Q. What I get paid for?
You will earn a fixed income for every kilowatt hour of electricity you generate and export back to the grid. Also you will benefit from lower electricity bills.
Q. What is the feed in tariff and why has it been introduced?
The Feed-in Tariff is a scheme backed by the UK Government that guarantees to pay you a fixed amount for every unit of electricity produced by your Solar PV system. This payment applies to every unit whether you use it in your home or not. It was introduced as a method by which the government could reduce their carbon footprint.
Q. Who pays for feed in tariffs?
The energy suppliers pay the feed-in tariffs to those who generate the clean electricity. When you apply for the feed-in tariff, you should ask your energy supplier how and when payments will be made. Payments will be made at least quarterly. Eirpol ltd will fill in forms with you explaining what each criteria means.
Q. Will my Feed-in tariff rate change over the years?
The rate you are eligible for in the year you install your system will be the rate you will receive for the duration of the 25 year contract. As an added benefit, the Feed-in Tariffs are RPI index related therefore your rate will increase in line with inflation.
Q. Do I need planning permission?
Solar PV installations are authorised as ‘permitted development’ in the UK and are therefore not subject to planning permission. In certain circumstances, such as if you live in a conservation area, listed property it is advised to speak with your local planning authority.
Q. How do I know if my roof is in a fit condition to support the Solar panels?
It is unlikely that your roof will not be strong enough to support a Solar PV system, however it is recommended that you survey your roof to provide confirmation of this. This will confirm to your council’s building control that your system has been designed in accordance to your property structure. A certificate of inspection will be issued.
Q. How much roof space do the system require?
Efficient system would require approx 10m2 of roof space.

Q. Do I have to have a south facing roof to benefit from a Solar PV installation?
Modern solar panels are designed so that the efficiency is not massively impaired even if conditions are not perfect. As part of our free no obligation quote we will carry out the survey and provide you with the statistics giving you good indication of what return you can expect given the orientation of your property and the pitch of your roof.
Q. What is a kilowatt peak (kWp)?
Kilowatt peak refers to the value of power generated by a solar panel system under full solar radiation. Solar radiation of 1,000 watts per square meter is used to define standard conditions. In the UK, one kilowatt peak of solar will generate estimate 850 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year.
Q. Is the cost of electricity rising?
Yes, rising industry costs mean that suppliers will continue to increase their prices. According to consumer groups, household energy bills will be increasing over the next ten years.
Q. What type of maintenance is required on solar panels?
None. Solar Panels benefit from a non-abrasive cleansing agent. The system has no moving parts to wear out, they can be used alone or in combination with other energy sources, and they are silent, reliable and long lasting.
Q. What if I want to sell my house with pv panels?
A Solar PV system is a very desirable addition to any home. You will start receiving quarterly payments from your electricity provider almost immediately after your system has been registered. Payments are guaranteed for 25 years and are transferable to the new owner, making your home a very attractive proposition.
Q. Is solar electric systems safe?
Yes. Solar cells are mostly silicon, there is no exhaust and no toxic materials to leak out of the system. The electricity coming through the inverter is the same as the electricity coming from household wall sockets. You should use the same care you would with utility power. All components are approved for utility interconnection.