dot com. Author acknowledged as Jillian Ambrose.

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19/07/2023

GRANTS AND ASSISTANCE FOR GOING SOLAR. SOLAR PANEL INSTALLERS BECKENHAM.

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Are you considering investing in solar panels for your home but find the costs daunting? What if we told you that government bodies and regulators like Ofgem could help you lighten that financial load and that there are grants specifically designed to make solar energy more affordable for UK residents?

In May 2023 alone, over 11,000 new solar arrays were installed in homes across the UK and solar panel grants have been a great help for many people who are now enjoying the benefits of clean, renewable energy without bearing the full cost. For example, Ofgem’s ECO4 can save you up to 100 per cent of the cost of solar panels.

In this article, we’re going to answer the following crucial questions for you:

• Can I make solar panels cheaper with a grant?
• What help or grants are there, and do I qualify?
• What’s the process, and is it easy?

We’ll unpack the world of solar grants, outlining what types of financial assistance are available, whether you’re eligible, and how to apply. We’ll provide a step-by-step guide to the process, so you can see how straightforward it can be.

Several solar panel grants and other incentives are currently available for UK homeowners, designed to encourage using renewable energy and reduce your household bills.

Eligibility for solar panel grants

The eligibility requirements for grants for solar panels can encompass a wide range of factors. These include the type and location of the property, the financial situation of the applicant, the energy efficiency of the building, and the specifics of the solar installation process.

It’s important to understand the specific eligibility criteria for each grant before applying, to ensure the time and effort invested in the application process are well-placed. In all cases, the exact details of these criteria will be outlined by the organisation administering the grant.

Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) including LA Flex
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a UK government scheme managed by Ofgem. It’s aimed at improving the country’s least energy-efficient homes, focusing on low-income and vulnerable households. The scheme obliges larger energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency measures to domestic premises in Great Britain.
Under the ECO, there have been multiple phases, each with slight changes in focus and eligibility criteria. If you receive any of the following benefits, you could be eligible for ECO4 funding:

• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support (IS)
• Universal Credit (UC)
• Housing Benefit
• Working Tax Credit (WTC)
• Child Tax Credits (CTC)
• Pension Credit Guarantee
• Pension Credit Savings Credit

Anyone with additional Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits could also be eligible for ECO4, regardless of whether they receive Universal Credit.

The primary focus of the grant is on homes occupied by their owners. However, it will also extend support to energy inefficient social housing and privately rented residences, provided the property owner permits works to take place.

How to apply for the ECO4 grant

Applying for an ECO4 grant is quick and straightforward, and there are a number of companies that offer the grant. These can be found through an online search. The application follows a similar process, whoever you choose to go through.

1. Follow the online application process to confirm your eligibility.
2. Once you have done this, you’ll receive an email containing a unique reference number and a document. This asks for your permission to contact the Department of Work and Pensions to confirm your benefits. The document can be digitally signed and returned.
3. Within a week, you should be contacted to arrange a free survey. The survey consists of a 10 – 15 minute inspection of your home’s energy efficiency measures and is designed to be minimally intrusive.
4. Once the survey is completed and your application approved, installing your solar panels can take up to eight weeks.

LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility) is an extension of the ECO4 scheme. Under this initiative, local authorities can determine eligibility criteria for energy efficiency measures and identify households that may not have been eligible under the national criteria. However, they typically include conditions such as:

• The household is defined as low-income and is at risk of fuel poverty
• The property is hard to heat, often due to poor insulation or lack of a central heating system
• The residents are vulnerable in some way, such as being elderly, disabled, or having young children
It’s also important to note that private tenants can be eligible under LA Flex, with their landlords’ permission.

If you are eligible under ECO4, or LA Flex, you could be entitled to up to 100 per cent off your solar panels.

Solar Together

Solar Together is a group buying scheme for solar panels operating in local council regions of the UK. Its goal is to make solar power more accessible and affordable for homeowners and small businesses.

The scheme brings together households and local government authorities to create a collective buying group for solar panels for homes. Interested parties register, and solar panel providers bid for the opportunity to install their panels for the group. This typically results in a competitive installation price, lower than an individual household could negotiate.

Once a winning provider is selected, registered participants receive a personal recommendation tailored to their specific needs. They can then decide whether or not to go ahead with the installation.

The Solar Together scheme aims to promote the use of renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and help residents save money on their energy bills. It not only provides a platform for more cost-effective solar panel installations and high-quality installations, full technical surveys, and thorough customer service throughout the process.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

This scheme came into effect on 1 January 2020 (after being introduced by the UK government), with the view to replace the previous Feed-in Tariff scheme. The SEG mandates that larger energy suppliers must offer an export tariff to their customers who generate their own renewable electricity, such as through solar panels or wind turbines.

Anyone who installs a renewable energy system, such as solar panels or wind turbines, with a capacity up to 5MW can qualify for the SEG. They must also have an export meter installed and a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate, or equivalent document. While it’s not necessary to incorporate a solar storage battery into your system to be eligible for SEG, it could be a useful addition, ensuring no surplus energy is wasted.

How to apply for SEG

In order to receive payment under SEG, you will need to apply directly to a supplier offering SEG tariffs. The energy suppliers providing these tariffs are listed on the Ofgem website.
It’s worth noting that the supplier who provides your energy doesn’t necessarily need to be your SEG tariff supplier. These can be two separate entities.

Suppliers under the SEG are mandated to offer you a tariff, but they have the discretion to set the terms of that tariff, which could be either fixed or variable.

Be aware that these tariffs can shift over time, so it’s advisable to regularly review your current tariff to ensure it remains competitive.
If you possess a storage device like a household battery or an electric vehicle capable of importing and exporting electricity, you could benefit from the SEG. You can seek advice about this from your potential SEG tariff supplier.

Zero VAT

In the UK, the VAT (Value Added Tax) rate on most goods and services is 20 per cent. However, under government incentives, certain energy-saving materials and equipment, including the best solar panels, are eligible for a reduced VAT rate.

This reduced rate is currently 0 per cent until 31 March 2027, and it applies to the supply and installation of solar panels on residential properties in England, Scotland, and Wales.

This reduced VAT rate is part of the UK government’s efforts to encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.

Expired solar panel grants

There have been a number of solar panels grants that have recently expired. Such schemes typically had set durations or funding limits, meaning that once a certain date was reached or the available funding was exhausted, the grant would expire. This means while the grants could have provided significant assistance at the time, they are no longer available for new applicants. Here are a few examples of schemes that have now expired.

Feed-in Tariff

The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) was a UK government scheme designed to encourage the uptake of a range of small-scale renewable and low-carbon electricity generation technology.

Under the FiT scheme, homeowners who installed renewable electricity systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or hydroelectric power, could receive payments from their energy supplier. These payments were for the electricity they generated and used themselves, as well as any surplus electricity they exported back to the national grid.

Although the scheme closed to new entrants in March 2019, existing contracts, up to a maximum of 20 years, continue to be honoured.

Green Homes Grant

The Green Homes Grant was a government scheme designed to help homeowners and landlords in England make their homes more energy-efficient.

Under the scheme, vouchers worth up to £5,000 were issued to cover up to two-thirds of the cost of making energy efficiency improvements to homes. The types of improvements covered under the grant included insulation, low-carbon heating, draught proofing, and solar panels. For low-income households, the vouchers could be worth up to £10,000 and cover 100 per cent of the cost.

However, the Green Homes Grant scheme faced various criticisms, including difficulties in administration and accessing accredited installers, which led to a low take-up. The scheme was initially planned to run until March 2022, but it was closed prematurely in March 2021.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

The RHI aimed to encourage the uptake of renewable heat technology among householders and businesses through financial incentives. It was the first of its kind in the world and was introduced to help the UK meet its carbon reduction targets.
The Domestic RHI was launched in April 2014 and helped with the installation of biomass heating systems, ground or water source heat pumps, air-to-water heat pumps, and solar thermal panels. The scheme provided a financial incentive in the form of quarterly cash payments over seven years to homeowners, landlords and self-builders who installed or had installed eligible renewable heating technology.

The scheme’s goal was to compensate for the difference between the cost of installing and operating these heating systems compared to fossil fuel systems, thus making renewable heat sources a more attractive option.

The RHI scheme officially closed to new applicants on 31 March 2021. Existing participants will continue to receive their payments for the full term of their agreement.

Other ways to fund solar panels

Several other organisations offer assistance to fund solar panel installations, focusing on mortgage holders specifically.

Barclays Greener Homes

As part of its commitment to encouraging energy-efficient home improvements, Barclays has launched the Greener Home Reward scheme. This initiative is designed to assist its UK residential mortgage customers in installing solar panels. By registering online for the scheme, eligible customers can enjoy a financial incentive towards solar technology.

Under this scheme, Barclays offers a cash reward of £1,000 to its residential mortgage customers who have installed and fully paid for their solar panel systems. However, to ensure quality, a business registered with TrustMark must carry out the installation.

Once the installation is complete, the customer is eligible for the £1,000 cash reward, thereby making their shift to sustainable energy more affordable.

Lloyds Bank Eco Home Reward

If you already have, or are applying for, a Lloyds Bank mortgage, or are borrowing funds for home improvements, you can claim up to £500 cashback for a solar panel installation.

Once you’ve checked your eligibility, and registered either online or in person, use your preferred supplier to install your solar panels, before claiming your cashback.

Halifax Green Living Reward

Whether you’re an existing Halifax mortgage holder, in the process of applying for one, or securing funds for home improvements, you’re eligible to claim up to £500 cashback for installing solar panels.

To take advantage of this offer, you’ll first need to verify your eligibility and register. Following this, you can proceed with the installation of your solar panels using the supplier of your choice. Once the installation is completed, you’re ready to claim your cashback.

NOTE: We claim no right or title to this article which is shared for information purposes only. The article has not been edited, but has been shortened to fit within with our blog restraints. The author is fully acknowledged as Katharine Allison and the article can be found in full at Independent dot co dot uk.

Statistics, systems and financials quoted should be taken as general information only and may not be right for your specific premises and circumstances. You are strongly advised to consult a solar panel installation professional and your local authority before undertaking any financial commitment.

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29/06/2023

SOLAR PANELS WITH BATTERY STORAGE OR WITHOUT? SOLAR PANEL INSTALLERS BECKENHAM.

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Solar panels are a great way to generate clean and renewable electricity for your home or business. But what happens when the sun is not shining?

Do you need a battery to store the excess energy you produce, or can you rely on the grid to supplement your power needs? And how much does a solar battery cost in the UK?

In this article, we will answer these questions and help you decide whether you need solar panels with battery storage or without batteries.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar panels with battery storage?

A solar battery is a device that allows you to store the energy generated by your solar panels, so you can use it later when you need it. This means you can benefit from the energy in the evenings and during the night, when your solar panels are not producing electricity. A solar battery can also provide backup power in case of a power outage, and help you reduce your reliance on the grid.

Some of the advantages of solar panels with battery storage are:

• You can use more of the solar energy you generate, which can save you money on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
• You can avoid paying higher rates for grid electricity during peak times, by using your stored energy instead.
• You can sell excess energy back to the grid when the rates are higher and earn money from your solar system.
• You can monitor your energy production and consumption in real time and optimize your usage accordingly.
• You can increase your energy self-sufficiency and security and have peace of mind in case of a power cut.
Some of the disadvantages of solar panels with battery storage are:
• Solar batteries are expensive and can add significantly to the cost of your solar system.
• Solar batteries have a limited lifespan and may need to be replaced after 10 years or so.
• Solar batteries have a limited capacity and may not be able to store all the excess energy you produce.
• Solar batteries may require maintenance and servicing, which can add to the running costs of your system.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar panels without battery storage?

Solar panels without battery storage are connected to the grid, which acts as a backup source of power when your solar panels are not generating enough electricity. This means you don’t need to invest in a battery, but you also don’t get to store the excess energy you produce.

Some of the advantages of solar panels without battery storage are:

• Solar panels without battery storage are cheaper and simpler to install than solar panels with battery storage.
• Solar panels without battery storage have lower maintenance and running costs than solar panels with battery storage.
• Solar panels without battery storage can still save you money on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint, by generating clean and renewable energy.
• Solar panels without battery storage can still benefit from net metering schemes, where you get credited for the excess energy you send back to the grid.
Some of the disadvantages of solar panels without battery storage are:

• You can only use the solar energy you generate when it is available, which means you may waste a lot of it during the day when you don’t need it.
• You have to rely on the grid for your power needs when your solar panels are not producing enough electricity, which means you may pay higher rates during peak times.
• You have no backup power in case of a power outage, which means you may lose access to essential services and appliances.
• You have less control over your energy usage and costs, as you depend on the grid and its fluctuations.

How much do solar batteries cost in the UK?

The cost of a solar battery in the UK typically ranges between £1,800 and £7,0001. How much you’ll need to pay will depend on the size of battery you need and the amount of excess energy your solar panel system generates.

The size of a solar battery is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which indicates how much energy it can store. The larger the capacity, the more expensive the battery. As a rough guide, you should expect to pay around £900 per kWh of storage capacity.
The amount of excess energy your solar panel system generates depends on several factors, such as:

• The size and efficiency of your solar panel system
• The orientation and tilt of your roof
• The amount of sunlight and shading in your location
• The amount of electricity you consume during the day

To determine how much excess energy you generate, you can use an online calculator or consult a professional installer. A typical home in the UK with a 4 kWp solar panel system may generate around 3,400 kWh of electricity per year, but only use around 50% of it. This means they may have around 1,700 kWh of excess energy per year, which could be stored in a battery.

To store this amount of energy, they may need a battery with a capacity of around 4 kWh, which could cost them around £3,600. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may vary depending on the type and brand of the battery, the installation costs, and the availability of incentives and subsidies.

Some of the most popular brands of solar batteries in the UK are:

• Tesla Powerwall: A lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 13.5 kWh and a price of around £7,0002.
• Samsung SDI: A lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 3.6 kWh and a price of around £2,5002.
• EDF Energy Grid Storage: A lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 6 kWh and a price of around £4,500.
• E.on Solar Storage: A lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 4.4 kWh and a price of around £3,500.
• Ovo Energy V2G Charger: A vehicle-to-grid charger that allows you to use your electric car as a battery, with a capacity of up to 30 kWh and a price of around £3,000.
Conclusion
Solar panels with battery storage or without batteries are both viable options for generating clean and renewable electricity for your home or business. The best option for you will depend on your energy needs, preferences, budget, and location.

If you want to use more of the solar energy you generate, avoid paying higher rates for grid electricity, sell excess energy back to the grid, monitor your energy usage, and increase your energy self-sufficiency and security, then solar panels with battery storage may be worth considering.

If you want to save money on the initial cost of your solar system, have lower maintenance and running costs, still save money on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint, and still benefit from net metering schemes, then solar panels without battery storage may be sufficient for you.

To find out how much a solar panel system with or without battery storage will cost you, you can use an online calculator or get quotes from professional installers. You can also compare different brands and models of solar batteries to find the best one for your needs.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the pros and cons of solar panels with battery storage or without batteries.
NOTE: The above article is for general information only. Details, systems and costs may not suit your exact property, needs or situation. You are strongly advised to consult your local authority and solar panel installation professional before making any financial decisions.

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22/06/2023

LONG SUNNY DAYS MEANS MORE SOLAR POWER. GET A FREE QUOTE WITH SOLARQUOTE BECKENHAM. SOLAR PANEL INSTALLERS BECKENHAM.

Residential and Commercial.

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Solar power is a renewable and clean source of energy that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on electricity bills. But how well does solar power work in the UK, a country known for its cloudy and rainy weather? In this article, we will explore why solar power works well on sunny days in the UK, as well as on cloudy days and in winter. We will also look at some statistics on how many hours of daylight the UK gets, the GWh of output, and why solar works on cloudy days too.

How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels are devices that convert light into electricity. They are made up of solar cells, which are usually composed of silicon, a semi-conducting material. When light hits the solar cells, it knocks electrons loose from the silicon atoms, creating an electric current. This current can then be used to power appliances or stored in batteries for later use.

Solar panels work best when they receive direct and strong sunlight, which means they produce more electricity around noon, when the sun is highest in the sky, and on clear sunny days, when the light is brightest. However, solar panels can also work with indirect and diffuse light, which means they can still generate electricity on cloudy days and in winter, albeit at a lower rate.

Solar Power on Sunny Days in the UK

The UK may not be famous for its sunny weather, but it does have plenty of sunny days throughout the year. According to the Met Office, the UK has an average of 1493 hours of sunshine per year, which is equivalent to about 4 hours per day. However, this varies depending on the region and the season. For example, the south-east of England has more sunshine than the north-west of Scotland, and summer has more sunshine than winter.

On sunny days, solar panels can produce a lot of electricity in the UK. For example, on June 21 2022, which was the summer solstice and the longest day of the year, the UK generated 8.67GWh of solar energy, which was enough to power over 2 million homes. This was also a record-breaking day for solar power in the UK, as it accounted for 34% of the total electricity demand.

The amount of electricity that a solar panel can produce depends on several factors, such as its size, orientation, angle, efficiency and shading. However, a rough estimate can be obtained by using this formula:

Solar panel output (kWh) = Solar panel size (kW) x Sunlight hours (h) x Performance ratio

The performance ratio is a factor that accounts for losses due to temperature, wiring, dust and other factors. It is usually between 0.5 and 0.8.

For example, a 4kW solar panel system in London can produce about 3.8kWh of electricity on a sunny day in June, assuming a performance ratio of 0.75 and 10 hours of sunlight. This is enough to run an A++ dishwasher for about 19 loads.

Solar Power on Cloudy Days and in Winter in the UK

Solar power does not stop working when the sun goes behind a cloud or when the days get shorter. Solar panels can still generate electricity from daylight, not just sunlight. In fact, solar panels work on light, not heat, so they can benefit from the sun’s natural energy in every month of the year.

However, solar power does decrease on cloudy days and in winter in the UK. This is because there is less light available for the solar panels to absorb. On cloudy days, the light is scattered and diffused by the clouds, reducing its intensity and directionality. On winter days, the days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky, reducing its duration and angle.

According to Renogy, a region with an average of four hours of sunlight per day can generate 0.6kWh to 0.8kWh per square metre of solar panels. This means that a 4kW solar panel system can produce 2.4kWh to 3.2kWh per day. However, this varies depending on the region and the season.

For example, a 4kW solar panel system in London can produce about 1kWh of electricity on a cloudy day in December, assuming a performance ratio of 0.75 and 4 hours of daylight. This is enough to power a Tesla Model 3 for about 4 miles of driving.

On the plus side, solar panels can work more efficiently in cold temperatures than in hot weather. This is because solar cells lose some of their efficiency when they get too hot, reducing their output. Cold temperatures can help keep the solar cells cool and optimal.

Another factor that can affect solar power on cloudy days and in winter is snow. Snow can cover the solar panels and block the light from reaching them, preventing them from generating electricity. However, this is not a common problem in the UK, as the snow usually melts or slides off the solar panels due to their angle and residual heat.

Conclusion

Solar power works well on sunny days in the UK, but it also works on cloudy days and in winter. Solar panels can generate electricity from daylight, not just sunlight, and they can benefit from the sun’s natural energy in every month of the year. However, solar power does decrease on cloudy days and in winter, as there is less light available for the solar panels to absorb. Solar panels can also work more efficiently in cold temperatures than in hot weather.

Solar power is a renewable and clean source of energy that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on electricity bills. The UK has plenty of potential for solar power, as it has an average of 1493 hours of sunshine per year and generated 8.67GWh of solar energy on June 21 2022. Solar power is a viable option for UK energy consumers, even on a typically British cloudy grey day.

NOTE: Systems and statistics are provided for general guidance and information only, and may not be suitable for your premises, location or situation. You are strongly advised to seek advice from your local authority and a professional solar panel installer before making any financial decisions.

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