Invest in solar and save the rainforest
Tariff levels, for technologies installed between 15th July 2009 and 31st March 2012 of most significance to householders:
| Technology | Scale | Tariff level (p/kWh) | Tariff lifetime (years) |
| Solar electricity (PV) | ≤4 kW (retro fit) | 41.3 | 25 |
| Solar electricity (PV) | ≤4 kW (new build) | 36.1 | 25 |
| Wind | ≤1.5 kW | 34.5 | 20 |
| Wind | >1.5 – 15 kW | 26.7 | 20 |
| Micro CHP | ≤2kW | 10.0 | 10 |
| Hydroelectricity | ≤15 kW | 19.9 | 20 |
1. What is the feed-in tariff and how does it work?
It's a financial incentive backed by the Government and paid by your energy company to generate your own clean electricity. An average three-bedroom home will earn around £900 a year by generating its own solar electricity - and that's on top of the likely reduction of £140 from the household electricity bill.
You can earn a fixed income for every kilowatt hour of electricity you generate and use in your property. And you can also earn an additional fixed income for every kilowatt hour of electricity you generate and sell back to the grid. The income is guaranteed for 25 years (for solar pv systems) and index-linked.
When you need to use electricity at night (when it is dark you won't be able to generate enough electricity from solar technology), you can still buy your electricity from your utility company, but you will need to use much less than usual.
If you want to make the most of solar technology - and to save even more on your electricity bills - try to become as energy efficient as you can; for example, run electrical appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher during the day.
If you invest in solar energy now, you will be guaranteeing that income for the next 25 years. Ofgem will administer the feed-in tariff scheme and energy suppliers will be responsible for payments to their customers.
2. Why is the Government introducing the Feed-in tariff?
The Government wants to build the market for clean energy. The Feed-in tariff is an incentive for households, businesses, local authorities, farmers and landlords to start generating their own energy, which allows them to protect themselves against future price rises of fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions and receive payment for the low-carbon energy they produce. By doing so, they are investing in a low-carbon economy for the future.
3. Will the Feed-in Tariff scheme cover Solar Thermal as well?
No. The scheme is for solar electricity, and other technologies which generate renewable electricity.
4. Does the Feed-in tariff apply to Northern Ireland?
No. The Feed-in tariff only applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
5. How do I apply for the Feed-in tariff?
You can apply for the Feed-in tariff from your electricity supplier from 1 April 2010 if you have installed qualifying systems after 15th July 2009 - and they were registered for the Renewables Obligation. You can also apply by installing a system after 1 April 2010.
6. Who pays me for the feed-in tariff?
The energy suppliers pay the feed-in tariffs to those who generate the clean electricity. When you apply for the feed-in tariff, you should ask your energy supplier how and when payments will be made. Payments must be made at least quarterly.
7. Where does the money come from?
The money to pay the producers of green energy comes from a small levy on every UK energy consumer.
8. When does the feed-in tariff start?
It starts on 1 April 2010.
9. How long do the feed-in tariffs last?
For solar electric (Photovoltaics - PV) systems, the tariff lasts for 25 years. For most other technologies, it's 20 years. The tariffs are index-linked and guaranteed.
Tariffs will be reviewed every five years - starting in 2013 - and at that stage, the amount new applicants receive and the duration of the tariff may change. It's likely to be at its highest now.
10. Are the FIT rates really guaranteed for the full 25 years? Can future governments back track on them?
The Feed-in tariff is Primary Legislation, and it would be a breach of the Governments contract if it didn't last for 25 years. Payments to individuals will not change over this time - in fact they will increase with inflation.
11. Why should I invest now? Will the costs come down?
It's unlikely that the technology costs will become cheaper quickly; and the Feed-in tariff is structured so that you're likely to get the highest benefits now. The feed-in tariff will be reviewed every five years - starting in 2013 - and at that stage, the amount you receive and the duration of the tariff may change. So now really is the best time to invest.
12. With so much controversy over the science of climate change, do we really need to be making these changes to how we buy, use and generate energy?
Controversy or not, the fact remains that the world is running out of oil and security of supply is going to be a real issue. We urgently need to find other, renewable ways of sourcing energy and the Feed-in tariff will help build a market for renewable energy. It's saying to UK householders, businesses, local authorities, landlords and farmers: "Now is the best time to invest in clean electricity".
13. The highest tariffs are for "retrofit systems". How is retrofit different from new build?
The Department for Energy and Climate Change define a retrofit a system as one that is installed on a building that is already occupied. New build systems are those installed on a new building and before it is first occupied.
14. Is the FiT paid from the date the system was installed on the roof or the date the system is commissioned?
The FIT would start from the date of commissioning.
15. I installed a solar roof many years ago. If I add additional panels can I claim the FiT?
Additional panels, qualifying as separate installations, would receive the tariff applicable at the time of commissioning.
16. What about people in rented accommodation?
We know that lots of Housing Associations and local authorities are interested in using the Feed-in tariff and solar electricity to earn money, save energy and pass some of those benefits on to their tenants. And as for private landlords, it makes sense too: it adds value to their properties, it makes them money and it's good for their tenants.
17. How much will I earn from solar electricity?
A typical 2.5kW well-sited solar installation could offer you payments of up to £900 and save you £140 a year on your electricity bill.
18. Are the government's financial incentives dependent on carrying out other energy-efficiency work in the home e.g. roof insulation, low-energy lightbulbs etc?
No!
19. How can I get training on installation?
See microgenerationcertification.org they are the people you need to comply with to be able to do feed-in tariff work.
20. Is the same tariff available to businesses investing in solar roofs?
The rates for businesses are the same, but vary according to system sizes. See the rates on We Support Solar and a bit more of an explanation in our downloadeable pdf on FiTs for businesses.
21. What if I move house?
If you get solar installed and start claiming the 'Feed-in Tariff' you will have lower bills and a steady income from the 'Feed-in Tariff' payments. These benefits can be transferred to the new home owner and so when you come to sell your home you can charge more for it this is typically around £10,000 depending upon the type of property being sold.
22. What size PV system do I need?
Most people install a system between 2-3KWp, generating between 1,700-2,500 kWh per annum. This is not the equivalent to total needs of a typical house which the EST estimates to be 3,300kWh. It is not essential to provide ALL of your homes electricity via solar PV.
The best Feed-in Tariff rate is available for systems up to 4kWp.
23. What financial guarantees do I have?
As members of the REAL we are provided with deposit guarantee insurance (http://www.realassurance.org.uk/consumers/insurance ) up to 60% of the full sale price. So with us that would be £9,000. We can now issue two invoices via Paypal which would be for £3,000 each. All the customer needs to do is click on the invoice in their inbox and they can pay us using their credit card, which will automatically cover the £3,000 on each invoice. In this way investors who purchase just a single unit can achieve 100% protection for their money in the unlikely event that Cleantech went in to liquidation.
From Jan 10th 2011 any investor who buys more than 1 system, so investing from £30,000 upwards, will pay their money into an escrow account which will be managed by independent third party trustees. Upon receipt, the trustee will release 30% to us as a deposit and once the installation has been completed and we’ve sent the trustee a copy of the MCS certificate, they’ll release the balance of 70%. The important point to remember here is this: By setting this up our investors now have 100% capital protection because the 30% deposit is covered by our deposit guarantee policy which pays out in the event that Cleantech goes into liquidation. So if that were to happen, the insurance policy would pay the 30% back to the investor and the trustee will pay the investor back the 70% which they would still be holding. Hence 100% capital protection.
Asset Management
Cleantech is more than just a supplier of Solar Panels. Our business philosophy and long term vision, is to provide renewable energy schemes that deliver unique financial benefits, whilst adding value to our customers company. Our financial team have therefore designed a financial model, exclusively for the construction industry. A major advantage of our asset management program is our ability to return up to 130% of client’s initial level of investment, over a 2-3 year period. This improves revenues without adding any additional finance to your balance sheet and therefore also improves balance sheet liquidity, allowing you to build further properties without the need to resort to any other form of debt finance.
We are the only solar company on the market who have designed this exclusive package; and by combining financial skills with our industry technical expertise, we are able to maximise the benefits that our clients enjoy.
Our asset management service provides several benefits all from one comprehensive package.
• We arrange for at least the full purchase price of all installed PV systems to be refunded between the second & third year of operation
• This helps improve revenues without additional balance sheet financing
• It also helps improve balance sheet liquidity
• Enabling the developer to build more properties without incurring any debt finance
• We offer a full asset management service
• We supply & fit all new PV systems
• We can produce either daily, weekly or monthly generating performance management information
• We ensure that all systems receive their MCS certificates thereby qualifying for all FiT payments
• We register all systems with Good Energy (Uk’s only 100% renewable energy utility)
• We fully insure all systems on an all risks basis, including loss of earnings
• We provide full maintenance on all systems with a service level agreement (SLA)
• You should expect a minimum return of 8% over inflation (expected return 8 -10%) from your FiT payments up until exit.
• We do not charge any fee for this entire service. All of our profit comes from the supply and installation of the Solar PV equipment.
We provide a full maintenance service with a full service level agreement (SLA) with all faults diagnosed and remedied within 24 hours. If we are unable to keep to this SLA a table of fines are imposed.
We insure all of the solar systems on an all risks basis which typically covers such perils as accidental damage, storm damage, theft, fire etc. Each system is also insured against loss of income up to £1,000 per single occurrence, based upon a solar PV system of 2.5kWp installed.
Invest in solar and save the rainforest.
PMC, Cleantech NRG & Cool Earth
The Property management Co. & Cleantech NRG is proud to announce a new partnership with the charity, Cool Earth to protect endangered rainforest on behalf of our customers.
For every solar system purchased, Cleantech NRG is sponsoring an acre of Amazon rainforest. This locks in a staggering 260 tonnes of CO2 per acre, which without our help would be emitted into the atmosphere as a green house gas.
Rainforests are key to keeping our climate cool as they store carbon but they're being destroyed at the rate of around an acre per second. That's the equivalent of about 2,700 football pitches a day producing more CO2 emissions than the entire global transport sector.
But this vital resource has many functions which make it worth saving.
• 1.6 billion people depend on rainforests for their welfare and livelihoods.
• Rainforests are critical to global weather systems.
• The Amazon rainforest provides a 20% of the world's fresh water as well as a fifth of the world's oxygen.
• Rainforests are home to two-thirds of all living animal and plant species on the planet.
• According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, more than two-thirds of all medicines found to have cancer-fighting properties come from rainforest plants. Destroy the rainforests and we may lose potential break through medicines.
Cool Earth protects rainforest that is at imminent risk, working in partnership with local communities in the Amazon to stop trees from being cut down for timber or burnt to make way for crops, cattle and roads. They work strategically, conserving forest that forms a protective blockade for tens of thousands of acres of forest. They spend less than 10 per cent of their supporters' donations on administration meaning more is spent saving trees.
So here's how Cleantech NRG are making sure the purchase of our Solar systems supports this precious ecosystem.
Now when you purchase a Solar PV system from us you not only receive a UK government guaranteed return of 8% above inflation for 25 years but you will also be protecting 1 acre of existing rainforest, which in turn, saves 260 tonnes CO2, 44 trees, 190 saplings, 6 endangered species of animals, 322 types of plants and over 11,000 species of insects.
You will receive a personalised certificate and an email with a web link showing you exactly where you are protecting rainforest in the Peruvian Amazon.
1. Do I need planning permission?
Solar roof systems fall under permitted development rights so you do not need planning permission, although if you live in an area of 'outstanding natural beauty' or in a listed building you should contact your local council.
2. Does the system need batteries?
No, the systems we sell are connected to the national grid. In the night, when the system is not generating energy, electricity is bought from the utility company in the normal way. Any excess electricity generated during the day, for example when you are at work, is sold back to the utility company.
3. What is the proposed design for the system, in particular roof fixing, layout etc?
We have a range of standard designs and will pick the most appropriate layout for your roof. The fixings will not effect the structural integrity of your roof.
4. When do we see the design proposal and is there any flexibility in layout?
We will show you the proposed layout of the system before installation to give you an idea of how it will look. We would discourage a customer to change the design in such a way that the yield dropped.
5. What structural checks are undertaken prior to installation?
The installers will perform a site survey and make an assessment; normally the basic structural survey carried out by our installer is sufficient.
6. We have a south facing roof, but I dont think it would take more than 11 panels. Does this mean it’s not really worth having them installed?
Far from it! 11 panels would save/make you quite a lot of money over 25 years. Fill in our form via the 'get an estimate' box on the right and our installer will contact you and help advise and guide you through the process.
7. Obviously there are major differences between winter & summer re the optimum angle of the panels, or are the new p/v panels not so dependent on a 90 degree angle to the sun?
Panels do make most energy when they are perpendicular to the light arriving from the sun. There are minor variations in the preferred angle of solar PV as you move up or down the country. Please use the calculator for a more detailed estimate.
8. I am in Torquay in Devon. Am I likely to generate more electricity because I am in a more southerly position?
Yes, you will probably make more than 850kWhs/kWp because of your southerly position.
9. Have you installed any stand alone panel arrays and have you any experience with tracking systems?
Yes we can do stand-alone. No we do not do tracking (too many moving parts to make it worthwhile on a small scale).
10. We get some shadows from trees about 20-30m away. Would this effect the efficiency too much?
It will not matter too much, but will have an effect and it is hard to state how much without seeing your site. The best way to find out is by filling in our application form, via the estimation toll on the right, and then our installer will be able to look at your house in Google earth and make an analysis, or arrange a site visit. Follow this link for a bit more information on performance and shading.
11. Are the panels laid on top and if so how are they fixed? Or do they replace an area of tiles?
You can choose an 'in roof' system (which will replace the tiles) or an 'on roof' system (which will sit on roof hooks above the roof tiles). Neither system will damage the roof.
12. Can solar PV be mounted vertically on a south facing wall?
Yes, it would not make as much energy as it would if it were angled towards the sun (at 30 or 40 degrees from horizontal) but should make about 60 - 70% of the optimum.
13. Is electricity produced by the inverter compatible with computers etc?
Yes, it is converted to 240 v AC in the same phase as your normal grid power, there will be no discernible difference.
14. My detached house roof points East -West what can I do?
You can still install solar but will not make quite as much power as if it were south facing.
15. How big is / are the cable/s that will have to run from the loft space where the wires from the slates will be assembled / joined together and then down to the understairs cupboard where all the electrical apparatus is currently located?
The same size or smaller than the lead to your kettle.
16. What is the best angle to install PV at?
30 to 40 degrees from horizontal is the best for the UK.
17. What factors should I take into account when deciding whether to install tiles or panels?
The tiles are slightly more efficient, but they are really for new builds or re-roofing projects. If you are looking to install solar on your existing roof then the Sunstation is the best bet.
