Solar Photovoltaic, (Solar PV) cells use energy directly from the sun to generate electricity. There are no emissions of CO2 with a PV system and no moving parts. Electrical power generated by Solar PV can be used on-site to meet existing demand and surplus power can be exported to the grid.

Solar PV systems provide electricity which can be used to power electrical appliances in your home, office or factory.

ZLC Energy can deliver approved commercial and domestic Solar PV systems.  We only use MCS approved products and integration skills to ensure that the systems will meet expectations.

PV systems work best in direct sunlight but also generate electricity when conditions are less favourable. However, electrical output is dependent on the amount of sunlight that falls on the surface of the unit and for this reason un-shaded, south-facing surfaces produce the best results.

Domestic Solar PV

Is my home suitable?

When installed correctly and with the right conditions, Solar PV has a range of potential benefits.

Our surveyor will visit your property to carry out a free survey, with no pressure to buy – we are proud of our no pressure sales approach. We will answer any questions you may have, and check that your property is suitable, looking for the following:

Orientation

A south facing roof is optimal. However, if your house faces east or west, you would still gain sufficient savings from your installation. Your ZLC Energy surveyor will talk this through with you.

Pitch

An angle of between 30 – 45 degrees is optimal for Solar PV, depending on your location in the UK. Our engineers can advise you on the best solution for your home. However, we can mount panels at any angle from 15º to 50º. Outside that range, the panels would start to lose performance. If your home has a flat roof, ZLC Energy can also install an angled frame to your existing roof which holds the solar panels at the optimum angle and direction for maximum energy production. This type of installation may involve gaining planning permission, and ensuring the roof structure is capable of holding the weight of the panels – ZLC Energy are experienced in completing all of this on your behalf.

Available roof space

At ZLC Energy we understand that every house is different – we can discuss your requirements and our team can design the most efficient system for the space available. A typical 4KW system would be 8m long x 3.5m deep.

Condition of your roof

Most roofs are structurally capable of holding a solar system, however, as part of your survey, we will ensure that everything is just as it should be. We are experienced in working on a variety of roofing materials, including local slate tiles.

The current energy rating of your property

To qualify for the Feed in Tariff, you will need to produce an EPC – Energy Performance Certificate for your property, demonstrating that your home has an energy efficiency rating band D or higher. Most homes will be a band D or higher, however, we can advise you on the best approach if your home is older and less efficient. We can carry out an EPC if you need one.

Your location

Solar Radiation levels vary throughout the UK, with South West locations seeing around 10-15% more than the national average. We calculate to the MCS design guide and simulate output using PVsyst so you can be sure our figures are trusted.

Do you have space inside your home?

The bulkiest piece of equipment is the inverter. It needs some clear space around it for cool air to circulate, so we recommend a space of about 1.5 metres high by 1 metre wide. Our surveyor will check this with you when we visit.

How is your home connected to the grid?

Most homes have a single-phase connection. This will support a system of up to 4kWp, which is usually the maximum size for a domestic property. If you have plenty of space and want a bigger system we are experienced in seeking permission from your distribution network operator (DNO) and can guide you through the process. We can also offer a unique energy management system, using the IMP from Wattstor – a smart switch system that will manage your energy storage to gain maximum efficiency.

How does it pay?

The Government has stopped the Feed in Tariff scheme for renewable power generation.

However, you can save money from using the electricity that you generate and can also get money from the Smart Export Guarantee Scheme.

Benefits

    • Control energy costs – use the free energy from your roof to cut costs and protect against price hikes
    • Power through power cuts
    • Cut your carbon footprint
    • Get paid for your excess through the Government backed Smart Export Guarantee Scheme

Incentives

Smart Export Guarantee scheme (SEG)

If you install an electricity-generating technology from a zero or low-carbon source such as solar PV or wind turbine, the government’s Smart Export Guarantee scheme could mean you get money from your energy supplier. You can be paid for the electricity you generate, even if you use it yourself, and for any surplus electricity you export to the grid. And of course you’ll also save money on your electricity bill, because you’ll be using your own electricity.

Who pays me the SEG?

Energy suppliers make the SEG payments. Further details can be found on the Money Saving Expert site

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What happens next?

When you are ready to go ahead with investing in Solar PV, we will arrange for a survey of your home. One of our team (usually Matthew) will come and get all the details we need for your install to go smoothly.

We will check your roof orientation, and details such as shaded areas, so that we can recommend the best panels for you. We will also check your roof structure to make sure we can install the panels safely. We rarely find any problems, but in the unlikely event there is an issue we can advise on the best solution.

We’ll take all the measurements we need, both on the roof and to arrange the scaffolding. We’ll also talk through any special requirements you might have.

Matthew has years of experience surveying homes for solar, and there’s probably not a question he can’t answer!

Once we have all the information we need, we can provide you with a quote for your install. This will give you our recommendations and options for the best panels, arrangement and inverter for your home, so that you get the best generation for your investment.

When you are ready to go ahead, we will arrange your install – booking in the scaffolding and finding a date that suits you for the installers to come to your home.

100% of customers asked were highly satisfied with how our surveyor answered their questions.

 

Maintenance

Although solar is known as a ‘fit and forget’ technology, regular maintenance can make sure you get the highest generation possible.

Keeping the panels clean from dust and dirt will make sure they perform at the maximum capacity, giving you the most clean, free, energy possible.

It is also advisable to have periodic safety checks. Whilst all products and workmanship are very carefully regulated to make them as safe as possible, there can sometimes be unexpected issues – we once replaced a panel damaged by seagull dropping a crab!

If you want to get the most from your panels once they’re up and running, we can offer great value maintenance to suit you.

FAQ's

If I install solar, will it affect the value of my house, or make it harder to sell?

Recent research suggests that house prices and desirability are not negatively impacted by solar PV. In fact, people are much more aware of the benefits of solar now.

How do I choose the best panels?

Solar is a high cost purchase, so it’s advisable to research your options. However, the world of technology moves quickly, and solar is no different. Each manufacturer (and there are many) is constantly improving the efficiency of thier panels, so it can be a challenge to accurately compare the different options.

Chris keeps a close eye on all the industry developments, and is obsessed by the details. We will happily talk you through the pros and cons of the panels on offer.

What does the inverter do, and are some better than others?

The inverter changes the DC power generated by your panels into AC power used by the appliances in your home.

When we recommend an inverter for your system, we will take the time to explain our choice. There are lots of things to take into account, for example, some inverters perform better with shaded systems than others.

We are accredited installers for a range of products and manufacturers so we can give you the best service possible, carefully tailored to your needs.