Every job we do is unique so costs will vary. But very generally …
A dwelling with say one to two bedrooms as an example will need a minimum of a 2KW system. Solar panels vary in cost from a 2KW system @ £3,896 (£1,948 per KW), on average. To allow for expansion on a 1-2 bedroom dwelling for a 3KW system, costs would be @ £5200. (Solar Panel sizes vary & impact on costings). A three Bedroomed dwelling will require a 4KW system @ £5,500 - £8,000. For a four or five-bedroom dwelling for a 4.9KW system, costs would be in the region of £9,200. The UK government has slashed VAT with its zero VAT scheme currently available until March 2027 saving the average household £1,000.
To explain potential savings from a solar panel system with batteries and ground source heat pumps to a homeowner, we can break it down by illustrating the reduction in electricity costs due to generating your own power with solar panels, the minimized reliance on the grid, and the increased efficiency of heating/cooling through ground source heat pumps, resulting in lowered energy bills. It's essential to calculate the estimated costs of the system, including installation, and then compare it against your current and projected energy expenses to showcase potential savings over time. We know the savings over time are substantial, but these have to be calculated for each individual dwelling to give you as accurate as possible answers to your question.
The installation time for solar & batteries can vary based on the complexity of the system, the number of batteries, and the setup's specifics. Typically, it can take a day or two for a straightforward installation, but more complex setups might take several days.
For ground source heat pumps, the installation duration can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on factors such as the property size, soil conditions, and system complexity.
Our professional Installers generally provide more accurate estimates based on the specific requirements of the installation.
Solar panels work by harnessing the photovoltaic effect, where they convert sunlight into electricity. The panels consist of solar cells, usually made of silicon, which absorb photons from sunlight. When the sunlight hits the solar cells, it excites the electrons in the material, generating an electric current. This direct current (DC) electricity is then converted into usable alternating current (AC) power by an inverter, ready for use in homes or to feed into the electrical grid.
The amount of electricity generated by a 4 kW solar panel system for example can vary due to factors like geographic location, panel orientation, sunlight hours, and local weather conditions. On average, a 4 kW system can generate approximately 14 - 18 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity per day. Over the course of a year, it could produce roughly 4,900 to 6,500 kWh annually, depending on these variables.
Solar panels typically require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning to remove dust, dirt, and debris can optimise their efficiency. Inspecting for damage or shading issues is recommended. For batteries, periodic checks for corrosion, ensuring proper ventilation, and following the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and usage are essential. Overall, both solar panels and batteries have low maintenance requirements, but occasional checks and care can prolong their lifespan and performance. Ground source heat pumps generally require minimal maintenance. Routine checks on the system, including filters, fans, and the ground loop, are recommended. Inspections for leaks or any unusual noises should be performed, and periodic professional servicing, usually once a year, can ensure the system operates efficiently. Proper maintenance helps maintain the heat pump's performance and longevity.
The industry average warranties for solar panels commonly range from 25 to 30 years for performance guarantees and around 10 to 12 years for product warranties. For batteries, warranties can vary widely but often range from 5 to 15 years. Ground source heat pumps typically come with warranties ranging between 10 to 25 years, covering various components such as the compressor, heat exchanger, or parts of the system. We advise that you always check specific manufacturers' warranties as they can differ based on brand and model. We will supply you with all the information regarding your installation upon completion.
You can expect an average system to last around 10 – 15 years & longer. This could mean that you’ll have to replace the battery and / or inverter 2-3 times over the lifespan of your solar panels, which usually last around 20-30 years. Your Manufacturers guarantee is usually 20 years.
Our company being involved in solar battery and ground source heat pump installations typically needs several types of insurance coverage to protect our business & customers.
This includes:
- General Liability Insurance: Protects against third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage.
- Professional Liability Insurance: Covers claims related to professional services, design, or consulting errors.
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: Provides coverage for employee injuries or illnesses that occur on the job.
- Commercial Property Insurance: Protects the property, including equipment and inventory, against damage or loss.
- Interruption Insurance: Covers lost income and additional expenses if our business is unable to operate due to a covered loss.
- Product Liability Insurance: Covers against claims related to product defects or malfunctions.
Our Installers of solar panels, batteries, and ground source heat pumps need a combination of education, training, and certifications. These qualifications include:
- Training and Certification: Our installers acquire training through courses provided by manufacturers, trade associations, or educational institutions. Certifications from organisations our installers have been educated by are held at our Offices.
- Electrical certifications: For solar panels and batteries, expertise in electrical work is crucial. For ground source heat pumps, our installers are experienced with qualifications in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations.
- Licensing and Compliance: Our installers will comply with local licensing requirements & building codes.
- Given the evolving nature of renewable energy technology our installers engage in ongoing education to stay updated with the latest industry standards and practices.
Our Installers assess a roof's strength for solar panel installation through a few methods:
- Structural Analysis: Our Installers use structural engineering calculations or software to evaluate if the roof can support the additional weight of the solar panels. This analysis considers the roof's material, age, and load-bearing capacity.
- Physical Inspection: We inspect the roof for any signs of damage, weakness, or structural issues that might affect the installation. We can also deploy Drones to video the roof so that the state of the roof is documented, and our clients can see for themselves any damage or risks before an installation is undertaken.
- Roof Load-Bearing Capacity: Our Installers also check the original building plans or blueprints, if available, to determine the roof's load-bearing capacity.
- Consultation with Structural Engineers: In some cases, we might consult with structural engineers to assess the roof's capacity and ensure its suitability for solar panel installation.
- Ultimately, our company will complete a thorough evaluation as it is crucial to ensure the roof can safely support the weight of the solar panels and that the installation doesn't compromise the structural integrity of the building.
We have averaged battery costs based on standard battery outputs: battery power 7kW peak / 5kW continuous for each battery. Let’s take a look at the average solar panel battery storage cost, covering different system types and installation prices. Solar battery Size Average cost Standard battery (10 - 15-year life) 4kWh £5,000 Standard inverter (12 year life) 4kW £800 Solar PV 4kW £6,200 Full cost for initial install (battery, inverter and PV).
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