Solar Panel Installations in Kent

Install solar panels and save money on energy bills!

Kent Electrical & Fire Ltd are solar panel installation specialists. We work with domestic and commercial clients across Kent to design and install your own solar energy system.

What are solar / photovoltaic (PV) panels?

Solar panels (or photovoltaic systems) are energy generation and storage solutions which allow you to produce your own electricity. They are one of the most efficient renewable energy sources available today.

Benefits of investing in solar panels

Installing solar panels leads to many benefits, including:

• Lower electricity bill.
• Avoiding rising energy costs.
• Earning revenue from excess energy exported to the National grid.
• Adding value to your property.
• Reducing your carbon footprint and impact on the planet.
• Minimal maintenance and low running costs.

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of installing solar panels, please get in touch with our engineers.

Installing your solar panels

It’s never been easier to switch to solar energy:

• Give us call on 0800 689 1831 to arrange a survey.
• Our engineers will survey your home and analyse your electricity requirements.
• We will provide you with a highly competitive quote.
• Once approved, we will install your solar panels.
• You’re good to go!

As part of our survey, we will determine the number and wattage of solar panels required for your home. This will depend on:

• Your geographical location.
• Your surrounding environment.
• Your house size.
• The number of occupants.
• Sunlight hours.
• Your current and future electricity needs.

Solar PV panels are rated by performance in kilowatts peak (kWp) – between 150w to 345w per panel, depending on panel size and cell technology. A typical domestic application is likely to be rated between 3.5kWp and 4kWp and requires around 8m2 of roof space per kWp.

Solar panels installation recommendations

To make the most of your domestic solar panels, we would recommend installing them on a roof with a south-facing elevation to maximise exposure to light. It is also possible to fit your solar panels on an east-facing or west-facing roof, which should still provide enough energy for average household requirements.

As qualified solar panels installers in Kent, we will ensure your panels are facing the right direction and ensure common sources of shade are avoided. These can include adjacent buildings, trees or chimney stacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do solar panels work?

Each solar panel contains photovoltaic cells which generate electricity by absorbing sunlight and converting the light energy into stored electricity. An electronic device called an ‘inverter’ is used to transform the initial DC current into AC current for household use. A solar battery will also store excess electricity generated at your home which can also be exported back to the grid, for which you will be paid a guaranteed minimum rate.

How expensive are solar panels?

Installing solar panels has never been so affordable! The mid-range cost of an average domestic installation (4kW) has reduced by an incredible two thirds (66 per cent) since 2010 (Green Business Watch, 2019). Get in touch with our solar energy team today on 0800 689 1831 or via email: info@kenteaf.co.uk to find out more.

How can I earn revenue for excess electricity?

Thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), put in place on January 1st, 2020, licensed electricity suppliers are legally required to introduce ‘Export Tariffs’ for households with solar panels. This means that you get paid when you export surplus kWh generated by your solar panels to the National Grid.

Current Export Tariff rates paid by UK energy suppliers range between 1p and 5.6p paid per kWh. The Smart Export Guarantee replaces the original Feed in Tariff (TIF), which closed on 31st March 2019. A household which installed solar panels between the end of the Feed in Tariff Scheme and the start of SEG will be eligible for the new scheme.

How long can I expect my Solar panels to last?

Solar panels can last for up to 25 years if specified correctly to your current and future requirements for optimal electricity generation.

Will I need Planning Permission?

You do not need planning permission to install solar panels as the installation is categorised as a ‘permitted development’ in England and Wales.

Contact our Solar Panel Installation team now

Are you ready to switch to solar energy? Get in touch with Kent Electrical & Fire to start your journey to green energy!

Main areas covered in Kent

From our base in Margate, we cover all areas in Kent including: