Solar PV & Battery Storage
Solar is the perfect way to generate clean energy, the technology is far more efficient than it was 10 years ago. Combined with a battery storage system to store any excess energy generated and discharge when you need it, saves money and protects the environment. When the soaring cost of utilities is combined with the amazing 0% VAT rate on installations, renewables make more sense than ever
There are a variety of products available and each system is uniquely designed for each homeowner based on how much energy they consume and when they are at home. Many clients now opt for a battery to supplement the system as it can store cheap energy from tariffs such as Octopus Go and discharge into the home at peak cost times.
Great news for consumers is from February 2024 retrofit batteries and hot water diverters not installed at same time as solar will also be VAT free!
The renewables industry is unfortunately tainted by many feed-in-tariff generation of companies 10 years ago installing sub-standard systems that were not fit for purpose. Many companies then closed, ending any aftercare or warranties promised. As a result the whole sector has been tightened with regulation and guidance focussed on protecting homeowners.
PWS are MCS registered, NAPIT approved and provide insurance backed warranties and deposit protection to guarantee you transparent information, service and aftercare. We are also members of the Renewables Energy Consumer Code that ensures we have quality managements systems and produce accurate quotations.
In Scotland the energy savings trust can support your installation with interest loans and grants. To access support for solar and battery installation you must also have have an air source heat pump or evidence of plans to have one installed.
As MCS contractors PWS are approved to install renewables by the energy savings trust that is administered by home energy Scotland. A combination of an interest free loan and grant up to £12,000 is available. Broken down it is £6000 per technology for battery and solar PV (£1,250 grant plus £4,750 optional loan for each) - with the option to pay back over 12 years is available.
Solar Photovoltaic - 17/07/2023
Paul and his team are simply the most friendly and professional team I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. I've worked as an Engineer and Manager in the Construction Industry for over 20 years so I've dealt with hundreds of electricians/ electrical engineers and commissioning engineers but none were as diligent, easy going and friendly as the guys at PWS. Even the small details like finishes around fire rated plasterboard were top drawer. Brilliant service from a bunch of brilliant guys, five stars are simply not enough!!
Solar Photovoltaic - 01/10/2023
Paul and his team are excellent. Everything he says in his blurb at the top is true. He knows what he's talking about. Gives you good information to make the right choice, they really are clean and tidy. I can't recommend him highly enough. He also installed my car charger... he is very well informed.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL?
Installations generally take 4-5 days dependent on the scale of works involved.
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
In 2008 Sottish solar installations were designated “permitted development” meaning planning was no longer necessary. Exceptions are if your home is listed or within a conservation area.
DO WE NEED PERMISSION TO CONNECT THE SYSTEM?
Yes and No! If the proposed inverter is 3.68kW or below we can install the system without permission and inform the supplier afterwards using the G98 notification procedure. If the inverter is larger than 3.68kW we must apply for pre-permission using the G99 procedure. G99 can take up to 6 weeks for approval and works cannot begin until permission is granted. Some suppliers charge up to £300 for the G99 network design study but other’s do it for free. PWS do all the form filling so relax!
HOW DO WE PAY?
Payment schedules are set by the Renewable Energy Consumer Code and MCS scheme. 25% deposit is taken to secure materials, 35% advance payment 3 weeks before installation & 40% balance on completion. Your deposit and installation are covered by an insurance backed warranty from the Independent Warranty Association for your protection.
SHOULD I GET A BATTERY?
If budget allows 100% yes, if out during the day the battery will store surplus solar energy to be used when home. Sadly in Scotland we are grey and wet from October to March and naturally solar production is reduced, this is when an off-peak tariff and a battery are crucial. During these times a battery can be charged using off-peak rates such as Octopus Go during the night and discharge the cheap energy into your home during the day. Charging a 10kWh battery overnight can save around £2 per day or £60 per month from your bill during autumn/winter.
HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED INSIDE?
A typical install with inverter, one battery, isolators and meter can be installed on a 1.2M x 2.4M sheet of plasterboard. We use OSB wooden board covered by fire rated board for a non-combustible and aesthetic finish behind the equipment, check our projects page for images.
CAN IT GO OUTSIDE?
Inverters and batteries can go outside but it’s not the most efficient place for them. In particular battery performance degrades when temperature fall to around freezing, there are also inclement weather and higher risk of damage to consider.
HOW LONG FOR THE SYSTEM TO PAY FOR ITSELF?
Th average pay back period is 5-10 years. High demand electricity users will make greater savings than low demand users, resulting in a shorter payback period. Having solar will also increase your energy awareness via the app and good energy habits must be implemented to get the most out of your system.
View Our Completed Solar & Battery Installations
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Registered in Scotland | Company Number: SC541779