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.
If you have any questions please get in contact!
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.
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 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.
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.
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 generally do rise rather than fall and this inflationary rate is applied to your energy cost year on year.