Solar PV System

A solar photovoltaic system or solar PV system is two or more solar panels connected together forming a combined power output equivalent to the sum total of the individual solar panel ratings. An example would be five 200 watt solar PV panels connected to form a 1kW (1000w) solar PV system. A solar PV system can be installed off-grid providing independent power with no connection to the National Grid. However, the majority of residential and commercial solar PV panels are grid connected systems.

Grid Connected

Being a solar PV grid connected system means that when there is sufficient solar electricity for consumption by the home or business, the solar panels are used to provide power. When the solar electricity generation is not enough then the National Grid automatically kicks in. On the flip side of this, if excess solar electricity is generated then it is exported back to the National Grid. This is great news for home owners and businesses with solar panels because the Feed in Tariffs will pay for exported electricity. In fact, Feed in Tariffs pay homes and businesses for all electricity produced with grid connected systems to the tune of up to 43.3p for every kWh of electricity produced. Exported excess electricity is paid even more for as an additional 3.1p p/kWh is awarded under the Feed in Tariffs or FITs.

Feed in Tariff Eligibility

Not all solar PV grid connected systems are eligible for cash earnings from FITs. The UK government's Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) stipulated that only MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited solar panel installers can supply and fit solar systems eligible for FIT inclusion. This measure was taken in an attempt to maintain a high level of solar energy products and workmanship in the UK. The solar panels used to build solar PV systems also require MCS approval even if they are to be fitted by an MCS accredited installer.

How to Find the Best MCS Installers

Looking for the best solar PV grid connected system suppliers/installers offering the lowest prices can be rather hard to do when even the smallest, newest solar companies have lovely websites promising you the best possible service, products and prices. Unfortunately, nice websites are not enough proof that the installer is experienced enough to design, supply and install a high quality solar PV system that will work efficiently and reduce energy bills whilst increasing FIT profits. The most cost efficient and time saving way to find the top MCS installers in the UK is to the free services of a highly experienced solar system review and price comparison website. These websites do not just compare solar panels. They bring to you the lowest prices from many of the top solar PV suppliers in the UK.