Frequently Asked Questions

What is renewable energy?

Energy which comes from sustainable (renewable) natural resources such as wind and sunlight.

What is solar PV (photovoltaic)?

A technology which uses a device (usually a solar panel) to absorb light which results in the production of an electric current.

What is solar thermal?

A technology which uses a device (usually a solar panel) to absorb light which it then converts to energy used to heat water.

What is MCS (Microgeneration Certification)?

A quality assurance scheme for the technologies used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources. Both the equipment and the installation are certified to demonstrate a service provider’s commitment to meeting rigorous and tested standards.

MCS accreditation is required for your installation to be eligible for the Feed-In Tariffs. ATASS Energy is MCS accredited.

What is REAL Assurance (Renewable Energy Assurance Limited)?

Members of the REAL Assurance scheme agree to abide by a set of rigorous standards outlined in the REAL Code of Conduct. It aims to give property-owners wishing to install small-scale heat or power generation units, the necessary confidence in the service standards of their provider.

ATASS Energy is a member of REAL Assurance.

How much does it cost for a solar PV installation?

Prices start at around £9,260 (inc. VAT) for a 1.8 kWp. This includes the supply of equipment, labour, scaffolding and the required certification enabling you to qualify for FITs (Feed-In Tariffs).

What is the VAT rate?

All new build domestic installations are zero VAT rated. The VAT rate for domestic retro-fit installations is 5%, and non-domestic installations are rated at 20% VAT. 

How does Solar PV work?

Photovoltaics (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into Direct Current (DC) electricity using semiconductors.  An inverter converts the electricity from DC to 230V Alternating Current (AC) which can then be used in the home to power domestic appliances.  Any electricity not used in the home will be exported to national grid.

 The output from the solar PV panels is measured in kilowatt peak (kWp).  Therefore if 10 panels which produce 250W per panel is installed, a total output of 2.5kW will be achieved at its peak i.e. in the summer in full sunlight. 

 Solar PV panels come in a variety of sizes and colours.  There are typically two types of panel used - Polycrystalline (Poly) or Monocrystaline (Mono) which is slightly more efficient.  Poly panels typically have a blue tint to the background whilst the Mono panels are usually dark grey or black.  The frames can be silver or black depending on customer choice.

What is the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) scheme?

The government has set up the FiT scheme as an incentive to install renewable electric technologies. For each kW/hr that the solar PV system produces, a tariff associated with that installation is paid via the electricity supplier. Please see table below of the FiT rates. This rate is in line with the government's consultation document, which was issued on the 31st October 2011, and is therefore subject to change. 

As from April 1^st 2012, a property must be considered as ‘well insulated’ to qualify for the FiT scheme.  The definition of what is ‘well insulated’ is not currently specified, but is thought to be Grade C or above on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).  Therefore, prior to installing a solar PV system after April 1^st 2012, energy efficiency measures such as cavity and loft insulation must be carried out.  If the property is deemed as not ‘well insulated’ the proposed FiT rate is reduced to 9.5p/kW/hr.

Do I need planning permission?

Solar PV is deemed as a permitted development and unless the property is:
• In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• In a Conservation Area
• Is a Listed Building
• Or the permitted development rights have been removed
No planning permission will be required. However, all non-domestic and ground mount installations will require planning permission. 

What is the current expected return on my investment?

Currently with the reduction in the FiT rates as from the 12th December 2011, and with the prices for solar PV panels reducing significantly, an estimated return on investment (ROI) of 8% to 10% is considered achievable. Each property is different and the size of system, roof orientation and choice of panels will affect the ROI. Please contact a Customer Advisor who will be happy to discuss the options available to you. 

What is the expected carbon saving if I install a solar PV system?

A typical home will save approximately 1,200kg of carbon emissions with over 30 tonnes expected to be saved over the lifetime of PV system. 

Why do ATASS Energy offer a Solar Host (Free Solar PV) system?

Firstly, you can purchase the system yourself through ATASS Energy. We are not linked to any one panel supplier and therefore can give you a number of options depending on your budget and the space available for the solar PV panels.

In 2010, the government launched the FiT scheme which pays the owner of the solar PV installation a tariff for every kW of energy that the system generates. This has created a lot of interest in property owners purchasing solar PV but also has allowed companies to offer Solar Host agreements in return for the FiT to be paid to the company.

The occupier(s) can use as much of the generated electricity from the solar PV system as they want and will therefore reduce electricity bills since less electricity is purchased from the electricity supply company. The company who owns the solar PV installation such as ATASS Energy will in turn receive the government's FiT and export payments.

Solar Host's are only available where the property meets with the qualifying criteria set by ATASS Energy. 

Who maintains the panels?

Solar PV panels require little or no maintenance since they have no moving parts. In the case of a Solar Host, ATASS Energy will maintain the whole system for its 25 year life. 

Who insures the panels?

ATASS Energy will hold the insurance for the panels for third party risks for the 25 year contract term but strongly advise you to also contact your buildings insurance company to let them know about the solar PV installation. 

What agreement(s) will I need to sign?

There will be two agreements. The first is the Solar Host Contract, this stipulates the agreement between the property owner and ATASS Energy, it details what is to be installed and specifies the terms & conditions of the agreement.

The second document is a Solar Lease Agreement, which is a standard lease that permits ATASS Energy to use the area of the roof space where the solar PV panels are to be installed. A 25 year lease will be signed by the property owner(s).

The Solar Lease Agreement is lodged with the Land Registry as an 'interest' and not as a charge. 

What does the Solar Lease Agreement mean?

The Solar Lease Agreement is a formal document between the property owner(s) and ATASS Energy setting out the terms for a free solar installation to take place and for the solar PV panels to remain with the property for a term of 25 years. 

What happens when I sell my house?

Upon the sale of the property, the new owners will take on the free solar installation and continue benefiting from periods of free electricity. 

What if the new owners do not want the panels?

Should the potential new owners decide to opt out of the lease and purchase the system from ATASS Energy, then there is a simple termination clause. As an example, if a lease is signed for a system worth £10,000 but after 10 years (15 years remaining on the lease), the new property owners wish to purchase the system themselves and dissolve the agreement, a payment of £6,000 plus the cancellation fee (which is normally £1,000) is paid.

We believe this is the most straightforward method given to opt out of the agreement, if required to do so. We are also competitively priced when compare to other companies who offer free solar hosting.

The new owners would continue to receive free periods of electricity and also receive the government's FiT payments for the remaining term. 

What if I change my mind?

You have 7 working days from the signing of the Solar Host Contract to change your mind without incurring any charges. After 7 working days, if scaffolding or any part of the installation has taken place, the charges for this will be recoverable against you. 

Will it cost me anything?

ATASS Energy receives the FiT payments, the occupant(s) benefits from free periods of electricity and the property saves carbon whilst the solar PV system is generating electricity. There are no catches! 

How much money can I save?

The amount of electricity saved depends on the usage during the day whilst the solar PV system is generating electricity. Typically, a domestic home saves between £150 and £200 per annum. Confirmation of the expected amount of savings will be provided by ATASS Energy upon completion of the survey of the property. 

Will I need to inform my buildings insurance company?

We do strongly advise that you let the buildings insurance company know about the solar PV installation. The solar panels are considered to be part of your roof and this would not normally require any changes to your buildings insurance premiums. 

Will I need to inform my mortgage or equity release company?

With your permission, ATASS Energy will write to your mortgage or equity released company on your behalf. At the property survey, we will ask for your consent to write to your mortgage company and we will then write to them for the consent for the installation to take place. The installation of a solar PV installation does not affect your mortgage payments. 

What happens once the lease has finished?

After the 25 year contract term, the solar PV installation will continue to generate free electricity for the property owner(s). However, the lease will have dissolved meaning ATASS Energy no longer has any interest and the FiT payments will have stopped. 

How much does it cost for a solar thermal installation?

A domestic two panel solar thermal system to include panels and hot water cylinder would typically cost £3,500. The cost of installation will vary depending on the location of the panels, hot water cylinder and what plumbing requirements will be needed. For an accurate quotation, please contact a Customer Advisor at ATASS Energy 

What is the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)?

The Renewable Heat Incentive is a scheme due to be introduced in 2012 where property owners who install eligible solar thermal or other heat generating renewable energy technologies, will be able to claim regular incentive payments. The amount will depend on the size of the installation. Full details are due to be published soon.

In the meantime there will soon be grants available towards the cost of the initial solar thermal installation.

This is the first scheme of its type in the world, and is being introduced by the UK government to encourage investment in renewable energy.

How much will I be able to earn from my solar thermal installation?

Full details of the Renewable Heat Incentive have not yet been published however, even without this additional income a solar thermal installation can reduce your home energy bills by up to £80 per year*

* Energy Saving Trust: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Solar-water-heating#Costandsavings

Do solar panels need bright sunlight?

No. Panels can operate perfectly well on a cloudy day however they will be more productive when exposed to bright light.

What is the life expectancy of solar PV panels?

They should retain their productivity for at least 25 years. During this time it is likely that the only part requiring replacement will be the inverter, which converts the power into usable electricity.

What is the life expectancy of solar thermal panels?

They should retain productivity for over 20 years.

Will I be able to rely solely on my solar thermal system to heat my water?

Your system should provide you with hot water throughout the year however you’re likely to have to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter months.

What maintenance do solar panels need?

Very little. It is advised that you regularly remove debris or dirt for optimum productivity. No special products are required - panels can be cleaned with warm water and washing-up liquid.

You may need to protect solar thermal systems with antifreeze in cold weather.

How are solar panels attached to the roof?

Panels can be fitted onto a bracket which will sit above existing roof tiles (roof-mounted) or fitted to a roof in place of roof tiles (integrated).

Do they have to be fitted to a roof?

No. Panels can be ground-mounted. Again for the best level of productivity panels should be south-facing with no shading.

How long does installation take?

Installation can be very quick for roof-mounted systems providing there are no unforeseen problems. An estimate is between one and three days – a more accurate estimate would be provided to you following the pre-installation survey by ATASS Energy.

Integrated systems (where the panels are fitted to your roof in place of roof tiles) are typically more complex and therefore take longer.