How Are Savings Calculated


Use the solar energy calculator for an idea of the benefits you may see from installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This tool gives estimates based on the information you provide, and a number of assumptions to indicate potential benefits. This is to help you decide whether a PV syst

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Use the solar energy calculator for an idea of the benefits you may see from installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

This tool gives estimates based on the information you provide, and a number of assumptions to indicate potential benefits. This is to help you decide whether a PV system is for you.

Use of the solar panel cost calculator uk and its outputs is not a guarantee that you will see the exact same fuel bill savings from the installation of your planned system.

Energy Production – Solar panels produce energy which is measured in KwH or Kilowatt hours. This production depends entirely on the sun, average exposure to the sun, and sometimes, the quality of the sunlight. So, while a 3.5 Kw solar array will likely produce 3,000 KwH per year (about 2/3rds of your average electric usage) in prime conditions in the UK, you will generate less energy if your roof is shaded. Factors that affect energy production include location, the roof pitch, shading, and installation size – our solar rate calculator takes all of these details into account.

Roof Pitch – 45 degrees is the optimum angle to catch the lightest as the sun moves through the sky throughout the day. A good angle ensures that panels are exposed to the sun from sun up to sun-down, no matter the weather.
Shade – The less shade on your roof the better.
Direction – Solar noon is the midpoint of the day and the point when the maximum amount of radiation from the sun hits the earth. Because the sun is due south at noon, your panels will ideally be installed on a south-facing roof. However, you can still collect a considerable amount of power without a south-facing roof.

Feed-in Tariff – The Feed-in Tariff or FIT is a government-sponsored subsidy where you are paid for all of the electricity you generate. Most importantly, your rates are locked in for 25 years from when you install your panels. Because FIT rates drop almost every year, installing sooner means that you get a higher rate. And, even more importantly, we update our calculator every time the FIT rate changes, so that you get an accurate quote. The 2016 FIT rate is 3.76-4.46 pence per kWh depending on the size of the installation.

Export Tariff – This tariff is the rate that you are paid for the energy that you don’t use. The 2016 export tariff is 4.85 pence per KwH. While this is technically based on the amount that you generate, this rate is typically estimated to be at 50% unless you have a smart meter installed, or have a solar array of 30 Kw or more.

Energy Cost – How much you pay for energy directly affects your costs. Solar allows you to simply cut out a large portion of your electric bill because you’re generating your own power rather than buying it from the grid. And, the more of your own power that you use, the more you can save. Why? The current average cost of electricity is 11-12p per KwH, meaning that you’ll save more than twice the amount if you use all of your electricity. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible.

Installing solar panels can be a great decision for your home, for the environment, and for your savings. In fact, with an average return of 4.8% over 25 years, solar panels offer a return comparable to most ISA and investment accounts. Hopefully, you can use the solar panel cost calculator uk to determine if solar is a good fit for you.

 

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