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Solar Insiders Guidance

Solar PV Calculator

By answering a few simple questions this Solar PV Calculator will help you calculate the earnings and savings you could be making by installing a solar pv array at your property through the FITs (Feed in Tarrif scheme).

If you want to go a step further and obtain some real quotatations from installers, fill out the last page of the calculator and we will contact the 3 best local installers to arrange a quotation for you.

Error! Please complete the fields with the red border.
  • 1. Your Home
  • 2. Your Solar PV Choices
  • 3. Your Finance & Usage
  • 4. Results
  • 5. Obligation Free Quote

Step 1: About your Home Enter as accurately as you can:

Step 2: Your Solar PV Choices Not Sure? Try out difference configurations to see the effect they have on your results:


Step 3: Finance & Usage We have automatically defaulted these options to the average inputs, feel free to change them to your needs if required:


Step 4: Results The following figures outline what sort of return on the investment you can expect.

  • Income over 25 years
    £12,800
    Year of Payback
    8
    Annual Return (Tax Free)
    9.34%
    Return on Investment
    x3.91
    Co2 Savings (kg)
    29,652
    Final Balance
    £12,800

    Using the details provided we have been able to provide you with some figures that should help decide whether this investment is a sensible option for you. These figures are however based on assumptions and should be backed up by an obligation free MCS accredited installer quotation.

    • AER: 3.14% - Interest cumulative over the 25years
    • Installation costs are based on industry averages for installation type/size. Every install is different and you should obtain a quote.
    • Illustrative solar PV performance figures only. Figures are given in good faith but do not constitute "Financial Advice".


Step 5: Obligation Free Quotation Our team of experts have searched country wide for installers in every area that meet our high standards and value for money. Why not have one of them conduct an obligation free quotation for your home by filling out the form below?

  • Your personal information is held in strict confidence and in compliance with The Data Protection Act. It will only be used to allow our approved installers to set up appointments with you. There is no obligation, for more information please see our Privacy Policy.


Information about our Solar PV Calculator

If you have any questions please get in contact!

Roof orientation

Roof orientation is the most important factor for maximising solar gain. In the northern hemisphere the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Therefore the sun is at its highest point with maximum solar gain during midday which corresponds with south in the UK. Research shows that an east orientation can produce about 20% less solar energy and a west roof about 30% less.

Roof Angle

The elevation of your roof or tilt is the second most important factor because the optimum angle is 30 degrees from the horizontal. Any deviation in this will result in a slight reduction of up to 4% per 10 degrees either way. See our solar gain table for more detailed figures associated with tilt and orientation.

Shading

Shading is a significant factor to consider because solar cells are set up in 'strings' and each panel is connected in series therefore is part of a panel is in shade it may knock out the effectiveness of the whole panel and in some instances neighbouring panels depending on how they are connected. Trees, neighbouring buildings, chimneys and dormer windows can all cast shadows at certain times of the day and a solar PV array is best installed to avoid these obstructions to the sun.

Export vs Usage Ratio

It is likely that the energy company you choose to obtain FiT payments through will assume a 50% use and 50% export ratio. Unless you have a Smart Meter it is unlikely they will deviate from that assumption.

Retail Price Index

RPI is the Retail Price Index which is used by the FiT scheme to ensure that an annual increase which reflects the value of money increasing year on year.

Fossil Fuel Prices

Fossil fuel prices generally do rise rather than fall and this inflationary rate is applied to your energy cost year on year.