Residential Solar

The main advantages are that electricity produced is zero carbon, and therefore does not contribute to climate change.  The electricity is free once the system has been paid for, and you will be paid a premium for all the electricity you produce called the Smart Export tariff.  Over the lifetime of the system, the cost of electricity produced is far lower than purchasing from the grid.  There is the satisfaction of generating your own electricity, and not being as reliant on your electricity supplier anymore.

This will depend on the Solar PV size of the system, Battery Capacity, roof orientation, access to the roof, and the existing electrical wiring/DNO connection in your home. We will cost each project after the site survey (Remote or at Site) to give the maximum benefit with best discounted rates to get the fastest Return on investment (ROI). All of our quotations will include a financial estimate to give you a ROI figure. For most domestic installs, with a decent roof orientation we normally see payback times of 5-10 years.

There are four major components of a solar energy system, including the solar panels - which are the 'face' of the system and the part most people see, and they include the inverter, Solar Panels and the batteries. The inverter is responsible for converting the Direct Current (DC) electricity that the solar panels produce into 240V AC electricity, which is what powers everything in your home.  The mounting system is used to attach the panels to your roof securely. Reputable solar providers like the team here at Newlyn only use MCS certified mounting systems. Then finally, if required, there are the solar batteries. The batteries store all of the energy that has been generated during the day so that it can be used throughout the evening when the system is no longer generating power.

The amount of energy you consume is the most crucial factor in determining what size of solar energy system you need. So when it comes to deciding the right size solar system for your property, you have to consider the following. Your average energy usage Your current energy usage in kwh You also need to consider the size of your roof and orientation, as these are essential factors for determining the right size solar system you need. However, there is a much simpler process, and that is by speaking to the professionals here at Newlyn. Our team of expert installers can do all the calculations on your behalf and propose the perfect-sized system for your property.

Shading can be very detrimental to solar PV performance.  First, any shade will reduce the amount of light landing on an array and reduce output.  Second, because panels are wired together in a chain (called a string) the performance of that string is only as good as its weakest link.  So shade, (eg from a chimney) can affect not just the one panel that is shaded, but the whole string.  As designers we use software to estimate the effects of shading for a particular building, and modify the design to minimise shade.

Pigeons nesting under your panels and fouling your property is one of the most frustrating issues faced by solar households. Pigeons, as other birds, are always looking for perfect places for nesting. The most preferable places are covered ones, where they can leave the eggs on safe, and the best option is a warm one to avoid freezing during the winter. To prevent this, we will install a bird guard to surround your panels.

Generally PV does not need maintenance during its effective life. Unlike other technologies, solar PV has no moving parts, so there is nothing to wear out or need lubricating.  Solar panels are warrantied to work for 25years, and may last even longer than that. However, in some locations there is too much dust, plant debris (leaves etc) or bird excrement, so the panels can get dirty and as a result the generation will drop. Therefore, we advise to service the system once a year to keep them perfectly clean and to get the maximum generation from the system.

This will depend on the size of the installation. Typically a residential installation of solar PV will take 1 day to complete, though more complex systems may take longer. This excludes the installation of scaffolding which will typically take 1 day to erect in advance and 1/2 a day to remove for a residential installation.

The SEG launched on 1 January 2020 and is a government-backed initiative. The SEG requires some electricity suppliers, known as SEG Licensees, to pay small-scale generators, known as SEG Generators, for low-carbon electricity which they export back to the National Grid, providing certain criteria are met. 

SEG Licensees determine the rate, contract length and other terms which SEG Generators will receive. SEG tariff rates must always be above zero. SEG payments are calculated by using export meter readings. SEG Generators are paid by their chosen SEG Licensee for the electricity which they export back to the National Grid. Generators thinking of applying for a SEG tariff should shop around to see which tariff is best for their individual circumstances. You can also find the list of current SEG Licensees which publish annually by Ofgem.