Solar PV FAQs

How much does it cost?

The total installed cost of a PV system will depend upon the size of the system and how it is mounted. It is not therefore possible to give precise figure without a more detailed analysis of the property in question.

As a general guideline however a solar PV system will typically cost £6,000 - £7,000 per kWp.

An average sized domestic system therefore of 6 panels totalling 1.3kWp would cost £8,000 - £9,000 fully installed.

This may be reduced by a grant of up to £2,500 for a domestic property.

How much energy will it generate?

There are five main factors that will impact how much energy a solar PV system will generate:

1. The total size of the PV array.
2. The latitude of the location.
3. Which direction the PV panels face.
4. What slope the panels are mounted on.
5. Anything which shades the panels.

As an example south facing roof mounted 1.3kWp PV array in the Midlands should generate approximately 1,200 - 1,300 kWh per year, saving around £150 - £200 per year depending upon the price you pay for your electricity.

More detailed information may be found on our Solar PV Siting page.

Do I need planning permission?

Most domestic and commercial properties will not need planning permission.

Some exceptions however are listed buildings and properties in a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a conservation area where planning permission may be required, and in all cases you should contact your local authority to seek clarification.

For all properties you will need to inform your local building control department of the local authority, but they will not normally make a charge for this.

More information may be found in the Government's guidance for planning: Planning: A Guide for Householders.

Can I get a grant?

Domestic

For normal domestic residences you should be able to qualify for Low Carbon Building Program grant of up to £2,500.

In England and Wales the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) is managed managed by the Energy Saving Trust. The grants are subject to some criteria:

1. £2,000 per kWp for a PV system, up to a maximum of £2,500 per household, or 50% of the total installed cost.
2. The grant must be spent within 4 months of being awarded.
3. The property must meet a minimum level of energy efficiency e.g. 270mm loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, basic central heating controls (timer & thermostat) and low energy light bulbs as appropriate.
4. You must have any planning permission required before you apply for a grant.

More information may be found on the Low Carbon Buildings Programme FAQ page.

Not for Profit

More information may be found on the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase II web site.

How does it connect to the grid?

Your solar PV panels are all linked together and connected into an inverter which converts the DC power from the solar PV panels into mains voltage compatible AC.

For Solar PV systems less than 3.6kWp you do not need permission from your electricity company to do this, but you must inform them afterwards.

Any power that you generate will first be used by your property thereby reducing your electricity bill. If you generate more power than you use then any surplus is exported to the grid and you will need to negotiate with your electricity supplier to get paid for any excess.

More information may be found on our Selling your Power page.

Please read the PV Siting page and then try our free system configuration tool to estimate how much energy you could get from a Solar PV system and provide a budgetary price of the various systems we offer, or if you would like someone from Segen to contact you to discuss your requirements.