Solar FAQs

What is PV Solar?

PV (Photovoltaics) are panels that produce electricity from solar energy. These are often mounted on the roof and facing towards the Sun. They capture the Sun's energy and convert it into renewable electricity. This electricity can then be used in our homes and sold to the electricity grid.

How does PV Solar work?

The Sun's energy is converted into DC electricity by PV Panels on the roof. An Inverter converts the DC Voltage in AC electricity that we use in our homes and businesses. A generation meter records its production. The generated electricity is then used by your home and its appliances during the daytime. Excess electricity not used during production is then sold back to your electricity provider or stored in a battery.

What PV Solar accreditations do Glow Green hold?

We are registered with The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). Through this registration was can sign off electrical work in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. The MicroGeneration Certification Scheme ( MCS ) is a mark of quality and competence of both ourselves and the products that we install. The Home Insulation and Energy Systems Quality Assurance Contractors Scheme (HIES) sets our high consumer protection standards for selling and installing renewable energy systems like PV Solar.

What comes with a Glow Green PV Solar installation?

When Glow Green supply and install, our customers will receive - Tier 1 & MCS approved solar panels. These will be installed on a roof / ground mounted system. An inverter - The inverter converts the DC into AC electricity which we can use in our homes. Isolator's - Before and after the inverter installation, isolators are installed for safety and maintenance. A battery storage system, which is optional. A generation meter - An OFGEM approved meter is used to record how much electricity has been generated. After the installation you will receive a full MCS handover pack so you can apply for a SEG Tariff.

What is the best direction to install panels to optimise the Sun?

In the Northern hemisphere, PV panels produce their most facing South, towards the Equator. PV Panels with consistent direct sunlight will produce the most electricity. The angle towards the south, pitch of the roof and shading will affect generation. Shading can affect production as PV panels protect themselves using bypass diodes. The location in Great Britain will also affect production. But PV Panels don't need to face south or have a perfect pitch to work.

What Does KW Mean?

KW means Kilowatt. The greater the KW, the larger the PV system and typically the greater the KW, the greater the energy generated from the Sun.

What’s the difference between AC and DC electric?

Solar Panels produce DC electricity which is different to the AC electricity we use in our homes. An Inverter is installed to convert the DC electricity to match your home's AC supply. DC (Direct Current) electricity flows in one direction, like a lightning bolt or a battery. AC (Alternating Current) electricity, changes direction multiple times a second. AC is used in our homes because it is safer and easier to transport across great distances. Our electricians therefore need to be well trained and hold multiple accreditations to work on PV systems.

What are the benefits of PV Solar?

Solar PV's can convert almost any day light into electricity, which we can then use for free. Generating your own electricity means that you will be buying less from your utility supplier. As the PV panels have no moving parts there is very little maintenance, noise or operating cost. They provide clean, green, renewable energy with zero emissions from their generation. The systems expected lifetime on most parts is over 25 years and you can sell your excess electricity back to the grid.

How do Glow Green know how many panels will fit on my roof?

We can complete a system design in a number of ways; Using Google Earth or similar Satellite tools, Our Account Managers are trained to use our bespoke solar design tools, We can design from existing house plans or architect drawings. We employ fully trained and certified electricians to sign off all designs to ensure they meet the highest of standards. All of our PV installers have additional qualifications to design, install and certificate PV systems.

What is a PV solar inverter?

An Inverter converts the variable DC electricity into stable AC electricity to be used in your property.

Where should I have my Inverter fitted?

Often sited in lofts, cooler air is better and most could even be installed outside. Our design team will run over the locations most suitable for your property when you get your quote.

Will a solar diverter give me free hot water?

These are intelligent devices that use the excess power generated by solar PV panels to heat an immersion in your hot water cylinder. Electricity not being used by your home can be used to heat a hot water cylinder rather than exporting the electricity to the grid. This can help to save your boiler from having to turn on, thus increasing a boiler's life and lowering your bills and maintenance. Some can also divert to a second cylinder, an electric towel rail, or even electric underfloor heating.

Do I need planning permission?

In most cases - No. Unless you live in a conservation area or listed building. It’s your responsibility to check and see if you do need any planning permission.

I live in a listed building (or conservation area), is this an issue?

If the property is not listed and does not lie within a conservation area, solar PV can be installed on the roof and is considered 'permitted development'. A conservation area is an area of historic or architectural interest that’s protected by law. Panels cannot be installed where they face, or are in between the property and a public highway. Unfortunately solar panels can't be installed on or within the boundary of a listed building. If either of the above applied, planning permission would need to be obtained, please contact your local planning authority.

I have lots of shading, is this an issue?

Shading on a PV Panel is a problem, as even one shaded cell could reduce the power output of the module or string to zero. Objects as small as a tree branch, a pipe, or a building on the horizon will cause a decline in the possible output of a panel. Systems need to be designed either away from shading, or with the shading in mind using a SolarEdge system to minimize the effect. Shading certainly shouldn't stop a system being installed, but production calculations will need to be adjusted where shading is affecting the system. Do not worry as we look at this as part of the free and no obligation design call.

Will I need scaffolding and do Glow Green provide this?

Yes. In most circumstances, scaffolding is needed to provide safe access to the roof for the installers. The scaffold also provides a platform for tools and materials to be stored during installation. The scaffold will normally be put up 2 days before the PV installation, and should come down a day or 2 after, during the working week. Glow Green will provide scaffolding as part of the quote.

Is the structure of my roof OK to take the weight of PV panels?

The size of a PV system is vital to determining if a rooftop is adequate. With an Array design determined, you will need to tell us and take photographs of the inside and outside of the roof. It's not just the weight we take into account but also the uplift from wind and snow loading. This can often be completed using our project calculator with a few details from you. Details of the existing roof are vital to a sound and long lasting installation. It is your responsibility to get your roof checked by a structural engineer should you have any doubt or concerns.

What maintenance is needed after installation?

PV systems by design require very little maintenance. Because there are no moving parts, very little or nothing is needed to enable operation. Panels could need cleaning if debris, droppings or grime gets on the panels. Glow Green does not provide this service, you can find a local cleaning company who will do this for you. Energy production should be checked often to ensure there hasn't been a failure. Visual inspections of the upkeep, alarms and adequacy of components installed. If the system changes ownership or if there is a requirement for a Periodic Inspection. Just give us a call and we will be happy to help.

What is the Insurance backed warranty scheme?

Deposit and Workmanship Warranty Insurance cover consists of two elements: 1: Installation Completion Insurance. Provides deposit payment protection for our customers for a 35-day period, should we be unable to either install or supply and install the PV system. 2: Workmanship Warranty Insurance. We even pay for an insurance backed warranty, to cover our customers for the installation in the event we cannot honor our written guarantee.

What is SEG?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) ensures PV generators are paid for the renewable electricity they export to the grid. Since January 1st 2020 applicants can now; Earn money for exporting excess renewable electricity, Choose the best tariff from competitive Utility Suppliers, Combine payments with other grants and financial support. To receive this export rate the PV system and the installer must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which Glow Green are.

What is the pay back period?

The pay back period is the time in which it takes for you to recoup your initial spend on your solar system.

After the system is installed what paperwork do I get?

Once you are happy with the installation and have paid your balance in full Glow Green will arrange the scaffolding to be removed and your MCS handover pack. This will ensure you can apply for SEG tariffs with a unity provider.

How long are the quotes valid for and why?

Our quotations are only valid for 30 days. This is due to the rising cost in materials due to the shortage of raw materials. Our suppliers review our prices every 30 days.

What is a DNO?

A DNO stands for a distribution network operator.

What is a DNO application?

If you want to install a system larger then 3.68kw then an application has to be made to your DNO. Due to the high output, they need to check that it will not cause any load issues on the National Grid. We will establish on the design call if you one is required, and if so Glow Green will submit this on your behalf.

Who completes the DNO application?

Glow Green completes the DNO, so there is nothing you need to do or worry about.

Is there a charge for the DNO application?

There can be a charge that depends on the size of the system being installed and the area.

How long does the DNO application take to come back?

This can be anything from 4 to 12 weeks. Typically we normally receive them back in 10 weeks. Glow Green will not install your PV system until the DNO application is passed and back.