We have seen a large increase in enquires for solar PV and energy storage over the last 2-3 months above and beyond what we have seen over the last 12 years. Whilst we appreciate every enquiry, our response times may not be as quick as we would normally like and so we ask for your patience and understanding. Please see outlined below what you can expect from us during these busy times.
Our offices are open Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am to 5pm. If you make an enquiry via telephone we will answer your call during these times and if you call outside of these hours you are welcome to leave a voicemail. During working hours and at times of high call volume we are assisted by a telephoning answering service who will take your details for us to return your call. We will try to return calls within 24 working hours.
If you make an enquiry via our website or send an email to our generic email accounts, we will aim to reply within 48 working hours. Please note that emails sent to individuals may take longer for us to respond due to their large volume.
We appreciate receiving all enquiries and will endeavour to give everyone as much time as is required in order for us to provide you with either a bespoke proposal or, at the very least, advice that is relevant to your installation. We try to reply with a quote with 7-10 working days.
Please be patient and courteous with us as we are doing our utmost to continue to provide a high level of service.
Timelines you can expect:
Survey bookings have at least a 4-week lead time and cost £150.
DNO connection applications can take up to 45 working days to be processed by the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) however, applications can be submitted prior to survey at a cost of £100 if the customer wishes.
Please note that the costs above are non-refundable but will be deducted from the total price of your installation.
Installations have approximately a 6-week lead time following receipt of connection approval from the DNO. Please note we cannot schedule in any installations until DNO approval has been received.
Rest assured, whilst we may sometimes take a little longer to get back to you with your proposal, you will be rewarded with excellent service from our installation teams using market leading products.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Solar & Energy Storage 0% VAT
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced yesterday during the Spring Statement 2022, the Government are cutting VAT on installing energy-saving materials in residential properties from 5% to 0% from 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2027.
Solar Energy UK has sought clarity from Government on the classification of domestic energy storage within the VAT announcement and we are delighted to announce that Government has confirmed that the zero rate VAT applies to domestic energy storage when installed with solar, although retrofit or standalone batteries would still be subject to 20% VAT.
As you can imagine this has generated a great deal of interest especially with the current energy price increases home owners are seeing so we ask that please be patient when making enquiries as we may take longer to reply than normal.
Rest assured that when we do install for you, we will use market leading products and install to the highest quality.
SunPower launches 40yr Warranty for its Maxeon Solar Panels
SunPower Maxeon is making history this week by launching the solar industry’s longest and most comprehensive combined #40yearwarranty, leading the way in product quality, power performance and sustainability.
This new 40yr Warranty covers Product, Performance & Service guaranteeing this is really #solarforlife.
“The new SunPower Maxeon 40 Year Warranty is based on external field studies from more than 33 million Maxeon panels deployed worldwide, comprehensive accelerated life testing by Maxeon and third parties, and a physics-based model which Maxeon uses to determine the expected performance impact over time from major degradation and failure modes,” the manufacturer stated. “Collectively, these give Maxeon and our customers confidence that the SunPower Maxeon module technology can support a 40-year warranted life, and that continued operation beyond this period is certainly feasible.”
Maxeon modules come with a minimum warranted output of 98% during their first year of operation, followed by a maximum annual degradation of 0.25% for the next 39 years. “The result is an unprecedented 88.3% warranted power level at the end of 40 years, meaning Maxeon panels deliver up to 9.5% more power after 40 years than standard solar panels deliver after 25 years.”
We stock the Maxeon 3 400w & 430w modules as well as the “all black” 375w modules and all now include this 40yr warranty.
Once again SunPower raise the bar with the new Maxeon 3 430w Solar Panels. Geared up for the most demanding customers, Maxeon 3 panels now features best-in-class power output with a minimal increase in format. The new 112-cell panel features industry leading 22.7% efficiency and renowned reliability coming from 35years of experience and innovation.
What’s in it for homeowners??
Maximise roof’s potential & energy savings with industry leading 22.7% panel efficiency.
A True commitment for the planet, with the confidence that their panels are made and handled sustainability all along their life cycle.
These panels are available to order now.
For more information and to discuss your requirements contact us by clicking here.
Solar & Energy Storage reduce impact of increased energy prices
With energy prices continuing to rise both homes and businesses can reduce the impact by installing Solar or Energy Storage.
Solar panels generate free, green electricity and when partnered with a battery most of the solar generated electricity can be used or stored to use later, and when the Solar doesn’t generate enough electricity the battery can charge from the grid at times of the day when prices are lower to then be used later when prices are higher.
Not got a suitable roof??? Install just a battery and make use of off-peak low cost tariffs.
Whilst home owners are protected to a certain degree by the price cap, businesses will see their prices increase, so the same principle applies; a combinaiton of Solar & Energy Storage or each of the technologies individually will help reduce the impact.
To design a bespoke system for you we will need to know how much electricity in kWh you use per annum and ideally when you use it and a brief description of what you are trying to achieve.
Tesla Energy Plan – update
The Tesla Energy Plan is an energy tariff specifically designed for homes with Solar and Powerwall installed, offering 100% clean electricity and savings of up to 64% compared to Big 6 tariffs, based on electricity consumption of 8,000 kWh/year. Electricity bills will differ based on usage.
Key Benefits:
Power your home and EV with 100% clean energy
Reduce your electricity bills
Support the grid when it needs it most
Reduce reliance on the grid
Protect your home from power cuts
Be part of Tesla’s UK Virtual Power Plant
Tariff Details:
Tesla Energy Plan is a ‘symmetrical’ tariff – i.e. the 24/7 import rate and 24/7 export rate are the same. The symmetrical import/export pricing will be set according to your location.
24/7 import rate of £0.10-0.12/kWh (Based on location) -The lowest flat rate tariff available in the market (as of May 2021).
24/7 export rate of £0.10-0.12/kWh (Based on location) for any electricity you export – more than 100% above the best fixed S.E.G. tariff on the market (as of May 2021)
Currently a company called iChooser are promoting Solar Together – Warwickshire. This is a group buying project promoted with Warwickshire County Council advertising “better offers together” for Solar PV panels and Battery Storage.
As a company we are really pleased to see the promotion of Solar with Batteries, as they are both technologies that we are very much involved with and have been the focus of our business for over 10 years. With energy, climate change and the challenging last months of COVID, Solar does work very well for home owners especially those working from home.
The reason for the post is we were approached to be one of the installation companies and being based in Stratford-upon-Avon we are ideally situated to service the Warwickshire area. However, the whole auction process did not sit well with us and we do have concerns that customers may not always get the most suitable system or the saving they were expecting, so with this in mind we chose not to participate. The scheme works by approaching home owners that by buying together the cost of Solar will be brought down, which in truth it will. However, once the group of homeowners is formed installers, who will probably not be local, then have the opportunity to bid for the work, which by its very nature means they will have to provide the lowest cost system.
Whilst on face value this seems a great thing we would suggest getting a second opinion. The RECC, the Renewable Energy Consumer Code which we are members of and have been for over 10 years recommend that homeowners get at least 3 quotes.
So do you join in with Solar Together????
Our answer is yes!!!!
But, we would suggest once you have a proposal then give us a call to get a second opinion.
In no way are we here to knock the project, but do make sure you seek good experienced local advice from a company who has been involved in this industry for over 10 years.
Join Tesla Energy Plan – lowest fixed rate of electricity in the UK
By joining the Tesla Energy Plan you get to enjoy the lowest flat rate of electricity in the UK – 8-11p/kWh.
To participate you need to have Solar Panels & a Tesla Powerwall installed at your home. If you have Solar already then you only need to add a Powerwall, For information on either or both, then do contact us to discuss the benefits of Solar & Energy Storage.
Powerwall stores surplus Solar generated energy to use any time, can charge from the grid & provides back up power during power cuts.
With the Tesla Energy plan, using your solar and Powerwall, you generate, store and return clean energy to the community during peak times.
By joining the UK Tesla Virtual Power Plant, you’ll save up to 75% on your energy bills compared to the Big 6 energy providers.
The Tesla Energy Plan is administered by Octopus Energy & offers a flat import rate of £0.08-0.11/kWh – the lowest single rate tariff available in the market (as of October 2020) and a flat export rate of £0.08-0.11/kWh for any electricity you export.
Help grow the Heart of England forest when you order a Solar PV system
Stratford Energy Solutions is 10 years old & to celebrate we have joined forces with the Heart of England Forest to help plant tomorrow’s great native woodland.
Help The Heart of England Forest with their Vision:
•To create a 30,000 acre unbroken woodland for the benefit of people, wildlife and the environment
• To reach their goal they will plant 13 million native broadleaf trees.
• Tree planting on this scale makes a significant environmental impact.
• Creating a ‘joined-up’ Forest provides vital green corridors for wildlife. Optimising biodiversity is an important part of our work.
• They are passionate about connecting people to nature and all the benefits that brings to health, happiness and wellbeing.
• More than a new woodland for the region, The Heart of England Forest is already an incredible national asset for the country.
By ordering a Solar PV system (minimum 4kWp) by 31st December 2020 to be installed by 31st January 2021 you will help support the planting of more than 20 trees in the Forest, and ensure the trees are protected and maintained.
You will also have a tree dedicated to you, receive a certificate of your support along with 1 year of Friends of the Forest status.
For more information contact us by clicking here & quote HOEF2020.
SunPower Maxeon 400w high efficiency Solar Panels in stock
SunPower Maxeon 3 400w panels are the highest output, highest efficiency panels currently available on the market.
They offer the highest lifetime energy and savings, designed to deliver 60% more energy in the same space over 25 years in real-world conditions like partial shade and high temperatures. They offer market leading reliability at 92% output warrantied after 25 years.
With more than 25 million panels deployed around the world, SunPower technology is proven to last. That’s why they stand behind their panel with an the industry leading exceptional 25-year Combined Power, Product & Service Warranty.
For more information or to discuss your project please click here.
