Solar Survey: What it is and What it Includes

This blog explains the survey process that our engineers conduct when someone inquires about solar panel installation. The survey includes simulation results such as Annual Energy Production, performance ratio, a Detailed Financial Analysis (including Return on Investment and Lifetime Bill Savings), and more.

Financial Overview

This section appears on the first page and provides details such as System Profit (NPV), which considers your current usage and what you are currently paying, as well as the forecasted power your installation will generate.

The Payback Period is also included in this section and is calculated by comparing your potential annual power generation to the amount you could save, based on your current energy provider's rates for your annual consumption.

System Production and Consumption

This section includes a visual representation (in the form of a pie chart). The first chart, System Production, shows the estimated energy your installation will generate, measured in megawatt-hours (MWh).

The Consumption pie chart shows your total consumption based on your current usage, as well as potential ‘self-consumption’ from your installation, represented as a percentage of your total consumption. These figures are also shown in megawatt-hours (MWh).

Estimated Monthly Energy

This page provides a month-by-month breakdown of your Estimated Energy Consumption in an easy-to-understand bar chart, along with the corresponding figures in a table below. All figures are given in megawatt-hours (MWh) for consistency and are forecasts based on your specific installation.

For comparison, the chart also shows your estimated consumption, so you can quickly see what you are generating versus what you are consuming. As expected, the chart and figures below reflect higher production during the summer months.

Estimated Bill Savings

The next page shows the Estimated Bill Savings for both the first year after installation and the forecasted savings over the 20-year lifetime of the installation. For this particular installation, the estimated Net Monthly Bill Saving is £775.96, which translates into an estimated Net Lifetime Bill Saving of £234,333.

Detailed Financial Analysis

This section shows the System Profit, calculated by subtracting the System Price from the Lifetime Bill Savings.

Additionally, it includes the Internal Rate of Return (IRR), a percentage that estimates the profitability of a solar project. The IRR is calculated using a financial formula that includes the PV energy price and cash inflows. An IRR of 20% means the investment should generate a 20% return each year.

Yearly Cashflow

This page continues from the previous one and shows the Net Bill Savings year by year over a 20-year period.

System Loss Diagram

This page documents some of the potential system losses and factors in various variables, including environmental factors such as shading.

There will always be some loss during the conversion from Direct Current (DC)—the energy generated by your solar panels—to Alternating Current (AC), which is used in properties. This is entirely normal and is always documented in the survey report.

Solar Panel Installation: No Planning Permission Required!*

Did you know? Installing solar panels might be easier than you think – in most cases, you won’t need planning permission at all!

While there are some exceptions, the majority of solar panel installations don’t require approval, making the transition to cleaner energy hassle-free.

*When is Planning Permission Needed?

Planning permission is only necessary if your property is in a designated area, such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a Conservation Area.

What About a Standard 12-Panel Installation?

For most homes, a typical 12-panel solar setup doesn’t require planning permission, unless your property is listed or located in a conservation area.

What if the Installation Exceeds 1 Megawatt?

Previously, a planning requirement existed for installations over 1 megawatt, but this has now been removed to encourage more renewable energy adoption. For most domestic and business properties, no permission is needed. Learn more.

What About Places of Worship?

Places of worship with ecclesiastical exemptions, like the Church of England or Roman Catholic Church, don’t need listed building consent, but they will need approval from the relevant denominational authority.

For more details, check out Historic England’s guidelines: Historic England's Solar PV Advice.

Do Listed Buildings Require Planning Permission?

It’s always best to double-check with your local authority. Generally, if you want to install solar panels on a listed building, planning permission will be required.

Main Differences Between Solar Panels?

SOLAR PANEL Size (W)

Solar panels typically range from 380W to 450W. While higher wattage panels (450W) produce more power, efficiency and other factors should also be considered when choosing the best option.

Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panel efficiency varies, with most operating between 94% and 99%. Always ask your installer about the efficiency of the proposed panels to ensure optimal performance.

Monofacial vs. Bifacial Panels

Modern bifacial panels generate more energy than traditional monofacial ones by absorbing sunlight from both the front and back, maximising ambient light usage.

Warranties

Opt for panels with a minimum 15-year warranty. Some manufacturers offer up to 25 years, often split into two types:

Product warranty

Covers defects or faults affecting panel functionality. Typically lasts 10–12 years, with some extending up to 25 years.

Power warranty

Guarantees a specific power output over time, e.g., 90% output at 10 years and 80% at 25 years.

The Smart Way to Compare Solar Installations: Key Factors to Consider

UK Green Energy Installations uses high-quality batteries and inverters made by GivEnergy that outperform cheaper alternatives. When comparing solar and battery storage installation quotes,
it’s crucial to evaluate them on a like-for-like basis.

Key factors to consider:

• Hardware Quality: Investing in top-tier products ensures durability, with systems lasting up to 25 years and offering payback in as little as 6 years. Choosing quality maximises your system's lifespan and overall returns.

• 12-Year Warranty: Not all products offer such an extensive warranty. Our 12-year coverage provides peace of mind, ensuring you’re fully protected against issues with batteries or inverters long after installation.

• Installation Expertise: The quality of the installation plays a crucial role in the performance and longevity of your system. Experienced installers ensure that everything is set up correctly and optimally, minimising potential issues and maximising efficiency over the system's lifespan.

Unlock Triple Savings: VAT-Free Battery Storage & EV Charger Installation!

Triple Savings on Battery Storage & EV Charge Point Installation

Take advantage of VAT exemption on battery storage and save more by installing it alongside your EV Charge Point. Here's how you can benefit:

1. VAT-Free Installation: The battery, inverter, and installation are VAT-exempt. Bundle your battery storage with an EV charger installation, and the entire job is VAT-free.

2. Cheaper Energy Costs: Charge your battery during off-peak hours using the lowest electricity tariffs and use it when prices are high, maximizing your savings.

3. Exclusive Offer: GivEnergy is offering a half-price inverter with every battery purchase, adding even more to your savings!

Contact us today to lock in these savings before they expire!

Buy a Battery and Get the Inverter Half Price

Don’t miss out on a half price inverter when you buy a GivEnergy battery through UK Green Energy Installations.

From now until December 31, 2024, we’re halving inverter prices. With your purchase of a low-voltage GivEnergy battery, we’ll sell you the accompanying battery inverter at a 50% reduced cost.