Solar Power - Sustainable energy solutions for your home by npower

Start your Solar journey today Call:

0800 975 3199˚ or visit

npower.com/solar Contact our specialist teams who are on hand to offer support and advice to help you start your Solar journey. Lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 5pm Sat

† Tax free: Generation income would be tax free provided that the generation income is not received in a business capacity (e.g. the individual must not be running a business from their house) and that the individual is not providing a form of service or facility in connection with the electricity being generated. The export income would be tax free provided that Solar PV qualifies as a “microgeneration system” as defined under the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 and that the system is installed at or near domestic premises occupied by the individual and they intend that the amount of electricity generated by it will not significantly exceed the amount of electricity consumed in those premises. ^ 20 years\rising with inflation: Subject to changes in legislation. Any revisions to the Feed in Tariff dates are found at www.ofgem.gov.uk/fits # 25% savings: Energy Savings Trust website source (April 2011). 12% return on investment: calculation based on a 4kWp PV system located in optimum conditions for an average UK home, with a south facing array at 30º ~ pitch and no shading. Cost of the system based npower’s average installation costs. Actual costs will vary depending on site. Assumes generation of 850 kWh per 1 kWp installed with generation income based on DECC’s current FIT rate of 16p for customers with a Solar PV system under 4kWp in size (as per www.ofgem. gov.uk\FITs) and export income assumes 50% of generation exported onto the grid and DECC’s current export tariff of 4.5p. Electricity Bill Savings based on the Energy Saving Trust’s estimated current average electricity price of 14.4p per kWh, Ofgem’s average UK household annual consumption of 3,300 kWh and 50% of all electricity is used in the home. Doesn’t include any maintenance costs or tax implications. No two installations of the same type and scale are likely to produce the exact same level of generation each year for the same cost, and thus rates of return can vary between installations. Example provided is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. ** Feed in Tariff Scheme. Terms and conditions apply. For more information visit npower.com/feedintariffs ˚ Calls: Telephone calls may be recorded and monitored for training and security purposes. Lines are open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday. Price of calls may vary and calls from mobiles may be considerably higher. Please check with your operator for exact charges ∑ Terms and conditions apply and will be subject to a property survey. Your system is being provided by EvoEnergy Limited, you will need to enter into a contract directly with EvoEnergy Limited for its supply and installation. In such case, npower does not warrant or represent and is not responsible for the quality, fitness for purpose or otherwise of the PV system or its installation and any other equipment provided by EvoEnergy Limited, nor for the actions or omissions of EvoEnergy Limited or any installer used by EvoEnergy Limited. npower is a registered trade mark and the trading name of Npower Northern Limited (registered in England and Wales No. 3653277) and associated companies. Registered office: Windmill Hill Business Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon SN5 6PB. Npower Northen Limited supply electricity as an agent for Npower Northern Supply Limited (Registered in England and Wales No. 2845740) Registered office: Windmill Hill Business Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon SN5 6PB. npm10267/RF12056/10.12

Solar from npower Sustainable energy solutions for your home

Contents

Introduction 3

Solar made easy∑

Introducing Solar PV - Feed in Tariffs

4 5

Did you know that one third of our carbon emissions comes from the energy we use in our home?*

How does Solar PV work? - Is Solar PV for you? - Product and warranty

6 7 7

Solar Thermal

Why choose Solar hot water? - How does it work?

9 11

Solar Thermal technology

Is Solar Thermal right for me?

Case study

Frequently asked questions

Our Solar partners

Introduction

Solar PV Sustainable power made by the sun

Although the sun is 92 million miles away from earth, it could still provide us with enough energy every minute to meet our demands for a whole year. The key is how we harness this energy and use it for our benefit. Taking advantage of a free, natural energy resource makes sense in a world of climate change, dwindling supplies of fossil fuels like oil and gas and volatile energy prices. By harnessing greener alternatives, such as energy from daylight, means we can start to move to a more sustainable future.

Solar Thermal Hot water made by the sun hot water solution for off • Perfect gas customers • Reduce your heating bills and your carbon footprint • Earn money from the Renewable Heat Incentive • A free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a year’s free central heating care for your home

npower and our installation team EvoEnergy, have installed Solar PV for thousands of homeowners and businesses across the country - so no one knows Solar like we do. We’ll take you step by step through the process: from surveying your home and installing your panels, to helping you register for the Feed in Tariff scheme and start earning money from your system.

*Source: www.decc.gov.uk

a return of up to 12%~ through our • Earn Feed in Tariff • Reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint • Become your own power station and reduce your reliance on rising fuel prices • A free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a year’s free central heating care for your home

Introducing Solar PV npower is at the forefront of developing new technologies and we see Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) as an important and increasingly popular way for homeowners to generate their own electricity.

Why chose Solar PV from npower? Returns of up to 12%~ With our Feed in Tariff you’ll get a tax free, index linked payment for every unit of electricity your solar panels generate. With that and the savings on your electricity bill, you could get a return of up to 12% a year on your investment.

Investing in Solar PV system is a significant step. You want to be sure you’ll get a high quality installation that you’ll be able to rely on for years to come. npower and our installation experts EvoEnergy have several years experience installing Solar PV systems, so rest assured we’ll support you at all times.

A brand you can trust Feed in Tariffs are a 20 year^ investment so you need a brand that can offer you peace of mind for years to come. npower have over 5 years experience in solar PV, and EvoEnergy were awarded solar installer of the year in 2011 and 2012 for recognition of their high quality customer service and technical excellence. We’re so confident in the quality of our design and our products that we will guarantee your Feed in Tariff payments for the first 5 years.∆ Energy solutions for your home At npower we’re here to look after all your energy needs, and provide a total energy solution designed for you. Every one of our solar customers gets a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a year’s free central heating care for your home.

Feed in Tariff

2. Export payments As well as the FiT generation payments, we currently pay 4.5p~ for every kilowatt hour of electricity you do not use yourself. This surplus electricity that you ‘export’ back to the National Grid is estimated at 50% of the electricity generated by your Solar PV panels.

The government has an objective to reduce UK carbon emissions by 80% by 2050* which has led to the introduction of Feed in Tariffs (FITs). This is a scheme that rewards customers who generate and use sustainable electricity. Installing Solar PV with us will mean you’re eligible for FiTs. All you have to do is provide a quarterly meter reading of what you have generated, and you’ll receive a payment that is guaranteed for the lifetime of your Solar PV system.

3. Energy savings On top of Feed in Tariffs, the electricity you generate is free to use in your home. Although you’ll never eliminate the need to import electricity (especially when the sun sets!) it’s estimated that Solar PV can reduce the average electricity bill by 25%.# If wholesale energy prices continue to rise then you could benefit even more from using your own, sustainable source of electricity.

With a Solar PV system there’s three ways you can benefit: 1. Generation payments A generation payment is received for all the electricity generated by your Solar PV system; whether you use it in your own home or not. The FiT generation payment increases every year in line with inflation and is guaranteed for 20 years.^ What’s more it could be TAX FREE† so there may be no income tax to pay on it. The premium generation rate is set at 16p~ for a customer who registers before the 1st November 2012.

For more information about Feed in Tariffs visit

npower.com/feedintariffs

Daylight

Total Household Usage

3,300kWh

Generation payment (@ 16p per kWh generated)

£545 Import from Solar PV system

4kW

Solar PV system

1,700kWh

Export payment (@ 4.5p per kWh)

Consumer unit

Standard yearly electricity bill (@ cost 14.4p per kWh)

-£230

∆ Subject to terms and conditions

*Source: www.decc.gov.uk

£75

How does Solar PV work? What is a Solar PV system?

Daylight

Talk to our installation experts EvoEnergy to find the right solution for you

111 22 Inverter AC/DC

Fuse box

Export

Import

Appliances

Warranties and panels 25 year performance guarantee • Our solar panels use high quality polycrystalline or monocrystalline silicon cells from leading Solar PV manufacturers and have been carefully selected to ensure high performance and quality.

Understanding your requirements • We’ll explain our product range to you and answer any questions you have • We’ll make sure we understand your requirements

• All systems are MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified in accordance with the requirements of the UK Feed In Tariff scheme.**

• We’ll check your property is suitable for Solar PV

1 2

Solar cells - Solar cells within the PV panels act as a semi conductor that converts daylight into electricity

Inverter - The electricity generated by the panels is DC (direct current). This is then converted to AC (alternating current), using an inverter so it can be used in the home

Is Solar PV for you?

Electricity - Household appliances can be used as normal via the consumer unit

Export - When the household demand is less than supply from the PV system, any spare electricity can be sold back to the electricity supplier and, if eligible, feed in tariffs can be paid

2. How much free roof space do I need? Our standard Solar PV systems start from 5 panels and go up to 16 panels. The smallest system needs at least 10m2 of unobstructed roof space. Bear in mind that the average size of one side of a roof in a UK house is around 30-35m2.

You need to answer two key questions that will determine whether your home is suitable for Solar PV, because not all properties can benefit from this type of renewable technology. 1. Which way does my roof face? In the UK, you will need a roof space that ideally sits between south-west to south-east in order to generate the optimum amount of electricity. But as long as you have roof space that sits from east to west, your property is potentially suitable.

You can check the suitability of your property by phoning our specialist solar team on

0800 975 3199˚

Survey and quotation • If you are happy to proceed we will carry out a full survey of your property

• Solar PV panels come with a 25 year manufacturer performance guarantee.¥

Our SAP guarantee

• We’ll measure your roof area, note any obstructions and test that your current electricity load will support the Solar PV system

As part of your quote, we estimate how much your PV system will generate. We’re so confident in the quality of our design and products that we will back it up with a guarantee for five years. We understand that solar PV is still a relatively new technology in the UK so we want to offer our customers peace of mind over their investment.

• We’ll draw up a full design of the proposed system and give you a final quote based on our survey Installation • When you are happy with the design and final quote, we will ask you to sign the order form and pay a deposit

Terms and conditions apply, please speak to our team for more information on this guarantee.

• We will then arrange for the installation to be carried out and connect your system with minimum disruption to you - you won’t need to do anything yourself • Once you’re going ahead you can then receive your Feed in Tariff application pack to ensure you are ready to start making money as soon as your Solar PV system is installed. You’ll need to have your electricity supplied by npower to qualify 7

Solar Thermal

Why choose solar hot water

Hot water from the sun Did you know that on average we spend £235+ a year just on heating water, and over a quarter of our total carbon footprint comes from the energy we use in our home? With a Solar Thermal system from npower you could use the sun to generate your own hot water and start reducing your heating bills.

Why choose Solar Thermal from npower: Reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint A Solar Thermal system works best in the summer where it can provide at least 90% of your hot water needs,+ but it will work all year round too. By using a clean and sustainable source of heating you’ll saving over 6 tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted over the next 25 years.+

A Solar Thermal system uses the sun’s warmth to provide hot water for your home. It involves using solar “collectors” on your roof which use a clever combination of glass, stainless steel and insulation to absorb as much thermal energy from the sun as possible. Once the collector is hot enough, that thermal energy is transferred to your hot water tank in your home. So you can run yourself a bath to celebrate – you’ll be saving money and the environment every time you turn on the hot tap.

We are experienced npower and our installation team EvoEnergy have over 10 year experience in Solar Thermal and have installed systems for thousands of homeowners and hundreds of businesses across the country.

With the impacts of ever-rising energy costs and climate change, the need for a heating and hot water technology that is future proof, cost-effective and able to use an unlimited, sustainable source of energy is essential.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) The Renewable Heat Incentive is a government initiative to encourage more people to use renewable energy. The scheme was announced in March 2011 and will offer quarterly payments to those with renewable heat installations – including Solar Thermal. The scheme is set to launch in summer 2013.*

Solar Thermal technology has lots of advantages – it’s low maintenance, it could save you money year after year and the system is relatively inexpensive compared with other renewable technologies.

In the meantime there’s a grant to help eligible homes reduce the up front costs of installing Solar Thermal – the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP). Anyone can apply for the RHI and RHPP as long as you’ve installed an eligible technology after 15th July 2009, along with meeting the energy efficiency requirements of the RHI.

Benefits Depending on how you use it, a well designed and properly sized solar thermal system can help you make a substantial saving on your bills. You can expect it to provide: • 80-90% of your hot water in the summer

Costs

The cost of your install will depend on a range of factors including the number of panels, the complexity of the plumbing and the suitability of your existing hot water system. A typical system will cost around £5,000 to £5,500+ and you’ll be able to get £300 towards this from the government as part of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment.

• 40-50% of your hot water in the spring and autumn ##

Quality design and service Whatever your needs we can offer a range of product choices and system types to suit your home. Everyone of our customers has their project overseen by a dedicated project manager to ensure everything runs smoothly. Energy solutions for your home We’re here to look after all your energy needs, and provide a total energy solution designed for you. Every one of our solar customers gets a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and year’s free central heating care for your home.

• 10-15% of your hot water in the winter

Systems can also be designed to contribute towards heating your home, and could reduce heating costs by up to 60%+ over the course of a year.

Maintenance

You’ll make the biggest saving if your hot water is currently heated by electricity, followed by oil and then gas. However, the actual savings you’ll make on your bills will depend on how you use your hot water.

Once installed there is little or no maintenance requirements. Solar collectors come with a 20 year performance guarantee and the Solar Controller will manage your system automatically. We do recommend a service every 5-10 years to replace the glycol (solar fluid). For more information call

0800 975 3199˚ +

Source: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

## Source: Energy Saving Trust report: Here comes the sun - A field trial or Solar water heating systems 2011 *Source: www.decc.gov.uk

How does it work? Solar Thermal acts as an upgrade to your existing heating system, producing hot water by harnessing renewable energy from the sun. The system’s “collectors” absorb solar energy and transfer that into thermal energy to be used in a hot water cylinder or thermal store. We supply closed-loop solar thermal systems. This means the fluid that circulates from the panel to the hot water cylinder never touches the water that comes out of your tap. It works like this:

How Solar Thermal works 1. Cold water enters the system from mains supply 2. If the collector is warm enough the pump will be activated by the solar controller 3. Solar fluid is then pumped round the collector, heated by solar energy 4. This fluid then passes in to a cylinder heating up the water via a coil 5. If required a second coil brings up the water to the pre-set temperature via an existing boiler 6. Hot water is now available through

the taps Solar Thermal - domestic hot water system Solar Thermal - Domestic Hot Water System

6 Hot Water, Underfloor Heating & Central Heating

Boiler

4 Pump

! Mains Cold Water Feed

2 Solar Thermal Twin Coil Cylinder

Flat Panel or Evacuated Tube Collector

Solar Thermal technology Solar collectors There are two types of solar thermal panel: flat-plate collectors and evacuated-tube collectors. Evacuated-tube collectors are known for being the more efficient of the two, as they can produce slightly higher yields in autumn and spring. However, over the course of a year the amount of hot water both types of collector produce is very similar, so we’d advise you to consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

Every Solar Thermal system is made up of a solar panel (also known as a solar collector), a hot water cylinder, a pump and a controller. You’ll also need a boiler or immersion heater to back up the system. Solar cylinder The hot water cylinder installed will have a ‘twin coil’ heating system. The lower coil is heated by your solar collector while the upper coil is heated through your existing boiler. If you have a combi boiler we’ll install a thermal store (a small hot water cylinder to store the water heated by the panels) plus a specially designed CombiSOL valve, which regulates the inlet water temperature.

Flat plate Flat-plate collectors consist of dark-coloured absorber plate. The plates are enclosed within a glazed, insulated box that behaves like a mini greenhouse to retain heat within the collector. • More versatile. Provides versatility as it can be mounted horizontally, vertically, on the roof and in the roof • Glazed flat-plate collectors are good value, last a long time and need very little maintenance • More robust design and less likely to overheat • A good option if your home is a new build or is having a new roof, as they can be integrated with the roof itself. This gives a neater look – similar to Velux windows – and saves money on other roofing materials

Pump and controller The speed of the pump is managed by the controller. It reacts to the temperature of the fluid in the solar collector and the water in the cylinder to automatically determine the rate at which the fluid is pumped around the system.

Evacuator tubes Evacuator tubes consist of rows of parallel tubes, each containing a glass thermal absorber. During production, air is evacuated from the tubes allowing it to reach higher temperature at all light levels. • Evacuated-tube collectors have a higher efficiency than flat-plate collectors, so they may be a good option if you have a small amount of space • They can also be mounted in almost any orientation, from a flat roof to a wall. Even if you already have PV panels covering your roof, you may still be able to fix a solar thermal collector to a south-facing wall • Easy to repair. Failed tubes can just be replaced without any major disruption

Is Solar Thermal right for me? by surrounding trees or buildings. East or West facing roofs can still have Solar Thermal fitted in a “split” system where the collectors are split onto opposite sides of the roof.

Solar Thermal is a means of improving the sustainability of your domestic hot water heating, but it’s not right for every property. Here are some things to think about when considering a Solar Thermal system.

Cylinder space Your Solar Thermal system requires a new “twin coil” cylinder that is about 1/3 bigger than a standard cylinder. For those properties without a hot water cylinder currently there needs to be space to fit one like an old airing cupboard or closet.

Ideal for off mains gas homes Cheap and instant hot water is something we probably all take for granted, but it can actually be expensive if you have an electric storage heater or oil boiler. What’s worse is you don’t want to be caught short if you’re out of oil or LPG and find you’re having to have a cold shower in the morning! A Solar Thermal system can work alongside any heating system; with the greatest benefits if you’re not connected to mains gas.

Our cylinders come in standard or slimline versions, so if you’re not sure if you could fit a new cylinder in, it is worth speaking to one of our technical advisors first.

Insulating your home Before you consider generating your energy it’s always best to look at what you’re wasting first. If your home is below a D on your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) then investing in loft, cavity wall or external wall insulation might be a better investment in the first instance for you.

Your current boiler Solar Thermal is an ideal upgrade if you are not currently on gas and you have an immersion heater or hot water cylinder. With npower Solar we can design you a system to suit every household, even if you have a combi boiler.

Have a look at our Energy Efficiency survey if you want to know more about the insulation of your home. For more information visit

Making the most of your system How well a Solar Thermal system will work depends on your lifestyle and when you tend to use the majority of your hot water. If you’re in during the daytime and use your hot water mainly in the evenings, Solar Thermal is ideal. If the house is empty during the day and you use most of your hot water first thing in the morning, you won’t be getting the full benefits. However, you can get round this by installing a larger hot water cylinder, which will allow you to store more hot water overnight.

npower.com/eesurvey Is the property in the right location? In the UK the optimum position for solar collectors is an unshaded roof facing due south. The solar collector will be most efficient and cost effective when direct sunlight is available. In the winter months your roof space is more likely to be shaded

so you’ll need a bigger roof space and bigger hot water cylinders. However the long-term benefits could make it a worthwhile investment. To find out whether it could be a good option for you, just talk to one of our team.

It’s a good idea to time your boiler or immersion heater so that it tops up the heat in the early evening, when the solar thermal system has been working all day. The water can then be used later that evening or the following morning. On a warm day, you may not even need to use your boiler or immersion heater at all.

For more information call

0800 975 3199˚

Using a Solar Thermal system for heating is an option and can be especially effective if you have underfloor heating, or you don’t have a mains gas supply. Systems designed to supply heating are larger than those providing hot water alone,

Case study

Frequently asked questions

Sarah Crabtree

Q. Will having solar energy improve the value of my property?

System Size

2.62 kWp

Panel model

Sunpower 327 / Solfex

Inverter model

Kaco Powador 3002

Annual output

1,968 kWh / year

Annual CO2 savings

1,117 kg / year

If you are unsure, we can advise you on the best way to install your system and you should always check with your local planning authority for complete peace of mind. You may also need building regulation approval and/or inform your buildings insurer that you are going to install solar on your property.

A. Solar PV and Solar Thermal could improve the energy rating of your home and if you use all the energy you generate effectively, it could help reduce your annual energy bills. Studies by the Energy Saving Trust have shown that consumers do take into account the energy rating when buying a new home so it’s likely that you could benefit from having solar installed.

Sarah works from home where she lives with her two children, and has spent the last few years looking at ways to reduce her carbon emissions and her energy bills. As an environmentally conscious consumer, she had been focusing on her electric and gas bills as an area to save on.

Q. Is installing solar very disruptive? A. We’ll minimise disruption and carry out the complete installation for you. External scaffolding will need to be erected to give our installers safe access to your roof. For Solar PV, our installers will also need access to your loft and fuse box and will fit an extra cable either on the inside or outside of your house, depending what is most practical and easiest for you. For Solar Thermal, how disruptive the install is will depend on the location of your hot water cylinder. If you have room for a hot water cylinder upstairs most installs can be completed within a day.

Q. We don’t get much sunshine in the UK – is it enough to make Solar work effectively? A. Sunlight is measured by how much light and heat is recorded in a given space. The UK receives around 900 kWh - 1,200 kWh m2 per annum of sunlight which is still 60% of the sunlight compared to the equator. For Solar PV, an entry level system can generate 1,500kWh of electricity which is just under half the average yearly electricity bill. In the summer, Solar Thermal can nearly provide all your hot water requirements.

Sarah came to the conclusion that she wanted to install both a solar thermal and a solar PV system. Not knowing anyone who had installed either a solar thermal or solar PV system, Sarah spent her time looking into the different options until she was comfortable with the technologies.

Q. How long will installation take? A. Most installations take one to two days to complete. Scaffolding will need to be erected before installation starts and will be taken down as soon as the work is completed.

Q. Do I need planning permission?

When asked about EvoEnergy, Sarah said: ‘Every review I read about EvoEnergy was very positive, and this helped to reassure me they were a good, reliable company’. Impressed that both the thermal and PV systems were installed in one day, Sarah has since taken further steps to reduce her bills by changing her electric shower to a mixer shower, utilising the free hot water.

A. Domestic solar installations are considered permitted developments so you may not need planning permission so long as: • The solar panels do not protrude more than 200mm above the roofline of your property

Q. What happens if I move home? A. Ownership of your Solar PV system and Feed in Tariff will need to be agreed as part of the sale of the house. This will need to be determined by you, during the sale process.

• The building is not listed or in a conservation area

Our Solar partners moneysavingexpert.com. More importantly, they consistently receive excellent customer feedback and are especially proud that a third of their new customers have been referred to them by a friend or family member.

npower work in partnership with EvoEnergy, one of the largest installers in the UK of domestic solar heating systems.

Solar panels They offer a choice of panels from well-known household names to specialist Solar PV manufacturers. They currently offer a selection of solar panels that fit into three distinct categories, our bronze, silver and gold products. Bronze-standard products offer good performance and great value for money, while gold products use the latest technology for people who want the best of the best.

About EvoEnergy EvoEnergy design, supply and install Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal systems for homes and business across the UK, helping more and more people discover the benefits of generating their own clean energy. As well as installing for homeowners they’re experienced in working within all sectors, including commercial, agriculture and public sector, and with contractors, architects, planners and community groups. They were established in 2007 and have been independent since the beginning. They’re not tied to any manufacturer, so can recommend the best solar panels for each individual customer. With an emphasis on quality design and engineering, an honest, no-pressure approach to sales and an excellent track record for customer service, they’ve built up an unrivalled reputation in the industry.

Solfex Based in Preston, Lancashire, SOLFEX has an established track record as one of the largest players in the UK solar thermal market. It offers all components, the best solar thermal collector warranties on the market and extensive warehouse facilities for guaranteed stock availability. SOLFEX Energy Systems – a supplier of Europe’s top-selling panels.

Gledhill Cylinders Gledhill Building Products is a Blackpool-based family business that was founded in the 1920s. Today they’re the largest privately owned cylinder manufacturer in the UK, with over 200 staff nationwide. Their hot water stores set a new benchmark for quality and performance, and they offer and industry-leading 25-year guarantee on all models.

In the last year, they won three major awards for renewable energy installation and were recommended by Which? and consumer website