Solar panels

Before you install your solar panels, there are a few things to consider.

First of all, to maximise the efficiency of your solar panels, it's important that your roof faces within the range of East to West through South. This orientation allows the panels to capture the most sunlight throughout the day, ensuring optimal energy production.

Shade can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels. If your roof is obstructed by trees, nearby buildings, or other structures that cast shadows, it may limit the amount of sunlight your panels receive, thereby reducing their energy output. 

Solar panels and their mounting systems add extra weight to your roof. Before installation, it's crucial to ensure that your roof is in good condition and can support this additional load. If necessary, we can arrange a structural assessment to confirm your roof's integrity and capacity.

There is currently a 0% VAT rate on the purchase and installation of solar panels, compared to the standard 20%. This tax incentive makes solar panels more affordable, providing significant savings on your initial investment. But hurry, this initiative may not be around forever.

The number of solar panels you need depends on several factors including your energy consumption, roof size, orientation, local weather patterns, shading from nearby trees or buildings and the efficiency of the panels.

During our free home energy assessment, a Clean Energy Expert will consider these factors and recommend the number of panels needed to cover a significant portion of your electricity usage.

The UK is renowned for its cloudy days, but that doesn’t mean your solar panels won’t work. They do perform best in strong sunshine but still generate electricity during overcast days.

The government has introduced various grants and schemes to help low-income homeowners and tenants of private and social housing enhance their homes' energy efficiency, which can include installing solar panels. Based on your household income and the benefits you receive, you may qualify for funding.

EC04 (Energy Company Obligation) is one of the most prominent government schemes that can help decrease the upfront costs of solar panel installation. The scheme replaced ECO3 on 1st April 2022 with the aim of reducing the energy ratings of UK homes and reducing carbon emissions. It is available to low-income, fuel-poor and vulnerable households receiving benefits. To be eligible, you need to meet the following requirements: 

Have an income of less than £31,000.
Currently have an inefficient heating system within the D-G energy efficiency band.
Own your home and live in it, or live in private rented accommodation (requires permission from the landlord).
Receiving government benefits (e.g. child benefits or income support).
All-electric homes (whether on the gas grid or not) where biomass boilers or District Heat Network options are not available.

You may also be eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2), which provides financial relief for low-carbon, energy-efficient heating and renewable energy. The amount of finance you receive is regionally dependent, so there are no fixed rates. However, it operates in 45 select local authorities, where residents can potentially receive up to £10,000. The HUG2 is available for households that are:


• Low income (total household annual income of £39,000 or less before housing cost and bills deduction)
• Do not use a gas boiler as their main heating system
• Currently have an Energy Performance
• Certificate (EPC) of D, E, F or G.
• Live in a select council 

On certain benefits

You can check your eligibility for the Home Upgrade Grant here.

At Aira, we install solar PV (also known as Photovoltaic) panels. These convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials, typically silicon. When sunlight hits the panels, it generates direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter for use in your home.

If you're considering solar PV panels for your home but aren't sure if it's the right choice, here are a few compelling reasons to make the switch:

• Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, helping reduce your carbon footprint.
• By generating your own electricity, you can significantly reduce your home energy bills by up to 70%.
• With an Aira Solar Export tariff, you can receive payments for the electricity you generate but don’t use.
• Solar panels safeguard you from future energy price increases.
• Reduced energy bills and eco-friendly features can make your home more appealing to buyers and boost its value by up to £5,400.
• Most solar panel installations don’t require any planning permission and can be set up in just 1-2 days, depending on the project.
• Once installed, solar panels require very little maintenance.
• When paired with solar battery storage, you can store energy and use the generated power at night.
• Solar panels generate electricity silently, ensuring no noise disturbance for you or your neighbours.

When you install solar panels with Aira, you’re covered for decades to come. Our solar panel aftercare includes our: 

• 25 Year Panel Product Warranty 
• 30 Year Panel Performance Warranty
• 10 Year Inverter Product Warranty
• 5 Year Installation and Workmanship Warranty on solar installation

Yes, we can install solar panels for your home even if you don't want a heat pump. However, we recommend installing both. When solar panels are combined with a heat pump, the real savings start.

When we say that we can install all of your clean energy-tech, we mean it. Not only do we install battery storage and EV chargers, but we also provide competitive aftercare, including: 

Battery

• 10 Year Battery Product Warranty
• 5 Year Installation and Workmanship Warranty on battery installation
   

EV Chargers

• 3 Year Product Warranty
• 2 Year Installation and Workmanship Warranty on EV charger installation