CONTACT US FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY ADVICE
Specialists In All Aspects Of Solar Energy
At Solec Renewables in Newtownabbey, we serve clients across Belfast and Northern Ireland. Choose us for domestic and commercial solar systems, including solar panels. We also install solar battery systems for energy storage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO I NEED A SOUTH FACING ROOF?
South facing solar systems are usually the most productive systems but an east or west facing roof can produce good usable energy. A survey from one of our experienced system designers will enable us to tell you just how productive your roofs can be and what savings that could be made.
WILL INSTALLING SOLAR PANELS MEAN I WON'T HAVE AN ELECTRICITY BILL?
No, it is unlikely that solar panels could meet your entire household demand (certainly not at night) but they will contribute. Installation of a battery system would help the user to make the best use of the electricity they produce.
WILL I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
The installation of solar panels on a domestic dwelling is covered under ‘permitted development’ so there is no requirement for planning permission unless you live in a conservation area or a listed building.
CAN I SELL THE ELECTRICITY I GENERATE?
Yes you can. Any surplus energy can be sold back to the grid for a small payment per unit.
HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED FOR A SOLAR PV INSTALLATION?
A typical domestic system on average consists of 10-18 panels depending on the electrical demand of the home, a member of our survey team will measure your roof and let you know what the best solution for your needs would be.
CAN I GET A GRANT?
Domestic installations are now VAT free saving you 20% on your installation cost. No cash grants are available for domestic installations at this time.
Some grants may be available for businesses, ask our team for more information.
HOW LONG WILL MY SOLAR INSTALLATION TAKE TO COMPLETE?
An average domestic solar system can be installed in a single day, systems that are mounted on the ground may take longer if ground works are required.
HOW MUCH DO SOLAR PV PANELS WEIGH?
Depending on the manufacturer the panels can range between 15 – 20 kg each.
WILL MY SOLAR PANELS WORK IF THERE IS A POWER CUT?
A standard solar system will not work if there is a power cut as it needs a signal from the grid to enable the inverter. If you have a battery system however it is possible to have some power in the event of a power cut.
DO SOLAR PANELS NEED CLEANING?
Any solar panels installed by our company will have been of the self-cleaning variety. As long as the panels get regular rain then they will wash any dirt or bird mess off without you having to lift a finger. We do however recommend a visual inspection of the panels to identify if any algae is growing out from the frame. If this is the case with your panels they can be cleaned quickly and easily using similar equipment to window cleaners.
DOES THE SOLAR SYSTEM NEED BATTERIES?
Solar systems do not require batteries to function as any energy that is generated is either used by the house or exported to the grid. You may however have a battery installed to allow you to store any energy you produce but cannot use or to enable you to have power in the event of a power cut.
CAN I CHARGE MY BATTERY USING ECONOMY 7?
Yes, this is a clever way to maximise the return from your battery. Especially if you’re out all day unable taking full advantage of your solar panels.
IS THERE A RISK OF FIRE WITH THE BATTERIES?
The batteries we install are made from Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFePO4, this is significantly different from the type of battery in your phone. The LiFePO4 batteries are the safest type of Lithium batteries as they will not overheat, and even if punctured they will not catch on fire. The cathode material in LiFePO4 batteries is not hazardous, and so poses no negative health hazards or environmental hazards.
WHAT DO OTHER CUSTOMERS THINK?
"I Have used Solec Renewables twice now. Had a solar system installed at my old property which worked very well! After being in my new property a few years I contacted them to fit a new solar system with battery storage. The difference it has made is night and day! Very easy to work with from 1st phone call, gives you plenty of information, answers all questions. Great after sales if you have any issues or unsure always willing to help. Excellent service, as always, highly recommend."
AdamC-1220
CONTACT DETAILS
Contact our specialists at Solec Renewables in Newtownabbey today for renewable energy advice.
Hours of business:
Monday to Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday: Closed