FAQ

Does Sunpowered service the whole of the UK?

Yes, if you are re-roofing or building a new home we can design and install a bespoke tile or slate solution anywhere in the UK working with along side your architects. If your preferred option is a bolt-on system then Sunpowered is a leader in the use of this technology with years of experience behind it. We can design and fit a system tailor made for your requirements using the most modern, high quality products at sensible prices.

Whatever your Solar Electricity needs and budget, Sunpowered has the product to satisfy you.

I’m based outside of the UK, can you help me?

Unfortunately NO Sunpowered only installs home systems within the UK.

What am I getting?

The electricity you currently buy from your energy supplier is sold to you in electrical units. You may pay less for units you consume during the night and more for units used during daylight hours. An electrical unit as itemised on your electricity bill is also known as a kilowatt hour (kWh). When you invest in a Solar PV system you are buying a system which produces electrical units for use in your own home. Every unit you produce reduces the amount of electricity bought from your energy supplier and therefore the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

How much energy do I need?

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average 4 bedroom house consumes 3,000 units of electricity a year (cooking and heating using non electric supply). However, we always recommend that you look at your last few bills or call your electricity supplier to find out how many units you consume, you can then compare this to the output of the system we recommend.

How much electricity can Solar PV panels produce?

A solar PV system is measured in size according to the number of electrical units it would produce in an ideal environment. The smallest system size usually installed on a domestic property is 1 kilowatt peak (kWp). In the UK, a 1 kWp system is expected to produce at least 900 electrical units - kilowatt hours - every year. The average household in the UK uses approximately 3,000 kWh every year. Therefore a 2 kWp system will produce over half of your yearly requirements and avoid around 774 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions. With a life span of at least 30 years, a 2 kWp system will generate around 54,000 kWh and avoid approximately 23 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in its lifetime - enough to fill nearly five hot air balloons.

Can I sell the electricity I generate but don’t use?

Any electricity you generate but don't use is sold back to your electricity supplier and when you are not generating enough (e.g. at night) you buy it back at the same price. Not all suppliers offer this service so you may need to change supplier.

Which electricity supplier?

Currently the trend amongst suppliers is not to install export meters but to pay a fixed amount per kilowatt peak installed. This means that you will be rewarded for the electricity generated from your system even when you use it in your home – potentially doubling its value. Most of the big utilities will buy back the energy you generate for the same price as they sell it to you although, if you do need to switch supplier it is not a complicated process.

We continue to assist all of our customers to access the best service available and are here to help with any queries that may arise.

What happens if there is a power cut?

Our systems for homes are entirely grid connected. If there is a power cut your system is automatically switched off. This is a safety measure designed to stop electricity leaking on to the national grid and to protect individuals who may be working to restore the power supply. Unfortunately there is no product that can be added to your PV system to act as a back up at the present time.

What maintenance and cleaning do the systems need?

PV systems are silent in operation, have no moving parts and require no maintenance. Most of the time the rain will keep the modules clean. However, a build up of dirt can affect system performance. The modules can be cleaned with either a hose or, if possible, soapy water and a non abrasive brush.

Access to the Distribution Network

By producing your own electricity you essentially become a supplier yourself. As well as producing electricity for your own needs, there will be times when your system produces more than you need. In this situation, the surplus electricity will be fed into the local network. It is our responsibility to ensure your system is installed according to the existing electrical installation regulations. It is also our responsibility to contact the local Distribution Network Operator to advise that a new solar PV system is being connected in their area. The connection of solar PV systems to the electricity grid has become standard procedure and paperwork will be dealt with by Sunpowered as part of the service.

What happens next?

With your own solar PV system you join an increasing number of homeowners who have decided to make an investment in their homes and in a sustainable energy future. The renewable electricity market has been developing rapidly over the last 10 years, delivering more and more benefits for those individuals who have made the decision to go solar. As well as producing your own electricity there are other benefits to be gained from your system.

Buy back schemes

Many energy supply companies offer buy back schemes. This is when they purchase the electricity you produce for a fixed rate. As a customer you can change your supply company at any time allowing you to always secure the best deal for the purchase and sale of your electricity.

Registering for Renewable Obligation Certificates

You can also register as an independent energy generator and sell your own electricity in the form of Renewable Obligation Certificates (Rocs) to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority, OFGEM. One ROC is equal to 1000 kWh or electrical units. Therefore, on average, for every 1 kWp you have installed you are generating sufficient electricity for one ROC. The ROC system will remain in place until 2027, which provides further security to those deciding to invest now in renewables. For more information on buy back schemes or registering as an electricity generator.