Solar FAQ

Generally, no. If a property is a listed building or classified as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, planning permission is required.

Solar panels gain most heat / electricity facing due south and being pitched at 35 degrees. A survey or understanding of shading on the potential area is essential to ascertain whether or not a solar system is suitable. Shading reduces the the amount of hot water produced in solar thermal panels and greatly affects the efficiency of solar PV panels.

If there are 10 PV panels on one string, connected together, and one panel is hampered by shading, it will affect the entire string of panels. Isoenergy ensures this is avoided before we recommend a solar PV solution to a client.

In the UK, solar panels work best from May through to October. Solar thermal and solar PV systems are at their most efficient on a hot day, with direct sunlight and a light breeze.

Cloud will affect the performance of both solar PV and thermal systems, solar thermal more so. However, our PV systems have been reporting excellent results throughout the winter thanks to the high level of light intensity despite the cloud cover. 

Thanks to the Feed in Tariff and the highly efficient, quality equipment installed by isoenergy, our solar PV systems now offer a 9 - 11% return on investment (ROI).

The government has announced the Renewable Heat Incentive. Solar thermal has already been introduced for the commercial sector at the extremely favourable rate of 8.5p per kW of heat generated for 20 years.

Domestic properties will be introduced into the incentive in October 2012, with solar thermal almost certain to be included as one of the only 100% renewable technologies.

This FAQ will be continually be updated as soon as the rates and accepted domestic technologies are finalised.