Solar Panels - Solar Power

Dulas have been installing solar PV systems in the UK for over two decades. Solar PV panels enable homeowners to generate their own clean, green electricity and we have the experience and technical know-how to specify the very best system for your home. We install solar photovoltaic systems of all types; on-roof systems for all roof structures, ground-mounted systems, integrated roof tiles for listed buildings and semi-integrated systems built into the roof.

The UK Government mandated Feed-in Tariff (FIT) provides you a guaranteed, index linked and tax-free income for 25 years - so you need to have confidence that your system will perform for that period and longer. This is where our experience really counts, there are wide variations in the quality and performance of panels and inverters available, so we only use proven, trusted components that we know will perform for years to come.

Our friendly expert team will guide you through the installation process - how to claim the FIT and how to get the most out of your free daytime electricity.

There are a few things to bear in mind when thinking about a solar PV installation for your home:

The closer to south the site faces - the more electricity your system will produce. The array should also avoid any shading from trees, chimneys or buildings at different times of the day.

Solar PV systems fall under permitted development regulations meaning that provided they do not protrude above the roof ridgeline or more than 200mm above the roof plane then they do not need planning permission. However we recommend that you check with your local planning authority if you are in a conservation area, an area of outstanding natural beauty, a national park or if your building is listed.

Solar arrays can be fitted to almost every roof type - sloping or flat, roofed with tiles, slates or specialist materials, even glass. New build projects offer further opportunities for architectural integration at the design stage.

Most installations will require a scaffold structure to allow safe access to the roof, however the installation disruption is minimal and internal electrical equipment can be hidden away effectively.

If you think a solar PV installation might be for you please fill in the enquiry form shown below or call us on 01654 705000. We will then be in touch to discuss your options. We can then provide you with a quote giving you the best options to consider.

Modules comprise of a series of interconnected silicon photovoltaic cells. These are laminated between glass and a back-sheet and are held within a strong aluminium frame for rigidity and durability. The panels can be roof-mounted or ground-mounted in an array positioned to avoid shading. Solar panels come in different sizes and power ratings so are configured to deliver the best output for your system requirements.

This is the name for the range of components that attach the solar panels to the roof. Mounting systems are available for almost every roof type and material and are designed to withstand the harshest of weather conditions. Our mounting systems can also be colour-matched to match the solar panel frames. This helps to lessen the visual impact of the installation, particularly when specifying black anodised components.

The power generated is direct current (DC) which has to be converted to alternating current (AC) to operate your household appliances. This is done by the inverter which is usually installed in the loft or along side your existing consumer unit or fuse box.

This is the term used for all the required electrical metering, isolators and cables needed to complete your system.

There are a wide variety of monitoring and display units available that will show how your system is performing. These can be wall mounted or wireless and will show live power and total generation figures. You can also download your performance statistics to your computer to track the energy generated by your system.

• Our team conduct a remote assessment to confirm that your roof is suitable for an installation.
• We consider all aspects such as size of roof area, shading and orientation - all critical factors in the overall performance of a solar PV system.
• Our assessment team also check scaffold requirements and general area access.
• The assessment will take into account any potential planning requirements or building regulations.

• Dulas provide a tailor-made quotation for your home. This will include the cost of scaffold, all components, system installation and commissioning by one of our experienced teams.
• When you select the best option, we will agree an installation schedule with you.
• The schedule will also include confirmation of planning requirements or any building regulations that might need further investigation.

• Erect a safe scaffold structure.
• Our MCS Approved installers will first fix the mounting system to the roof by screwing the roof anchors through the tiles to the rafters, all the weatherproof integrity is maintained throughout the whole process.
• The mounting system framework is then attached to the roof anchors.
• The PV panels are clamped to the framework using colour coded components. The lightweight aluminium framework is then hidden by the panels.
• The weatherproof wiring and connectors are then routed into your home.
• An inverter is installed in the loft space or next to your consumer unit.
• Your system is configured and tested by our experienced qualified installers.
• The installation process generally takes two days for an average 3-4 kWp system.

• Once installed you register your system with an energy provider to qualify and receive your Feed-in Tariff (FIT) payment.
• You can register for FIT payments from a wide variety of energy suppliers. We recommend Good Energy as they are the leader in the UK renewable energy market - dedicated to the provision of clean, low-carbon energy.
• Once your system is generating you can use your monitoring or display unit to view your system performance, show your friends and calculate your energy savings and FIT income.

Dulas only specify and install long-lasting, reliable installations that will provide maximum generation and income for the 25 years of the Feed-in Tariff and beyond. Dulas have spent many years selecting the very best system components that deliver reliability along with value for money. There are a huge variety of solar PV panels on the market but very few have true long-term pedigree. One such manufacturer that does is Kyocera who are one of the few PV panel manufacturers that can truly demonstrate longevity. Kyocera have recently been the first in the world to pass all the challenging "Long-Term Sequential Tests" by TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd.

Kyocera have been manufacturing panels since the 1970s. They have a test unit that they installed in 1984 in a wooden frame, that has lost just 8% efficiency over almost 30 years; a remarkable achievement for the technology of the day. Rest assured that production techniques and system performance levels have also increased significantly since those early days.

As well as Kyocera we also work with trusted suppliers such as Hyundai, Bosch and LG all of whom pass our stringent performance criteria.

Another key component of your system is the inverter. Dulas specify Fronius and SunnyBoy inverters as they are recognised class leaders able to deliver reliable and consistent electrical supply to your home for their lifetime. Bear in mind that inverters have a lifetime of around 8 to 10 years. Our inverters are supplied with a 5 year warranty, extensions are available however we recommend waiting until you need to replace as prices will inevitably have reduced by then. We will discuss all aspects of your installation and what to expect during the assessment and specification process.

Use the response shown below or call us on 01654 705000 to find out more.

The UK has committed to supplying 15% of its energy from renewable resources by 2020; that is equivalent to about 31% of our electricity demands.

As part of this commitment the government has mandated the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme which went live in April 2010. The FIT pays a fixed rate for every kWh your renewable energy system produces. All electricity which is unused is sold back to the national grid earning an additional 3.1 pence per KWh. The FIT is designed to give a return on investment of approximately 4-5% each year. What's more you get free daytime electricity when your system is generating, further offsetting your energy bill.

The much publicised FIT review of 31st October 2011 has adjusted the rate of return for solar PV installations yet perhaps contrary to popular belief a quality installation will still provide an excellent long term return on investment, protection from rising energy costs and the undeniable environmental benefits of your own renewable energy generation.

A guaranteed return on investment of approximately 4-5% per year is very attractive in the current economic climate. A payback period of 11 years will still offer an income for the remainder of the 25 year feed-in tariff payment period.

The key to maximising these returns is to have your system installed by a reputable, experienced company able to specify the best system for your property with the highest performing, reliable equipment that will deliver the best yields over the full FIT payment period.

The financial benefits are three-fold:

• You earn income for each unit of electricity your system generates.
• You can use the free electricity that your system generates throughout the day, reducing your electricity bills.
• You can sell any unused energy back to your utility company.

These payments are guaranteed, tax-free and the rate is index linked to the RPI for twenty five years from the day that your MCS Approved system is commissioned by our installers. Those that sign up to the scheme soonest will receive the best rates as the rates will reduce on an annual basis.

*Projected benefit is the sum of the electricity generation tariff + export tariff income + offsetting electricity; assuming a 50% export rate of generated electricity, Feed-in Tariff rates as of April 2012 and a 12p/kWh purchase rate for electricity assumed. SAP average generation assumes south facing roof at a 30 degree pitch with no shading.

You can register for FIT payments from a wide variety of energy suppliers, we recommend Good Energy as they are a leader in the UK renewable energy market dedicated to the provision of clean, low-carbon energy.