Q: What exactly is this Feed-In tariff?
The Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme was introduced on 1 April 2010 with an aim to encourage the use of small-scale (less than 5mw) low-carbon electricity generation by renewable means, particularly by homeowners, organisations, businesses and communities that have not traditionally engaged in the electricity market.This scheme will allow many people to invest in small-scale low-carbon electricity where you, the homeowner, get paid by your electricity company for the electricity you generate from your solar PV system.

This is an index linked, tax free income and is guaranteed for 25 years.

Q: What are the benefits of the Feed-In tariff?
There are three main financial benefits from the Feed-In tariff:

• The Generation tariff
  The electricity supplier of your choice will pay you for each kilowatt (unit) of electricity you generate.
• The Export tariff
  If you generate electricity that you don’t use yourself, you can export it back to the grid. You will be paid for exporting electricity as an additional payment (on top of the generation tariff).
• Energy bill savings
  You won’t have to import as much electricity from your supplier because a proportion of what you use will have been generated by your PV system.

Q: How do I claim my Feed-In tariff?
First you need to ensure that your installation is carried out by an MCS approved installer, such as ourselves. Once complete, your installer will register your installation with the MCS and you will then need to register with your electricity supplier. Different suppliers have different procedures so we recommend that you contact your supplier before installation to see if you need to pre-register.

Once registered, you will receive your payments from your supplier, depending on how much electricity you generate. How you receive the payments will depend on your supplier’s procedure. Any electricity you don’t use can be sold back to your supplier.

Q: How much will I actually earn from this?
The tariffs will vary according to the installation size and type, which will depend on two main factors:

• The surface area of your roof and how many panels you can install,
• The orientation of your roof – south facing will provide the optimum return.

These factors will determine the type of system you can install and how many kilowatt hours of electricity you can produce.

A carefully installed system can generate over 50% of your energy needs, however for argument’s sake,we should assume that a PV system will produce anything from between 25% - 40%. Depending upon the system you have installed, you could usually earn 21p* for every kilowatt hour of electricity you generate.Commercial installations with more panels and a larger system can generate even more savings. Remember:

• The electricity you generate is free,
• Your electricity bills will be reduced,
• You will earn money from your PV system, regardless of whether you use the electricity or sell it onto the National Grid,
• You are investing in an efficient renewable system and you are reducing your carbon footprint.

Q: What are the different feed-in tariffs?
For the most up to date information regarding feed-in tariffs, we recommend you visit the Department of Energy and Climate Change website

Q: How much will the system cost to install?
The purchase of solar panels is a major financial commitment and you should be sure that you understand every aspect of the system before you make your final decision. Our representative will take the time to explain every aspect of the system to you and we’re always here to answer your questions. The overall cost will depend on how many panels you can fit on your roof and what system we can install. Generally on average you should be looking to budget somewhere around the £10,000 mark for a domestic system. At the current rates, you can expect your system to have paid for itself in around ten years or so.

Q: Can the system work on overcast days?
Yes! Solar power is the fastest growing energy technology in the world, and works exceptionally well even in the UK’s northern “grey” climate!

Q: Can solar panels add value to my property?
It’s more than likely that your home's value will increase in today's climate of high energy pricing. Moreover, the improvement in your home’s energy assessment will make it more desirable to potential purchasers.

Q: Can solar panels replace my electricity bills completely?
No, you will not be able to totally replace your current energy or power supply with the use of solar energy, but you could get close with a realistic budget and the implementation of different energy sources.

Q: What is the MCS?
MCS stands for theMicrogeneration Certification Scheme, which provides accreditation for installers, certification of products and assurance for customers. Harp Eco Solar are an MCS accredited installer.

Q: Who are NAPIT?
The National Association for Professional Inspectors and Testers (for electrical installers). NAPIT is an organisation committed to consumer safety in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. The whole aim of the organisation is to ensure that through the competence of theirmembers, consumers can be confident of electrical work that complies with the relevant regulations. Harp Eco Solar are NAPIT approved installers.

Q: Who are REAL?
Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd.The REAL Assurance Scheme was set up by the Renewable Energy Association. Their aim is to guarantee a high quality experience for consumers wishing to invest in small-scale energy generation systems for their homes, such as solar PV. The use of the REAL Assurance Scheme logo is a sign that the company has agreed to abide by the high standards set out in the REAL Consumer Code. Harp Eco Solar are members of the REAL Assurance Scheme.


Still haven’t managed to answer your question? Email us at info@harpecosolar.com or contact Mike on 01923 231111.