



As the cost of energy continues to rise, so too does the appeal of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels. Clean, renewable and reliable, they provide a long-term, environmentally friendly solution. Solar PV installations offer real financial benefits too. It is estimated that a 2.7kWp system can generate around 50% of a household’s yearly electricity needs. If the renewable energy system is also eligible for the government’s Feed-In Tariff it could generate savings and income of around £1,170 per year (Source: Energy Saving Trust 2011).
At the heart of a Solar PV system are photovoltaic cells; these convert sunlight into an electric current (working even when skies are cloudy). A wiring system converts and feeds the power generated into the AC mains supply of a building.
There are significant differences between the installation of PV panels and other electrical work – panels are delicate and the sun is an energy source that cannot be ‘switched off’. As a result, Solar PV should only be installed by MCS approved installers.
Thamesgate is a fully trained Solar PV (photovoltaic) installations and maintenance company. All Thamesgate’s PV installation staff have undergone the required training to meet NICEIC’s industry-leading, stringent criteria for MCS. This means you can trust us to provide accurate information and, if you decide to proceed, safe and effective implementation of renewable energy solutions.
The government-backed Feed-In Tariff (FIT) is a guaranteed payment by your utility company for every unit of electricity you produce. This is in addition to the savings you make by using the electricity or selling it back to the grid.
To qualify for the FIT, your Solar Panels must be installed by an MCS certified installer. A degradation factor of 7% a year on the tariff after the first two years, means that those who sign up for the FIT in the third year get 7% less annually than those who sign up in the first or second year. So, if you are considering Solar PV installation, there is a definite benefit to doing so sooner rather than later. Once you have obtained a tariff, it is index-linked and set for 25 years.
The supply of renewable energy systems is just one aspect of the work undertaken by the Thamesgate Group. A fully integrated and unified services package can also be selected including end-to-end project management, from design, supply and installation, to ongoing maintenance. Every client is allocated a designated project manager to oversee the quality of the work and provide day-to-day point of contact.
To find out how we can help you with our unified approach to infrastructure services please contact us or book a site survey.