FAQs

What are feed-in tariffs?
As part of the push towards a greener UK, new legislation means that energy companies have to pay you for any renewable energy you produce. These payments are called Feed-in Tariffs (or 'FITs'). The level of the payment (the 'tariff') varies for different renewable energy sources and installation sizes. Our Solar section has more information.


Am I better off buying a PV system or having a Free Solar package?
We aren't financial advisors, and it is really down to your personal circumstances. The new government-led FITs are projected to give you an annual tax free 5-8% return on your money for a 25 year period and a breakeven time of about 10 years. If your time horizons are shorter (maybe you will move), you do not have the £10-15k available to invest in solar panels and/or you have something better to do with the money, a free solar package may be a better option (assuming that your roof is eligible).


How much money will I save by using free electricity from solar?
It could be a third (assuming medium energy use and - per the Energy Saving Trust assumptions - that you use 50% of the electricity you produce). But the actual amount will always depend on how and when you use electricity. You'll get a lot free, for example, if you are in during daylight when the panels are producing and/or you set timers for equipment like washing machines. Whatever the figure, the savings are likely to increase because everything you produce is inflation proof (energy prices have doubled over the last 5 years, according to research by uSwitch last year)


How can I be sure I am using the free electricity?
Everything happens automatically. When the solar panels are fitted, you use your electricity as normal. If there is electricity being produced by the panels during daylight hours when you use anything electrical it will use that first automatically.

It’s also about changing your behaviour and attitude to energy usage when you’re receiving free and cheap electricity and training yourself and your household to use high consuming items such as washing machines, dish washers, tumble dryers during the daylight hours.

If there isn't enough being produced for what you need, or if it is night-time, then you will automatically use electricity from your usual supplier.


How does all this work with my existing power company?
It doesn't affect anything that you already do and so you don't need to worry about anything. You stay with whatever energy provider you like, and switch when and if you like. Your utility company will take its normal reading and bill you as usual. Of course, this reading will be lower and so your electricity bill will be less (and if you buy a solar PV system up front, you will receive a cheque as well as a bill!). And that's true whether you buy electricity and gas together or individually from different companies.

How can Paul Obrien solar afford to reduce the cost of solar so dramatically?
In April 2010, Government introduced new laws requiring energy companies to pay for the renewable power generated by homes. These are called Feed-in Tariffs (or FiTs). It’s all part of the drive to reduce carbon emissions in the UK – a staggering 27% of which are produced from homes. With FiTs an average home could save/earn around £1k per year (look under ‘FiTs’ and Buy Solar on the site to find out more). Over 25 years, the homeowner could earn 5%-8% return. Fantastic but the homeowner still has to find the £11k upfront cost of a solar system, and be in it for the long, long term. The way Paul O’Brien’s business works is that we fund the solar installation. Homeowners get free electricity from the sun instantly and start reducing their electricity bills; Paul O’Brien receives the FiTs to recoup its investment and make a sustainable profit.

Will my lighting be dimmer?
No. You won't notice any difference whatsoever. If the panels aren't producing much electricity (as on a very dull day or at night time), the electricity from the grid will simply 'top it up'.


Do I have to switch the panels on each day?
No. They are working all the time. When there is no daylight, they are simply on 'standby'. You don't have to switch them on or off.


Can solar panels significantly offset environmental emissions?
Solar is a 'clean renewable' technology. That means, unlike fossil fuel based energy, such as coal and gas, solar is produced from a natural, infinite resource (we won't run out of light!) and produces no global warming CO2 emissions as it generates electricity. By installing a 2.5kWp system you will be saving about 1,000 kgCO2 each year compared to buying the same quantity of electricity from the grid. There is a carbon footprint associated with the manufacture and transport of a PV panel which varies by type but on average a PV system 'pays back' the embedded carbon emissions of manufacture in about 3 years.


Can solar can add value to my property?
In YouGov's survey in 2009, home buyers ranked energy efficiency as the third most important reason to buy, just behind outdoor space and a garage. In Energy Saving Trust's 2009 survey, 35% of people said they would be willing to pay more for a home where some of their energy supply came from renewable resources.


What happens after 25 years of the contract with Paul O’Brien solar?
After 25 years, the ownership of the system reverts to the customer, and they will continue to benefit from free electricity. The system will have a probable useful life of a further 10 - 15 years.

Who is responsible for looking after the panels?
Solar panels need little maintenance but, of course, something could go wrong and they should be cleaned if they become dirty. With Paul O’Brien everything is included in your contract. We take total responsibility for maintenance, repair and the smooth running of your solar system, including the replacement of the inverter (average life of 12-15 years), and handling any claims and paperwork to do with manufacturers warranties on items like solar panels.


Would you require constant access for any maintenance?
No. In the event that we do need to access your house to carry out any repairs and ensure that you continue to receive free electricity, we would call or email to arrange a suitable date and time.


Will the panels affect our roof in high winds?
No. The panels fit very closely against the roof. The fixing system has been rigorously tested to ensure it is stable in even the most severe weather conditions. We maintain our own insurance if there was ever any roof damage that was not covered by your own buildings insurer, so there is no need to worry.


Will our roof tiles be damaged in the installation?
It's extremely unlikely but if any tiles were damaged in the fitting process, we will replace them at no cost to you.


How long does it take to fit the solar system?
Normally an installation is completed within 1-2 day’s weather permitting.


What if my roof needs repairs after I've installed solar panels?
Ideally, you should install solar panels on a roof that is in good condition, and your Paul O’Brien solar surveyor will check that it's suitable. Once the solar panels are installed, they actually help to protect your roof from the elements. If you should ever need to make repairs on the roof, the solar panels will need to be removed and re-installed (we can do this for a reasonable fee).


Who insures the panels (in the case of vandalism or accidental damage, for example)?
If you buy the system outright, you will be responsible for them once they have been installed. It's likely that they are covered by your Buildings or Contents insurance policy, and you'll also be covered by the manufacturer's standard product and performance warranties. However, in the event of a claim we may be able to assist.

What's a good roof for solar?
Perfect is a south facing, unshaded roof, pitched at a 30 degree angle, and at least 20m2 for a 2.5kW PV system. Few houses are perfect – but solar performance can still be good. The table below shows how performance varies with inclination and orientation away from optimum.


Would I need planning permission for solar panels?
You generally don't need planning consent for solar due to the government ‘relaxing’ the planning regulations. Exceptions are in conservation areas if your solar panels would be visible from the road side of the property, or if your property has Listed Building status. We have an in house planning advisor who can assist but you can also check with your local council planning office if you are not sure.


Does my mortgage company need to know about solar panels?
Solar may be viewed as a modification by mortgage lenders (just like an extension or velux window), so it is best to inform them and we will require their written consent before commencing work.


How much weight will the solar electric system put on my roof?
Solar PV panels are not particularly heavy – a typical one weighs around 15kg (that's like seven 2 litre bottles of soft drink). The weight of a system falls well within the building regulation requirements for most houses, but this will be confirmed during the technical survey before any installation.


How long does it take to fit the solar system?
It should only take a 1-2 day’s to fit the panels, weather permitting. We use lightweight scaffolding and carry out most of the work outside. The only time we need access inside, is to get into the loft space to fit an inverter and to fit another meter – normally close to your existing meter - and to explain how it all works.


Will I have to do anything to make the panels work?
Everything happens automatically. When the solar panels are fitted, you use your electricity as normal. If there is electricity being produced by the panels when you use anything electrical it will use that first automatically. If there isn't enough being produced for what you need, or if it is night-time, then you will automatically use electricity from your usual supplier.


Are you registered to do this?
Yes. All the equipment and the installation service meet the Microgeneration Certification Scheme; (MCS) electrical work is carried out only by Part P qualified electricians.


Will I receive a certificate for all the electrical work?
Yes, absolutely.

How does solar work?
Solar PV (Photovoltaic) uses light sensitive semi-conducting materials that generate direct electric current when exposed to sunlight. This is then converted via an Invertor into Alternating Current, which can then be used as household electricity. This is different from Solar Thermal which uses the sun's energy to heat water.


Is there enough sun in the UK for solar to work?
Actually, solar panels work on daylight - they don't need direct sunshine, so the often-cloudy UK weather is sufficient to generate a significant amount of electricity. Germany, for example, where the light levels are similar to the UK, produces more than a third of the world's solar electricity.


How long do solar PV systems last?
Panels carry manufacturers' performance guarantees for 25 years, and you can expect another 10-15 years of use beyond this point. The inverter (the piece of equipment that converts the Direct Current produced by the panels to Alternating Current on which the grid runs) needs replacing after about 12-15 years (this will be done at no cost by Paul O’Brien for free solar customers).