Feed-In Tariffs - UK Solar Power Tariffs - Solar PV Panels

The UK government's Feed in Tariffs scheme requires energy suppliers to make regular payments to householders and communities who generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources such as Solar PV Panels

Feed in Tariffs - Solar PV Panels

Solar Photovoltaics, or Solar PV for short, is a solar power technology that uses solar cells to convert light from the sun directly into electricity. Solar PV cells connected together in series which are often referred to as a Solar PV module or a Solar PV panel. The electrical output of Solar Photovoltaics are dependant on the intensity of light they are exposed to, but electricity will still be generated even on an overcast day

Feed in Tariffs - Siting of Solar PV Panels

Solar PV is suitable for use in both urban and rural locations and is adaptable to almost any building which has sufficient exposure to light. The amount of electrical energy a Solar PV system will generate is dependant on its location in the UK and the time of year; most solar energy is generated in the summer months. Solar PV panels can be attached to pitched roofs or flat roofs, fixed vertically onto external walls or located on the ground. Solar PV panel systems should work efficiently in most locations as long as no part of the panel is shaded from daylight.

Feed in Tariffs - Solar Roof Tiles

In the same way that Solar PV panels work, Solar Roof Tiles convert daylight into electrical energy using a semi-conductor material. Solar Roof Tiles are small Solar PV panels that are manufactured to a size and shape that can be integrated into a normal tiled roof. The Solar Roof Tiles are connected together electrically in arrays and have the same electricity generating characteristics as Solar PV panels. Solar Roof Tiles are designed and manufactured to integrate with concrete interlocking roof tiles. They are fixed to standard roofing battens in exactly the same way as concrete roof tiles.

Feed in Tariffs - Planning Permission for Solar PV Panels

National planning guidance urges local planners to take into consideration the need to develop more renewable energy in their regions. Planning permission is usually only required on listed buildings or buildings in conservation areas. In all circumstances it is advisable to discuss the planning issues with the local authority before having a system installed.

Feed in Tariffs - Solar PV Panels Connected to the National Grid

In order to take advantage of feed in tariffs the Solar PV panels must be sited where it can be connected to the National Grid. The Solar PV system must have an inverter fitted to convert direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) so that it can be connected to the National Grid.

Feed in Tariffs for Solar PV Panels

Feed in Tariffs is a government sponsored incentive scheme designed to encourage the introduction of renewable energy sources. Under feed in tariffs, an obligation is imposed on regional or national electricity utility companies to buy renewable energy electricity.

The feed in tariffs scheme covers several electricity generating technologies up to 5 Mega Watts: Solar PV (photovoltaics), Wind Power, Hydro Electric, micro CHP (Domestic Scale - with a capacity of 2kW or less) and Anaerobic Digestion.

Feed in Tariff Rates for Solar PV installations in 2011/March 2012

In order to Avoid Boom and Bust in the Solar PV Sector the DECC Issued a News Release on 31st October 2011 Announcing a Proposed Reduction in Solar PV Tariff
For More Information Link to the Solar PV Tariffs News Page

Feed in Tariff levels vary depending on the scale of the installation.

Technology Type	Scale of Technology	01/04/11	Tariff (Years)
Solar PV	0 to 4 kW (New-Build)	37.8p	25
Solar PV	0 to 4 kW (Retro-fit)	43.3p	25
Solar PV	4 kW to 10 kW	37.8p	25
Solar PV	10 kW to 50 kW	32.9p	25
Solar PV	50 kW to 150 kW	19.0p	25
Solar PV	150 kW to 250 kW	15.0p	25
Solar PV	250 kW to 5 MW	8.5p	25
Solar PV	Stand Alone System	8.5p	25

Power generated will be used by the property thereby reducing the electricity bills. If more power is generated, the surplus will be exported to the National Grid and the electricity supplier will be paid for the excess. 

If the power generating potential is greater than that necessary to generate the electrical power for a single dwelling then benefits can be achieved by communities grouping together to increase buying power. 

Solar PV Panels - Professional Advice

If you require help with your project you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified building professional or specialist contractor. Electrical Safety Regulations apply to Solar PV panel systems so they should always be installed by a trained and experienced installer.

Feed in Tariffs - Householders to Make Homes Energy Efficient

Before investing in renewable or low carbon energy systems it is important to make sure the building is as energy efficient as possible, so that the energy generated is not wasted.

For Information on Feed in Tariff Levels link to - Feed in Tariffs Levels Page

Householders considering generating their own electricity should look at the Energy Saving Trust's Clean Energy Cashback webpages for more information on energy efficiency measures as well as taking independent advice on the technologies concerned

About Feed-In Tariffs - UK Government Grants - Solar PV