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FAQs
What is the payback? See the data on our Investments & Returns Page Do all micro renewable energy technologies produce electricity? Of the micro renewable energy mix, solar PV, wind, hydro and micro CHP generate electricity which can be used within a property as well as exported to the local electricity distribution network, for use elsewhere. Solar Thermal, Ground Source Heat Pumps and biomass heating produce energy in the form of heat. What are ROCs? RENEWABLE OBLIGATION CERTIFICATES (ROCs) are the digital certificates which hold details of exactly how a unit of electricity was made, by whom and finally who bought and used it. These ROCs are traded separately to the actual electricity itself and work as a bonus premium on top of the price paid for the unit. 1 ROC is equivalent to 1000kWh of energy with 1501 KWh being Energy Companies are now being required to generate a minimum of 10% of their electricity output from sustainable sources. If they have not managed to produce the required amount of green energy themselves they must buy ROCs on the open market to make up the shortfall. If they fail to buy the required amount fines can be imposed. Depending on electricity supplier/purchaser any electricity produced over 500 kWh PA may be eligible for a Renewable obligation certificate (ROC). This is valued at around £40 for every 1000 kWh produced (rounded up from 501kWh). Some energy tariff providers will assume ownership of your ROC's and this should be clarified as time of negotiation. What Energy Companies offer electricity buy back? Energy Companies who offer buy back tariffs are:
Should I connect to the grid? If you currently have a grid connection the answer is yes as you will be be able to export surplus electricity to the grid. If your property does not have a grid connection then it may be economically advantageous to use renewable energy in tandem with battery storage systems. Do I need a new meter? All domestic renewable energy installations should have a generation meter fitted as standard. Depending on the type of tariff you select, an export meter may also be necessary. If you propose to export and receive quantified revenues for energy you export, an export meter will be needed. Your local Distribution Network operator would provide this meter - to find out your DNO click here. Do I get a warranty? We offer a 3 year warranty on installation, and most manufacturers offer a warranty between 5 and 25 years depending on technology. Do I need planning? In considered planning, some local authorities require planning permission to allow you to fit a PV system, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Always check with your local authority about planning issues before you have a system installed. Obtaining retrospective planning permission can be difficult and costly. Currently the whole aspect of permitted development is being reviewed for micro renewables, and the current systems are expected to change by October 2007. Wind turbines currently require planning. Is VAT payable? Prices are based on residential VAT rates of 5%. For commercial projects VAT of 17.5% applies What about the weather in the UK? Surprisingly, this is not too much of a problem! It is light rather than heat that creates electricity although more electricity is produced in the summer months as the days are longer. Solar panels are actually happy in cold climates and for example on a sunny (but cold) day in January it can produce the same amount of electricity per sunlight hours as in July. Generally it is windier in the winter months than in summer so wind technology is a good balance for solar and generates when UK energy demand is highest. Other If you have any further questions, please contact Ardenham Energy on 01296 331362 or email us at info@ardenhamenergy.co.uk |
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