Solar PV FAQs |   |
Please read the PV Siting and this 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.
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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 £4,000 - £5,000 per kWp.
An average sized domestic system therefore of 16 panels totalling 2.8kWp would cost £12,000 - £13,000 fully installed.
How much energy will it generate?
There are five main factors that will impact how much energy a solar PV system will generate:
- The total size of the PV array.
- The latitude of the location.
- Which direction the PV panels face.
- What slope the panels are mounted on.
- 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 £400 - £500 per year depending upon the price you pay for your electricity.
More detailed information may be found on our Solar PV Siting page.
How do I get paid for my generated energy?
The Government announced in July 2009 the details of the proposed feed-in tariff for Microgeneration systems from April 2010. The consultation for this ended on the 15th October 2009 and the Government has now announced the final proposals as detailed below.In summary the feed-in tariff (FIT) is expected to provide all generators of renewable energy with a higher rate of income from all their generated power than they currently receive, making renewable energy systems significantly more economic. The rate of income will be determined by the size of the system and the current proposals are as detailed below;
| System Type | Size | Rate/kWh | Segen Systems |
| Solar PV | 0 - 4kWp (new build) | 36.1p | NU180-16, NU180-22 or ND220-18 |
| Solar PV | 0 - 4kWp | 41.3p | NU180-16, NU180-22 or ND220-18 |
| Solar PV | 4kWp - 10kWp | 36.1p | NU180-40, NU180-55 or ND220-44 |
| Solar PV | 10kWp - 100kWp | 31.4p | NU235-408 |
| Solar PV | 100kWp - 5,000kWp | 29.3p |
All qualifying systems installed after July 2009 are expected to qualify for the feed-in tariff from April 2010.
Do I need planning permission?
Most properties will not need planning permission, but you should contact you Local Authority at an early stage to establish the situation for your specific project.
If planning permission is required, the easiest way of obtaining it is to use Segen's Planning Application Service. One our RTPI-qualified planners will make the application on your behalf and keep you fully informed of it's progress. For full details and prices, please click here.
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.
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.