We get asked lots of questions here at A Shade Greener, and while we do try our best to answer any questions, we've collated the most frequently asked questions below for reference.
A: Sorry no, due to recent changes in the Government Feed In Tariff we are no longer accepting new applications for Free Solar.
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: 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: No, you will retain the right to swap and change suppliers as and when you wish.
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: 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.
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.