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Solar Panels for New Builds: A UK Guide for 2024
You can use the 'Contact Us' form if you're a building developer, contractor or architect looking to install solar panels for your new build projects. You buy the kit at trade price; your contractors install to our design and specification. Then our installation partners will certify (MCS) the install. This means less contractors on site, increased profit margin and the freedom to install within your own time frame yet still relying on the expertise of MCS accredited professionals.
Together with our approved installation partners, we can provide a comprehensive equipment and support package so that all you or your contractor have to do is install the supplied equipment and supply all additional materials to complete the installation to MIS3005 standards and BS EN 12831. We can also offer Viridian Solar In Roof Solar PV at trade price (Integrated solar roof panels, GSE). Which can help save money on roof tiles.
What Solar Installations are Available?
To meet SAP calculation requirements you may be looking to install solar panels. For new builds and self-builds, you'll likely be looking at solar photovoltaic panels and/or solar hot water (solar thermal) systems. Instead of looking at options to traditional heating systems, solar panel installations can be added to new builds to improve the EPC and overall energy efficiency. These systems enable contractors to meet current building regulations relating to the energy efficiency of new properties.
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Can I get Funding for the Installations?
Although there are no grants available for solar PV installations in the traditional sense, there are opportunities for solar panel funding in the UK. Currently, the only scheme open to new applications is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) although this won't help you with the upfront costs. There are four notable incentives for solar panels in the UK:
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) (Self-build only)
- Reduced VAT on energy-saving products
- Feed-in Tariff (FIT) (no longer open to new applications)
- Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) – this applies to solar water heating only
It’s worth mentioning here that solar panels no longer really need financial incentives. The cost of electricity has gone up considerably and the cost of solar panels has dropped meaning that solar panels are an attractive financial investment for most prospects.
What are the Advantages?
From 2021 all new homes are expected to achieve a 31% reduction in carbon emissions. Today, when building a new home, it is required that you include energy saving measures and offsets such as cheap new build solar panels. These include solar panels or solar thermal systems. Solar panels do not need to detract from the attractiveness of your new build. Properties can be designed and built to incorporate the technology more ergonomically, so they do not look too unsightly. Here are some of the advantages of solar panels:
- They meet all of the minimum renewable energy requirements. There are several legal requirements linked to renewable energy which apply when building in the UK. SAP calculations are a requirement of the Building Regulations and are required for all newly built dwellings in the UK. SAP Ratings have been required for all new homes under Part L of the building regulations since 1995. Part L is the part of the building regulations that require a new build to be self-sufficient. This is for a minimum of 10% of the consumed electricity onsite. Some councils are asking for more. SAP calculations are also used to produce Energy Performance Certificate Ratings. It is crucial for a new build to pass its SAP as it is against the law to rent or sell a property without an EPC. An EPC provides information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs. Read more about SAP calculations and EPC ratings here.
- They can save on roof covering costs. It’s an ideal time to install solar panels for new build when at new build stage. The panels can be integrated to the roof. In some cases,solar panels can become the actual roof. This is known as BIPV, building integrated solar panels.
- They improve sale-ability by reducing the building’s electricity costs. The financial benefits of solar installations in new builds are significant. Modern solar hot water systems including solar thermal and the new thermodynamic systems generate between 50-100% of the hot water requirements. An average-sized house with a 4kW solar panel system can expect to save approximately £270 on electricity bills per year.
- They reduce the building’s carbon emissions dramatically. The Energy Saving Trust estimates the average UK home with a solar PV system installed could reduce carbon emissions by 1.3 to 1.6 tonnes per year depending on where you live in the UK.
- They improve your BREAM score. Bream stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. Established in 1990 it is the world's longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings.
- They can demonstrate market leading design and innovation.
- They comply with local planning conditions. Read more about planning permission here.
- They help to create more energy-efficient buildings. Solar panels help to save energy because they remove the building’s dependence on the National Grid. The power that is being used is renewable, and less is often required in comparison to the energy provided by the grid.
- They can improve corporate social responsibility (CSR).
- They can encourage sustainable living in the community.
New builds offer the chance for builders and contractors to install our significantly cheaper solar energy systems, without having to replace the existing systems that historically would have been an extra obstacle to installation. There is no doubt the long term financial and environmental factors far outweigh the cost of initial outlay. Call us today for a bespoke and tailored quotation.
Are there any Disadvantages?
Here are some of the disadvantages of solar panels:
- The initial cost of purchasing a solar system is fairly high. This includes paying for solar panels, inverter, potentially batteries, wiring and the installation. However solar panels are a lot cheaper than they once were and it is safe to assume that prices will continue to go down in the future as new solar technologies are developed. Most solar panel installations should last for more than 25 years with the right maintenance, and the initial cost can normally be offset within the first 5-10 years.
- The performance of your solar panels is affected by weather. There is a myth that strong sunlight is needed to power solar panels but in reality, it is daylight which creates the required energy. That being said on dark, winter days significantly less solar energy will be produced.
- Not all roof types are suitable for solar panels. Solar panels work best when they can get as much direct sunlight as possible. In the UK, we are in the northern hemisphere. This means that the sun is above the equator and therefore your solar panels will be most effective if they are south facing. Panels facing south will face the sun all day long. This gives them the maximum possible time to collect sunlight and convert it into energy. While solar panels can be installed on a range of roofing materials, an ideal choice would be a standing seam metal roof. A metal roof is a sturdy and efficient platform for solar panels, and one that will last for many years to come without needing to be repaired or replaced.
- Solar panels can take up a lot of space. The bigger your roof, the more panels you can install and the more energy you can produce. Some roofs may not be big enough to have the number of solar panels that you would like to have. Alternatively, you can install some solar panels in your garden or yard. If you don’t have enough space for all the panels you want, you can still have a few to satisfy some of your energy needs.
- The production of the panels can cause pollution. Although, solar energy pollutes far less than conventional fossil fuel energy sources solar energy can be associated with pollution. Transportation and installation have been linked with the emission of greenhouse gases. There are also some toxic and hazardous materials used during the manufacturing process of solar photovoltaic systems that can affect the environment.
- Solar Energy Storage is expensive. If solar energy can’t be used right away it can be stored in large batteries. These batteries used in off-the-grid solar systems can be charged during the day so that the energy can be used at night. This is a good solution for using solar energy all day long, but it can be rather expensive. Most of the time it’s probably better to use your solar energy during the day and take energy from the grid during the night as long as you are connected to the grid of course.
What is MCS Accreditation?
MCS refers to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. MCS is an internationally recognised quality assurance scheme supported by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). MCS certifies both products and installation companies to help ensure that Microgeneration products are installed to a high standard. The scheme has been created to ensure the highest standards of practice in the Renewable Energy sector for all single renewable appliances under 45kw with a total installed capacity of 70kw.
Why Does Your Solar Installation Need to be MCS Accredited?
When installing solar panels, you should ensure that the technology and the installation are MCS accredited. Here are some reasons why:
- Mark of product quality. MCS accredited technology has been tested to ensure it meets the necessary quality and safety standards.
- Proof of competence. If the installation is MCS accredited, you can be confident that the technology has been competently and safely. The MCS accreditation will ensure that the system can achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency and performance.
- Consumer Protection. MCS offer protection in the event that: a)You’ve been given misleading information about the scheme or the renewable technology. b)The generation system is under performing. c) Information in the contract and the actual service provided don’t match up. If you have a complaint regarding an MCS product, MCS is committed to resolving it fairly and impartially.
- Insurance cover. Your insurance policy will require an MCS certificate in the case you need to make a claim for your solar panels.
- Peace of mind. MCS certification is a guarantee that the solar panels and installation meet the highest standards. This will allow you to get the most from your solar system for many years to come.
- Eligibility for financial incentive schemes. This means having MCS certified solar panels and installation. Schemes such as the Smart Export Guarantee (solar PV) and the Renewable Heat Incentive (solar thermal) can help you to earn a quicker return on your investment in solar.
In conclusion, integrating solar panels into new builds in the UK will soon most likely be a requirement in order to achieve the required reduction in carbon emissions. Solar panels not only reduce the initial carbon footprint but also offers long-term financial benefits through energy savings and financial incentives. The adoption of solar energy in construction projects plays an important role in meeting the UK's ambitious carbon emission targets. Property developers will benefit from a good understanding of how solar panel systems can be utilised in new builds. For further information, please see our 'further reading' articles or give us a call using the number in the header of this page.
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