FAQ

How big a solar panel do I need?

Well, that depends. However, you are probably in one of the categories below:

• I leave my boat / caravan etc) for longish periods. I just want a solar panel to keep the batteries in good condition while I'm away.
• I use my narrowboat/caravan/yacht etc in the summer, mostly at weekends, and I'd like to generate most of my power for lights, radio, water pump etc. from renewable energy.
• I live in my boat/caravan/yurt/igloo year round. For most of the year I'd like to be completely free of having to charge from a generator or engine.
• I have some equipment (navigation buoy, scientific apparatus, electric fence etc.) that is unattended for long periods. I would like to be able to power it all year round. There are no other sources of power.
• I live in a house. I've got a grid connection, but I'd like to generate all my power from renewable sources anyway.

I don't know much about electrics. Do you think I'll be able to install a solar panel myself?

Almost certainly. It's really very easy indeed to wire a solar panel to a battery bank; only the most elementary DIY skills are needed. Check out our wiring diagrams page.

I have a house in the UK, and I'd like to install solar panels to generate my electricity, to help the environment and to save money.

We'll be blunt - you won't save money, unless you take a really long term view. We're talking 30-40 years payback time. It's not cheap either: a 1kW solar array will set you back at least £7000, and will generate about one quarter of the annual needs of a typical UK household.

They definately help reduce fossil fuel use though - if you've got the money it's a very worthwhile thing to do!

Are there grants available?

If you are installing solar panels on your boat or carvan - no. Even if you live on board, they wouldn't be covered by the Government grant scheme.

For grid-tied systems there is some money from - but at the moment the Government grant scheme, the Low Carbon Buildings Programme is pretty hopeless. They require you to use accredited companies, who have to pay and jump through lots of red tape to be accredited, and who will charge you through the nose. Although you might get 25% of the system costs (if you are lucky), you'll almost certainly find the system costs more than 25% as much as if you just did it yourself.

How do I mount my solar panel?

There are many different mounting systems available. Some panels can be stuck directly to a roof with adhesive. Framed panels can be attached to corner brackets to mount horizontally on a roof. You might want to fix your panel on a mast. You might want even want a swivelling mount to point your panel south to get maximum power. We've got a good variety on our solar mounts page - take a look there and see what suits you best.