DYSON. Homeowner s Information Guide to Solar PV

Transcription

1 Homeowner s Information Guide to Solar PV Dyson Energy Services Ltd. Dyson House, Armytage Road Brighouse West Yorkshire HD6 1PT Tel:

2 Dear Customer, At Dyson Energy Services, we are passionate about customer care and want to ensure your experience with our company is as pleasant as possible and that you are happy with the works we carry out to your home. Everyone at Dyson is committed to providing you with excellent customer service. Our vision is that we want to be the best at what we do and this ethos is shared by everyone. It drives us to achieve more and motivates us to give that little bit extra, and that is how we want to be known. This booklet provides contact details, important information and reassurances about the level of service you can expect during the installation of the solar panel system. If you have any questions once you have read this guide please ring our Solar Department on Contents 1. Introduction 4 2. How Solar Power Works 5 3. The Right Equipment 6 4. The Feed in Tariff (FiT) 6 5. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) 7 6. Security First 9 7. Indicative installation guide Providing feedback 14 Appendix 1 Questions and Answers 15 Appendix 2 Top 10 Energy Saving Tips 16 Appendix 3 Document Quick Reference Sheet 19 Tony Hardiman M.B.E. Managing Director 2 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 3

3 1. Introduction At this stage we undertake a site survey to confirm the suitability of your property for the solar panel installation. Items that will be checked include roof dimensions; inclination; orientation; any shading from chimneys, trees, etc.; loft access; existing electrics and access for scaffolding. Once this information has been obtained we will then complete a specific design for the solar panel system to confirm the system output (the amount of electricity the system can generate in your particular area) will meet our requirements. We will then confirm the outcome of the design back to you within 5 working days of the survey. Once this stage has been successfully achieved we can proceed to the sign-up stage, whereby we need you to complete the documentation included as an appendix to this guide. This includes the following documents: 2. How Solar Power Works Every solar PV system is made up of several components: solar panels (or modules ), inverter, meter and the existing consumer unit. Lease To allow the solar panel system to be installed on the roof of your property you need to sign the lease document, which provides for the system to be insured and maintained by ourselves for the 20 year life of the installation. If you have a mortgage you will need the mortgage company s written consent for the lease to be registered against your property. If you wish, we can make this application to your mortgage company on your behalf. If you own the property as a leaseholder you may need the Landlord to consent to the installation. You should seek legal advice before signing the lease if you are uncertain as to the obligations imposed by the lease on both you and Dyson. ID1 In order to register the lease with the Land Registry we may need you to sign Form ID1 to confirm proof of your identity. This form must be countersigned by a conveyancer / notary. Should you be in any doubt as to what is required, please contact Dyson or seek independent legal advice. AP1 In order to register the lease with the Land Registry we will complete Form AP1. We can complete this form on your behalf and send it to the Land Registry. You should seek legal advice before signing the lease if you are uncertain as to the obligations imposed by the lease on both you and Dyson. Customer Agreement In order for Dyson s to proceed the following documents are required: Signed Lease ID1 form 1. The sun gives off light, even on cloudy days. 2. PV cells on the panels turn the light into DC electricity. 3. The current flows into an inverter, which converts it to AC electricity ready to use. 4. The current is fed through a meter and then into the property s consumer unit. 5. Electrical items operating in the property will use any electricity being generated during daylight hours. 6. Any electricity not used is exported to the national grid. 4 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 5

4 3. The Right Equipment Solar panels and inverters are available in differing outputs (watts capacity), as well as differing physical sizes, colours and warrantees. Dyson only utilise proven panels and inverters from recognised manufacturers we know and trust through our key supply chain partners, who manage stock levels to ensure we are able to service each project on a just in time delivery basis. Warranty You will have a warranty and the system (panels, framing, inverter, meter and switches) maintained for 20 years at no cost to you, the householder, under the Free PV scheme, unless the householder chooses to pay for the system. 4. The Feed in Tariff (FiT) Under the Government s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, if the system is installed by an MCS registered installer and it is registered with a FiT Licensee, and then every unit of electricity generated can be paid for, whether used in the property or fed back to the national grid. Under the Free PV scheme, the Feed-in-Tariff and export Tariff are retained by the scheme funder. If the customer wishes to pay for the system outright, then they will receive the FiT / Export payments once the system is registered with a FiT provider. (Energy Company) How it Works The feed-in tariff is guaranteed by the government for 20 years. Benefits you in three ways: 1. Payment for all the electricity produced. This is called the generation tariff. The electricity supplier will pay the current FIT rates for every unit (KWH) of electricity the system generates, whether used or not. 2. Export payment for the electricity not used. Also known as the export tariff. If the property doesn t use all the energy generated, what s left over, will be exported into the grid. The electricity provider will pay you an extra 4.5p for each unit. Most suppliers cannot meter this, so they assume you ll use half the units you produce and pay you for the rest. 3. Reduce energy bills. Electricity generated by the solar panels will feed directly into the property, so it will power any electrical circuits used during daylight hours. As electricity prices continue to rise, this is a huge benefit for customers. Lots of clients save more by changing how they use the electricity in the property, such as using high consumption devices during the day instead of the evening. Eligible Systems To claim the tariff, the system needs to meet a few simple criteria: The installer must be accredited with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The panels must also be MCS approved, and must be new second-hand or reconditioned equipment aren t eligible. System size must be less than 4kWp to qualify for the highest tariff rate. Most domestic systems are well within this limit. The energy supplier must offer FIT payments. The big six suppliers British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Npower, Scottish Power or Scottish & Southern Energy are legally obliged to make payments and many (though not all) smaller suppliers have opted in to the scheme. Since 1 April 2012, properties must also meet the minimum energy efficiency standards to claim the full tariff. This is explained in more detail below (Energy Performance Certificates). 5. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) From 1 April 2012, only properties that have an energy performance certificate (EPC) at grade D or above receive the full feed-in tariff. EPCs give homeowner s a snapshot of how energy efficient their property is. It shows how a home ranks on a chart of seven coloured bands, ranging from A (the most efficient, in dark green) to G (the worst, in red). If your property does not already have an EPC or you have an existing EPC of at least a Band E, then Forrest will arrange for a surveyor to visit after the works are completed to produce a new EPC. 6 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 7

5 Energy Performance Certificates The government set out legislation that requires a property to have a level D EPC to be able to claim the full feed-in tariff (FIT) rate; otherwise it will receive a lower rate. It s important to note that a solar PV system counts towards the EPC rating often enough to take you into the next band up on the Energy Efficiency Rating scale. For example a 4kWp system can add up to 15 points to your EPC rating, which would take a very low band E to a low band D. Even our smallest systems can add four or five points to your rating. So if your property is currently only E rated, obtaining an EPC after the system has been installed can take you to band D. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how efficient your property is. What are the key factors affecting the EPC rating? The surveyor will check over the whole of the property to conduct the EPC survey, and the main aspects they will be assessing are: The type of construction of the building (including walls, roofs, floors, glazing and its thermal performance). The thermal, solar and daylight properties of the building, and its air tightness. Space heating installation and hot water supply (e.g. boiler type), including their seasonal efficiency, responsiveness and controls. Ventilation, air-conditioning systems (cooling), controls and fixed lighting. The type of fuel and renewable energy sources, e.g. use of sustainable/low carbon technology (solar water heating, ground source heat pumps, wind turbine etc.). 6. Security First Unfortunately, sometimes bogus callers will try to take advantage of us working in your area to gain access to property. Please remember that all staff at Dyson carry company photographic identity cards as pictured below: Please remember: Do not allow someone into your home without first asking them to show some proof of identification Be security conscious, always check the ID card they show you. If you are still unsure of someone s identity in regards to the Solar PV Installation, please contact the team on WHAT SORT OF RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE MADE AND WHAT DO THEY MEAN? Energy efficiency improvements The EPC certificate will include a summary report of cost-effective recommendations to improve energy performance. For each improvement it includes an approximate cost, typical cost savings per year and the energy performance rating after improvement. Registering for FITs Dyson will add the installation to the central MCS database and produce a certificate confirming the system complies with MCS standards. The system will then need to be registered with the electricity supplier for the FIT, with a completed application form, along with the MCS certificate and the Energy Performance Certificate. The electricity supplier will check the installation against the MCS database, confirm the system s eligibility and add it to the Ofgem Central FIT Register. If the customer has paid Dyson for the installation and elected to receive the FiT/export tariffs, the electricity supplier will let you know when you need to give meter readings. You will also be advised when to expect payments. 8 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 9

6 7. Indicative Installation Guide This is a guide for installing a solar PV installation on a property. The guide will provide an indicative overview of what is involved in a typical solar PV Installation. Installation Team Skills within each team are carefully selected to make sure we cover all necessary areas of expertise. The project manager will be responsible for making sure the project is completed on time and to high standards. Mounting Frame The frame is made up of two parallel aluminum bars or rails for each row of panels. The rails are attached to the roof anchors using a specially engineered locking system to ensure there s no movement, then the panels are mounted on top and attached by clamps. How Long Will it Take? Most installs can be completed within one to two days, but some will run into three for example, when installing on roofs with slate or sheet materials as they re more fragile. We can usually tell which projects are likely to take longer, so it will be planned for well in advance. Do I Need to do Anything? All you need to do is give us access to all the spaces we ll need to work in both inside and out. We ll also need to use the electricity supply, water and toilet. We will keep any disruption to a minimum and tidy up before we leave. What s in the Van? On the day of the install, before we get on the roof and start putting anything on, we will unload all sorts of complicated-looking kit. Here s what everything is: Solar Panels All the solar panels are made up of individual solar cells, covered in an antireflective glass sheet, surrounded by a lightweight aluminum frame. The weight of the panels can vary between 15 and 30kg. Roof Anchors These are the stainless steel hooks that screw into the rafters of the roof, forming a base for the mounting system. The roof anchors are hidden from view once the panels have been fixed on to the roof but are nonetheless a crucial part of the system. There are many types of roof anchors, and the one used will depend on the type of roof covering. Our technical surveyor will assess which ones to use after we carry out your home survey. Clamps Clamps hold the panels onto the frame. There are two types: end-clamps and mid-clamps. End-clamps are used at the end of a row of panels fixing the last one in place, while mid-clamps sit between two panels and ensure they re spaced at equal distances. 1. Erecting the Scaffold We ll arrange for scaffold to be put up by a trusted local supplier, from our approved network. The scaffolding will go up two days before the installation to make sure there is plenty of time to make everything safe for our installers. The scaffolding is erected to provide a working platform for our roofers at the eaves of the roof and safety rails that run along the edges of the roofs. We will always scaffold a roof, no matter how high or low, as the safety of our installers is paramount. 2. Fitting the Roof Anchors We ll check the measurements taken during your site survey and make small chalk marks on the roof to show where the panels will go. The chalk will wash off next time it rains. The next step is to screw the roof anchors to the rafters. First, we ll check where the rafters lie in relation to the existing roof finish. We ll position the anchors on top of the roof in their intended position, and then double-check the measurements to make sure the frame will sit straight. 3. Attaching the Frame The aluminium bars that make up the frame are then locked into the anchors and screwed into place checking each bar to make sure it s straight, and that all the bars are parallel. This is the most important step in making sure the panels will look correct. 10 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 11

7 4. Installing the Panels With the bars in place, the next step is to clamp the panels to the frame. As well as taking measurements and checking that the panels look straight not just from sitting on the roof, but from down on the ground too. Roofs are very rarely perfectly straight, inevitably the ridge, the eaves and the ground will not run perfectly parallel to each other. PV installations look best when the panels run parallel to the edge that is nearest them, usually the eaves. We understand that after performance the aesthetics are the next most important aspect, so our installation teams will ensure you are satisfied with the layout. 7. Inside the property While all this has been happening on the roof, the electrician will have been working hard to get the inverter connected to the rest of your property s electricity supply. They will have mounted the inverter in a pre-agreed location and installed all the electrical safety equipment to make sure the system is safe. Before the final connections can be made, we will also install a small modern consumer unit and generation meter next to your existing fuse box, which connects to the existing supply. We will need to switch your power off to do this. 5. Wiring the Panels on the Roof Panels are pre-wired by the manufacturer so connecting them is relatively straightforward. Connecting the panels depends on the system s voltage, amperage and power, as well as the position of the panels and any shading on the roof. The wires connecting the panels are then kept off the roof tiles by attaching cables to the rails which the panels are clamped to. 6. Wiring the Panels to the Inverter To get the finished system connected, we need to run the DC wiring from the panels into the property, hiding as much of the wiring as possible, by routing the cable through the roof surface under the panels. The DC wiring is usually routed under the roof finish, with a protective sleeve over them to stop roof covering damaging the wires over time. If it is a slate roof, we will drill a small hole in the slate which the cables are fed through and then the roof is made waterproof with a lead soaker. These wires are then fed into the inverter An inverter board will be fitted in your loft space this will accommodate the inverter, the generation meter and an isolation switch. If your existing consumer unit does not have a spare fuse position we may have to install a separate fuse box known as a garage unit. A typical garage unit can be seen as the box to the bottom left of the picture, in this case fitted under the consumer unit (fuse board) 8. Commissioning the System This is the exciting bit. Once the wiring s complete, your project manager will switch on the inverter and power up the system. If you have opted for remote monitoring we will commission the meter with the monitoring company to take readings confirming that the system is generating. This will happen over the next few days and be checked against the expected performance and confirm the system is performing up to standard. The final step is for us to apply for your MCS certificate. If you have commissioned us to register your system for FiT we will contact the nominated FiT registration body to register the system. 12 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 13

8 8. Providing Feedback We aim to get things right the first time, and to exceed your expectations, but we also recognise that on rare occasions sometimes things can go wrong. Tell us When you are Happy/Unhappy with Our Service You can help us to continually improve our service by letting us know when you are happy / unhappy with how we have handled your contact with us and how we have performed with the installation work. This will give us a chance to improve the things we do. If you have had any issues with our service at any stage in the process, we will try and resolve them quickly and learn from any mistakes, to ensure they do not occur again and we always treat complaints seriously. How to Have Your Say Either complete the feedback form enclosed with this Installation Guide or contact us on to formally register any issues you wish to bring to our attention. If you wish to write to us the contact details are as follows: Solar Department Dyson Energy Services Dyson House Armytage Road Brighouse West Yorkshire HD6 1PT What We Will Do Acknowledge your complaint within 2 working days Aim to put things right Be polite, helpful and professional at all times Give explanations that are clear and easy to understand Apologise if we have got things wrong Use lessons learnt from all feedback to improve our service Appendix 1 Questions and Answers Question How do I know if a Solar PV system is suitable for my home? Answer Dyson will undertake a full survey of your property to determine if it is suitable. Question Do I need planning permission? Answer Solar Photovoltaic systems are a Permitted Development and do not require planning permission. If your property is listed, is situated in a conservation area, or a SSSI, your property may not qualify for the current schemes funding requirements. Question Will my roof be strong enough? Answer Your roof will be assessed by a Dyson surveyor as part of the initial survey and it will be determined whether it is structurally capable of taking the new imposed loading before the proposed installation proceeds. Your job will be referred to our own structural engineer for further investigation. If it is then reported that your property is not suitable to withstand the proposed installation it will be removed from the scheme, and you will be notified. Question Do I need to inform my electricity supplier? Answer You do not need to inform your existing electricity supplier. Question Can I export any of the electricity I generate? Answer There is potential for electricity to be exported to the grid and this will be done automatically. However, payments for this electricity will be made to the scheme s funder as part of the Feed In Tariff payments. You will be given advice and documentation to assist you in maximising the benefits from the electricity generated by the PV installation which will help to optimise your electricity savings. Question What guarantees will I receive? Answer Every PV system will have manufacturers warranties for its component parts, and Dyson will guarantee its workmanship for a period of two years. Further guarantees are provided by third party specialist providers. All future maintenance will be provided, free of charge to the property owner, for a period of 20 years from the installation date. Question How are the panels fixed to the roof? Answer A mounting system appropriate for the structure and materials on your roof will be used as approved by the Micro-generation Certification Scheme. The system will be designed so as not to allow water to penetrate your roof. Question How long will the installation take? Answer Dyson will agree a time with you for the installation, and will endeavor to complete the works in three days. Day 1 - scaffolding erection, Day 2 - system installation, Day 3 - scaffolding dismantled. This may vary due to influences outside our control, such as weather conditions. Question How much electricity does a PV system output? Answer A typical 3.0 kwp Photovoltaic System will generate 2,775 kwh s per annum. A typical semidetached property s electrical demand is 3,500 kwh s per annum. Question What if the system breaks down? Answer All maintenance will be provided free of charge to the property owner, for a period of 20 years post installation date. 14 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 15

9 Appendix 2 Top 10 Energy Saving Tips Reducing your room temperature by 1 C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 % and typically saves around 55 per year. If you have a programmer, set your heating and hot water to come on only when you need it. Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60 C/140 F. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows and check for draughts around windows and doors. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room. Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily. This could save you around 33 per year on your electricity bills. If possible, fill up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher: one full load uses less energy than two half loads. Washing your clothes at 30 degrees uses less electricity and could save you around 10 a year on average. Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle). A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they are fully turned off. Energy saving light bulbs last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs and using one can save you around 25 over the lifetime of the bulb. Tasty Tips to Save Energy in the Kitchen Always use the right sized pan, on the right sized hob. Defrost food in the fridge overnight rather than microwaving it. Keep the oven door shut as much as possible. Keep lids on pans as much as you can, to reduce heat loss. Ensure warm foods cool down before placing them in the fridge. Freeze your leftovers, or eat them the next day. Wasted food makes a big contribution towards carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Use a microwave to cook or reheat food, this is usually more efficient. Covering food with a microwave-safe lid or pierced cling film will hold moisture and speed up cooking times in the microwave. Only boil the water you need in your kettle and de-scale it from time to time If you are considering buying a new fridge or freezer, look out for the Energy Saving Recommended logo. A new fridge could save around 50 on energy bills over the lifetime of the appliance and around 266kg of CO2. Make sure your fridge and freezer are set to the right temperature. Always remember to switch appliances off when you've finished using them Top Tips to Keep Your Living Room Cosy Draw the curtains at dusk to keep the heat in. Only turn on the lights when you need them. Don't leave things on standby; you could save around 40 per year on energy bills. Put your digital recorder on a separate plug socket so you can turn off everything else at the mains but keep your series link recordings Close internal doors to keep the heat in the rooms you are in. Put on an extra layer of clothing before you turn up the heating. Energy efficient light bulbs save on average around 2.50 a year each. If you are thinking about buying a new TV, look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo. Log onto and carry out a home energy check, calculate your carbon footprint and get even more advice on becoming more energy efficient. 16 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 17

10 Snuggle Up and Keep Toasty Warm in Bed Use the right tog duvet for the weather (low in Summer / high in Winter). Draw curtains at dusk to keep the heat in for when you go to bed. Get in the habit of keeping doors closed. Wear socks to bed in cold weather to keep toasty. Towel dry hair thoroughly to cut down the time you use your hairdryer for. Use a hot water bottle to warm the bed up, rather than an electric blanket. Appendix 3 Document Quick Reference Sheet Licence When our Surveyor arrives to undertake the survey they will need you to complete the Licence document with the date, your address and your signature before they can commence the survey. Once the survey is completed the Surveyor will then ask you to sign the survey form to confirm agreement to any cable runs, positions of equipment, etc. Make sure all the lights are turned off when you go to bed. Don t charge your mobile phone all night it only needs a couple of hours. During winter, set the heating to switch off a short while before you go to bed. Likewise, set it to come on just long enough before you wake for the house to be warm by the time you get out of bed. Keep extra blankets by the bed so you can easily adjust your temperature during the night. Invest in draught excluders for the bedroom door to keep the heat in your room during the night. Clean Up Your Act and Waste Less Energy Washing If possible, save on your energy bills by naturally drying clothes. If you are considering buying a tumble-dryer, look out for the Energy Saving Recommended logo. Spin your clothes on the washers highest spin cycle to remove as much water as possible, so they will dry more quickly. Landlord/Freeholder Notification Letter Send a letter, see attached example, to your landlord/freeholder if required. Lease Carefully read the terms of your lease and if required seek legal advice. Once happy, sign and date where indicated and return to Dyson in the Pre-paid envelope provided. If you have a washer/dryer make sure you don t accidentally use the tumble dryer function when you don t need it. Make sure your tumble dryer s filters are fluff free. Don t dry for longer than needed it wastes energy. Switch your tumble dryer off at the plug socket when not in use. Sort out the washed clothes to make sure only the ones that need to be tumble dried get included on the drying cycle. ID1 To register the lease with the Land Registry we need the forms to be completed by you. Our surveyor will provide you with a passport size photograph of yourself. Complete the form and take it with the photo to a conveyancer to have it countersigned. Return the form to Dyson in a Pre-paid envelope. 18 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 Free PV Customer Information Guide V2 19

11 Dyson Energy Services Ltd. Dyson House, Armytage Road Brighouse West Yorkshire HD6 1PT Tel: