We get asked lots of questions here at A Shade Greener, and while we do try our best to answer any questions posted on our Facebook profile within a few hours, we've collated the most frequently asked questions below for reference.
A: Sorry, due to recent changes in the Government Feed In Tariff we are no longer accepting new applications for Free Solar Panels at the moment. However, Free Solar will be making a comeback in 2017. - Register your interest here to ensure you're amongst the first to be contacted once free solar returns.
However we hope to continue our exisiting and new customers different ways to save on their bills by updating this website with new tip, tricks and tools.
A: No, not initially, we retain ownership, however, at the end of the FIT Scheme under the terms of the Agreement with the homeowner we will agree to leave the panels on the property in perpetuity (i.e. forever – for the life of the panels) so that the owner of the property can continue to benefit from them or benefit from any tariffs that may be in place at that time, without having to pay anything.
A: No, we don’t sell our systems. Some of the buyout clauses that other free solar companies offer are ridiculously expensive – some as high as £20,000 – they have to be in order for the company to cover its costs and profits. We would rather not offer the option at all if it means charging exorbitant prices
A: No, not at all. Our team can have a system up and functional in just a few hours. The majority of the work is done on the outside so no redecorating is needed. Our PV Installers are also professional roofers with many years of experience, so they know exactly what they're doing.
A: This myth is born of selective reporting by some journalists. The leases of some ‘Rent a Roof’ schemes do not comply with the Council of Mortgage Lenders Guidelines, and these could cause future problems for their customers. Our Lease does comply with the Guidelines and our in-house solicitor and Legal Director, Anne Emmerson, was actually consulted by the CML when they were compiling the Guidelines. Many of our customers’ homes have already been sold with our free systems in place without any problem whatsoever. We have the agreement of every major mortgage provider that they will give their consent to our installations. We have also had confirmation from these mortgage providers that having our system installed would not stop a homeowner from raising a mortgage on a property or for re-mortgaging purposes. In fact, some of our customers who have had remortgages since having our system installed found the process much quicker than normal because we put them in touch with our established contacts within the legal departments of the relevant mortgage providers. Our legal department will assist with this type of thing.
A: It is actually taking our teams only half a day, with another couple of hours to erect and take down the scaffolding (when the homeowner does not have to be present). Our electrician will need access to your loft space in order to fit a voltage inverter and one of our specialist meters. It is not a disruptive process at all. It is quite straightforward. Obviously, if the weather is very bad this timescale may not be met.
A: Unfortunately, no. For optimum performance the panels should be fixed on south facing roofs or roofs within 55 degrees either side of due south. Panels will operate on roofs that aren’t south facing but we only fit for optimum performance because we are paid for the electricity that is generated. We cannot afford to fit on roofs where the optimum level of performance can’t be reached. Also, we won’t fit on roofs that are overshadowed by trees or other objects as that will also affect the performance of the panels. There also has to be sufficient uninterrupted space for our panels – around 24sq meters.
A: For around 20 minutes to allow our Electrician to complete the installation.
A: Every one of our installations is approved by an independent Structural Engineer following structural calculations. We will NOT fit on any roof without his authority.
A: No, absolutely not. The panels fit very closely against the roof so there is minimal space for wind to blow under them. Furthermore, the fixing system has been rigorously tested to ensure stability in even the most severe weather conditions. Germany is now the world leader in annual PV installations and the climate is very similar to ours.
A: No. The panels produce electricity whilst ever it’s light, but it increases as the day wears on, peaks between 10.30 and 4.00pm, then wanes as the day comes to a close. It also depends on cloud cover. If there’s dense cloud, the panels won’t be producing as much as on a clear, bright day. At peak the panels can produce around 3000 watts. Our system will provide around 2800kw hours of electricity per year. The average house uses around 4000. If the panels aren’t producing enough electricity to meet your needs, you’ll simply pull the rest from the grid. You wouldn’t notice it happening.
A: No, you will retain the right to swap and change suppliers as and when you wish.
We do however offer a free service that lets you compare and switch energy providers right on this site. Click Here.
A: As well as being trained in solar PV installation all our installers have been chosen due to their extensive previous experience in working on roofs. In the unlikely event that a tile is damaged in the fitting process, we will replace it at no cost to you. Everything we do is fully insured and therefore we are responsible for any damage (should there be any).
A: No. The panels produce electricity whilst ever it’s light, but it increases as the day wears on, peaks between 10.30 and 4.00pm, then wanes as the day comes to a close. It also depends on cloud cover. If there’s dense cloud, the panels won’t be producing as much as on a clear, bright day. At peak the panels can produce around 3000 watts. Our system will provide around 2800kw hours of electricity per year. The average house uses around 4000. If the panels aren’t producing enough electricity to meet your needs, you’ll simply pull the rest from the grid. You wouldn’t notice it happening.
A: No. You don’t have to read anything. Our meter is remotely maintained and sends us information electronically.
A: Yes, because you will still be with your main Electricity Supplier. However, it should be much lower than what you usually pay because you will have our FREE electricity during daylight hours.
A: They are automatically covered for product liability by the manufacturers. We will insure them for everything else, including public liability, and we will pay for this insurance – this will be a term of our Agreement with you.
A: When the solar panels are fitted, you use your electricity as normal. If there is electricity being produced by the panels when you use anything electrical it will use that first automatically. If there isn’t enough being produced for what you need, or if it is night-time, then you will automatically use electricity from your usual supplier.
A: We monitor the panels remotely. Accordingly we will know very quickly if something goes wrong and will rectify it within 7 days.
A: Yes.
A: The new homeowner will simply continue to benefit from the panels, a new agreement will NOT have to be signed.
A: No, there are no moving parts.
A: You won’t notice any difference whatsoever. If the panels aren’t producing much electricity (as on a very dull day) the electricity from the grid will simply ‘top it up’. All your electrical appliances will work as normal.
A: You can use however many appliances you wish. What the panels don’t produce, the rest will be drawn from the grid. You won’t notice ANY difference at all.
A: It is fed back into the national grid automatically.
A: No, absolutely not. You can simply go about your life as normal.
A: No, absolutely not. They are working all the time. When there is no daylight, they are simply on ‘standby’. You don’t have to switch them on or off.
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