Do you have any questions about how The Eco Experts quote process works or perhaps more general questions about solar energy in the UK? Then please consult of FAQ below.

The Eco Experts | General Solar Energy Questions | Price/Cost of Solar Panels | Solar Panel Installation | Energy Savings/Making Money From Solar Power

The Eco Experts

How Does The Eco Experts Quote Process Work?

It's fast and it's simple:

You fill in our enquiry form and we give you a call, usually within fifteen minutes. The call will take no more than 2 minutes.

Based on where you live, we'll match you with up to 4 local solar companies. They will ring you within a couple of hours, with information and a quote.

There's no obligation of course! You can choose between the solar companies based on price, or any other factor that is important to you.

Which Installers Do The Eco Experts Work With?

We work with around 150 solar MCS accredited partners in the UK. That might sound like a lot, but we match each enquiry with up to 4 solar companies to give a breadth of choice. Out of around 5,000 solar companies in the UK, we work only with the companies we feel are most reliable.

How Quickly Will I Get My Solar Panel Quotes?

We'll match you with up to 4 local solar specialists. This gives you a good base for you to choose between, and the companies understand it's in their interest to give you competitive quotes.

How Many Solar Panel Installers Will I be Matched With?

We'll match you with up to 4 local solar specialists. This gives you a good base for you to choose between, and the companies understand it's in their interest to give you competitive quotes.

General Solar Energy Questions

What Are Solar Panels Made Of?

Solar panels are made up of cells which have a layer of silicon in them that converts light energy into electricity. There are three different types of silicon including monocrystalline which is the most efficient, though panels using this may cost more and polycrystalline which is generally cheaper, though panels tend to be larger and less efficient.

Panels can also be made from amorphous or thin film silicon. These are the cheapest and more effective in low light conditions. They are also much more flexible and can be bent or twisted to fit in awkward locations. However, their lifetime is not generally as long as mono or polycrystalline silicon panels and their overall efficiency is lower.

What Is The Solar Declination Angle?

This is the measure of how far away your panel is from the equator.

You will need to take it into account when deciding on the angle you want your solar panel to be installed at.

What Makes Solar Energy Green? Why Is It Good?

Not only does it mean the electricity you are using is clean because fossils fuels are burned to make it, it is also renewable and abundant. Not only that, it saves you money as you are not forking out for ever increasing energy bills.

Why Should Solar Panels Face South?

It is important your panel faces true south (not magnetic!) so it can absorb as much sunlight as possible, and in turn generate as much electricity for you as possible.

Who Uses Solar Panels?

The beauty is anyone and everyone can use solar panels if they want to save money on their energy bills and help the environment.

A homeowner can install an 4kw panel which should provide all the electricity their family needs.

However churches, schools and farms are all jumping on board.

Where Does Solar Energy Work Best?

Solar panels will work anywhere in the UK as long as they are on a south facing roof.

Depending on where the panel is, it can be tilted towards the sun at different angles so it works at maximum efficiency.

Price/Cost of Solar Panels

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

We approximate about £2,000 per kW, but panels are often cheaper as silicone prices – PV panels are made from silicone – have dropped significantly in the past year or so. Most residential PV systems are 3kW or 4kW. For the latest on solar panel costs please click here.

Why Are Solar Panels So Expensive?

The panels themselves aren't all that expensive when you consider they last for 40 years, provide much cheaper electricity, and qualify for a 20-year feed-in tariff that gives roughly a 10% ROI and, in cash terms, a combined savings and earnings of £900 or so per year. The cost is not just for the PV panels, it's for the installation too. A badly installed PV panel is no good to anyone!

When Will Solar Panels Be Cost Effective?

The fact is, they've been cost effective for years, and as technology improves their efficiency increases. Germany for example, which we in the UK often characterise as being uber efficient, recently generated 50% of its national electricity with PV alone. Solar panels typically offer a 9-10% ROI, tax-free and idex-linked, compared to the 3% offered by banks and building societies.

Can I Get Free Solar Panels?

Until recently, rent-a-roof schemes were available but as the feed-in tariff has changed these are no longer on offer. However there are still solar loans, and with a 10% ROI for 20 years you will still double your money.

Can I Get A Loan For Solar Panels?

Yes, you can! We work with Engensa, who offer a solar loan, with no deposit, to be repaid over 10 years. Unlike the old rent-a-roof schemes, with a solar loan you own your own panels. To qualify for a loan you must be the property-owner.

Solar Panel Installation

Why Buy Solar Panels?

There are a number of compelling reasons:

(i) You get cheaper energy for up to 50 years (solar panels last a very long time).

(ii) You add value to your home and increase its energy efficiency rating.

(iii) Combined energy savings and feed-in tariff earnings of around £800 per year.

(iv) ROI of 9-10% is three times as generous as bank and building society rates.

(v) All earnings are tax-free and index-linked.

Where Can I Buy Solar Panels?

See that form at the top of The Eco Experts website? That's your first step to getting solar panels:

(i) Fill in the form

(ii) We'll ring you to confirm your interest

(iii) You'll be matched up to 4 local solar specialists.

Many people who have discovered our website have had solar panels installed within 48 hours. Our website is free to use and there is no obligation to buy.

What Solar Panels Should I Buy?

The solar company you choose to install your panels will procure them for you, so you don't have to be an expert. There are a number of good solar panel manufacturers out there: SANYO, LG, Yingli, Solarcentury, Panasonic… There is a long list, and the important factor isn't necessarily whether or not you've heard of them, it's how long they've been producing solar panels.

How Long Will My Solar Panel Installation Take?

Solar panels can be installed and hooked up to your electricity meter – and to the National Grid – in just two days.

Why Should I Use And MCS Installer?

Anyone with an understanding of electrical systems can hook up solar panels, but they won't necessarily work. Untrained installations often result in a high degree of 'mismatch,' basically meaning that you don't generate the amount of energy you are expecting. An experienced solar installer won't make rookie mistakes, in other words. Accredited solar installers have gone through MCS (Microgeneration Scheme) training and will get the most out of your solar panels by finding the right position and angle to install them, and giving you the best return on your investment and the most electricity out of your rooftop. You get what you pay for.

If that isn't enough of a reason to use an MCS installer, just remember that you can't qualify for the government's Feed-In Tariff unless you get your panels installed by one.

Can I Mix Different Solar Panels?

Yes you can, so long as they are all the same voltage, and so long as you're wiring in parallel so that if one panel fails the others will still function. However we recommend you always use MCS accredited suppliers, as doing it yourself can result in far inferior energy production.

Do I Qualify For Solar Panels?

If you are the property owner and so long as your roof is not north-facing, you potentially qualify for solar panels. If you live in a conservation area or in a listed property you should check with your local council to see if you need planning permission.

Can I Have Solar Panels In A Conservation Area?

You potentially need planning permission. The argument will probably be over the look of the solar panels and whether or not they are in keeping with the rest of the conservation area. The good news is that there are now tailored solar panels on the market which fit into the design of buildings, seamlessly replacing roof tiles, for instance.

Is My Home Suitable For Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels?

Ask yourself the following questions. If your answers are 'yes,' then congratulations! - your home is probably suitable for PV panels:

(i) Do I pay too much for my energy bill?

(ii) Would I like to pay less?

(iii) Would I like to ensure myself against future price hikes?

(iv) Does any part of my roof face south?

(v) Is my roof large enough to accommodate 3x8m2 panels? (Most solar PV systems are 3kW or 4kW, and the typical size is 8m2 per kW)

(vi) Should I check with the council about whether I need planning permission? (You will need to consult the council if you live in a listed property or a conservation area).

Energy Savings/Making Money From Solar Power

How Much Will I Earn From The FiT

The feed-in tariff is 16p, and the National Grid sells energy for around 14p. The 2p margin is your profit. You earn money for the electricity you produce, so for example your fee for producing a yield of 3.5 kWh on a 3kW system will give a return of around £550. Using this example, and at an export rate of 4.5p, you will earn £154 per year from selling back to the Grid.

Of course, you also benefit from cheap energy for the full lifetime of your panels – around 40 years – which adds to the value of your home, and its energy efficiency rating.

How Much Energy Will I Save?

This is difficult to be precise about given the rapid rise in energy prices (In the first 6 months of 2012, British Gas hiked prices by 23%, and E.On posted a 300% leap in profits). On average, the energy savings are worth around £200 or £300 per year.