Solar PV Questions Answered
Find all your solar pv questions answered by the mcs certified solar experts at Yokk Solar Ltd.
What if the panels break?
- All solar panels are covered by a manufacturer's warranty for a reasonably long period. At least 80% of the initial power is always guaranteed for 20 years. To add to this, we offer a 5 year warranty on all goods and works supplied.
How do I get electricity while it’s raining?
- Solar panels generate electricity in most light conditions, even in the good old British rain. This is because solar PV panels operate even on diffused light (when the sun is behind the clouds). We select your panels tailored to your region's climate and rainfall measurements. As long as your roof pitch is over 10 degrees, solar PV panels are pretty much self-cleaned by the rain. For flat roofs, we would offer you frameless modules.
How long does installation take?
- Once the proposals have been agreed and a payment option selected, then the actual installation is rather quick. Weather-dependent and providing all permissions are in place, a typical domestic installation would take no longer than 1 to 3 days.
Does solar work when it’s not sunny?
- Solar panels generate electricity in most conditions, even in the good old British rain. This is because solar PV panels can operate on diffused light (when the sun is behind the clouds). We select your panels tailored to your region's climate and rainfall measurements. As long as your roof pitch is over 10 degrees, solar PV panels are pretty much self-cleaned by the rain. For flat roofs, we would offer you frameless modules.
Will my home be able to take advantage of solar energy?
- The general criteria for a roof's suitability for solar is as little shade as possible and as south facing as possible. Normally, you also need a grid connection. Even if your roof is flat or east or west facing, we can most likely add solar PV to your home or your building and give you a good return.
Why use solar energy in the first place?
- Solar energy is not only profitable for you as a homeowner through the Government-backed (MCS) scheme and its associated Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) payments, you are also helping to protect the planet for us and future generations by considerably lowering your carbon foot print.
How does solar energy work?
- Solar panels collect what's called 'solar radiation' from the sky's natural light which is measured in irradiance (W/m2). This light is converted into a direct current (DC) electricity supply. This passes down to the inverter or the 'brain' of the system. On the other side of the inverter, alternating current (AC - which is what we use in our homes) is fed into the grid. There it is either directly used by you or - when you're not using as much electricity - the remainder is exported to the National Grid.
How is solar energy used by homeowners?
- The electricity generated by your home solar PV system is fed directly into your own fusebox and will be used for the TV, or whatever other appliances are running. There is no extra plug or wiring needed.
What are the different types of solar energy?
- There is solar thermal energy and solar PV energy. Solar thermal systems use the energy of the sun to heat water, which you can use for your shower or your heating system. Solar PV systems convert the sunlight directly into electricity, which is the highest form of energy, since it can be converted into whatever form of energy you want. Both types of solar energy play an important role in the renewable energy mix needed to save the planet. Yokk Solar is purely focused on solar PV installations and delivering the highest quality and efficiency systems available.
What is the feed-in tariff?
- Feed-in-Tariffs were created by the Government to give an incentive for property owners to invest in solar PV systems and to lower our country's overall carbon emissions. In order to qualify for the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) your installation must be registered with the MCS Microgeneration Certification Scheme. As a MCS certified company, Yokk Solar Ltd will make sure that you will gain the maximum out of the Feed-in-Tariff payments.
Do I need council permission?
- Generally, solar PV installations do not need council permission. We work along side our clients and advise them if they should seek any planning permissions and help them obtain the relevant documentation.
Is my roof large enough?
- If you are unsure if your roof is large enough, simply contact us and one of our experts will be more than happy to pay your home a visit.
Can solar panels break?
- The solar PV panel we recommend are produced to a high standard and are highly durable. After all they have to deal with all our UK weather extremities. A breaking panel is highly unlikely, but in case it happens, you are covered by one of the different warranties (see above) And if you decide for Yokk Solar's online monitoring, you and we will know immediately about any failures and can react accordingly.
