FAQs

• How can HomeSun afford to reduce the cost of solar so dramatically?
• Will my lighting be dimmer?
• Do I have to switch the panels on each day?
• Can solar panels significantly offset environmental emissions?
• Can solar can add value to my property?
• What happens after 25 years of the contract with HomeSun?
• Is it possible to install on homes with pre-pay meters?

• How can HomeSun afford to reduce the cost of solar so dramatically?

  In April 2010, Government introduced new laws requiring energy companies to pay for the renewable power generated by homes. These are called Feed-in Tariffs (or FiTs). It’s all part of the drive to reduce carbon emissions in the UK – a staggering 27% of which are produced from homes. With FiTs an average home could save/earn around £1k per year (look under ‘FiTs’ and Buy Solar on the site to find out more). Over 25 years, the homeowner could earn 5%-8% return. Fantastic but the homeowner still has to find the £11k upfront cost of a solar system, and be in it for the long, long term. The way HomeSun’s business works is that we fund the solar installation. Homeowners gets free electricity from the sun instantly and starts reducing their electricity bills; HomeSun receives the FiTs to recoup its investment and make a sustainable profit. If at any point, the homeowner wants to buy out of the contract and take the FiT contract, they can – there are no penalties and it's easy - the cost of the PV system depreciates over 25 years, and that’s your ‘buy out’ price’. There are no changes to tariff point once you own the system, the customer gets the FIT at the level that prevailed at the time they signed up to the system. Simple. We think that makes a great partnership.

• Will my lighting be dimmer?

  No. You won't notice any difference whatsoever. If the panels aren't producing much electricity (as on a very dull day or at night time), the electricity from the grid will simply 'top it up'.

• Do I have to switch the panels on each day?

  No. They are working all the time. When there is no daylight, they are simply on 'standby'. You don't have to switch them on or off.

• Can solar panels significantly offset environmental emissions?

  Solar is a 'clean renewable' technology. That means, unlike fossil fuel based energy, solar is produced from a natural, infinite resource (we won't run out of light!) and produces no global warming CO2 emissions as it generates electricity. By installing a 2.5kWp system you will be saving about 1,000 kgCO2 each year compared to buying the same quantity of electricity from the grid. There is a carbon footprint associated with the manufacture and transport of a PV panel which varies by type but on average a PV system 'pays back' the embedded carbon emissions of manufacture in about 3 years.

• Can solar can add value to my property?

  In YouGov's survey in 2009, home buyers ranked energy efficiency as the third most important reason to buy, just behind outdoor space and a garage. In Energy Saving Trust's 2009 survey, 35% of people said they would be willing to pay more for a home where some of their energy supply came from renewable resources.

• What happens after 25 years of the contract with HomeSun?

  After 25 years, the ownership of the system reverts to the customer, and they will continue to benefit from free electricity. The system will have a probable useful life of a further 10 - 15 years. There will be no benefit to the customer of a feed in tariff, and SolarCare will no longer be payable, although there may be other insurance and support options available.

• Is it possible to install on homes with pre-pay meters?

  Unfortunately, you must have a normal post-pay electricity meter. Pre-pay or key meters are not suitable for free solar panels. You will need to have your meter changed before applying.