Solar Commercial Projects
Genfit’s solar panel installations can help your business reduce energy costs and harmful emissions. We also offer Energy Storage and EV charge point options.
Solar Residential Projects
Power your home, charge your electric vehicle and cut energy costs with Genfit. We install Solar Panels, Battery storage and EV Charging systems.
0% VAT on all Residential Solar Installations
Benefits of Solar Panels
Reduce Energy Bills
Reduce Energy Bills Environmentally Friendly
Energy Independence
Return on Investment
Cheaper Power Source
0% VAT on all Residential Solar Installations
Thousands of Happy Customers
Industry Leading Warranties
On-Roof Solar Panel System
‘On-roof’ solar systems use mounting brackets where the solar panels sit above the roof tiles. This is the most common and cost effective method for installing solar panels on your home or business.
Genfit have mounting solutions suitable for every type of roof; concrete/clay tiles, slate, steel, fibre cement, flat roofs and many more. Genfit select solar mounting systems based on specific site requirements to ensure they are weather tight and will last for years to come.
All mounting systems also come with a minimum 10 year warranty and structural calculations for your peace of mind.
In-Roof Solar Panel System
‘In-roof’ solar panels are fixed directly to the roof rafters or battens, meaning there are no tiles beneath them. In-roof solar panels is the perfect solution for new build and roof replacement projects.
Genfit often use the same PV panels as an ‘on-roof’ system but use special weatherproof trays that sit flush with the tiles/slates surrounding them.
In-roof solar installations are also viewed as more aesthetically pleasing and can improve the overall appearance of a building.
Ground Mount Solar Panel System
Ground mount solar panels are mounted on frames or ‘racks’ on the ground instead of on a roof. The frames or racks are usually made of steel or Aluminium and anchored to the ground.
These solar systems are a great option if you have insufficient roof space or your property has planning restrictions e.g. your property is listed, or you want to maximise power production by orientating and tilting the solar panels to the optimal levels.
Ground-mounted solar panels are easily scaleable, making them suitable for commercial and utility-scale applications.
We Are Bcorp Certified!
Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. Unlike other certifications for businesses, B Lab is unique in our ability to measure a company’s entire social and environmental impact.
As a B-Corp certified company, we are committed to using business as a force for good. By achieving this prestigious certification, we have demonstrated our commitment to creating positive environmental and social impact, in addition to financial success. Being a B-Corp allows us to differentiate ourselves from competitors and appeal to customers who share our values of sustainability and responsibility. This certification also provides us with access to a network of like-minded businesses and industry leaders who share our commitment to making a positive impact.
We are so proud to have achieved such a high score – but we are not stopping there. Ever since our inception, we have had core values of people and planet before profit and so becoming a Bcorp was a decison that was part of our DNA already. However the structure of the BIA assessment has already made us better and we know how to continue to improve which we are 100% commited to.
B Corperation Score
We Are Carbon Neutral!
As a leading provider of solar panels and renewable energy solutions, we’ve always been dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint. And now, we’re taking it to the next level by offsetting our carbon emissions to become carbon neutral.
Becoming carbon neutral is a significant step towards our long-term goal of creating a sustainable future for our customers, employees, and the environment. At Genfit, we believe that it’s not just about installing solar panels – it’s about creating a better world for future generations.
We received a score of 38 tCO2e in our carbon neutrality certification which is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and responsibility. We’re proud to be part of the growing movement towards a low-carbon economy and are excited to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
We decided to choose Song Ong Hydropower Project, Vietnam to offset the carbon we use at our company as they are also in the renewable energy industry and have our same goals in creating a sustainable future.
We Are ISO Certified!
As a certified ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management), ISO 9001 (Quality Management), and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) company, we have demonstrated commitment to excellence in multiple areas. By implementing these internationally recognised standards, we have ensured the development of robust business continuity plans to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure seamless operations. Our quality management system guarantees that our solar panel installations meet the highest standards, ensuring customer satisfaction and reducing defects.
Furthermore, our environmental management system enables us to minimise our ecological footprint, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices throughout our operations. With these certifications, we has enhanced its reputation, increased efficiency, and improved its overall performance, ultimately providing a better service to our customers and a positive impact on the environment.
Our Installation Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A South-Facing Roof For Solar Panels?
Solar Panels work well on roofs facing South, SE/SW and East/West. Solar Panels will generate more electricity if they are South facing however, they will still perform at 80% (compared to South facing) when facing due East or West. Our industry leading design software factors in panel orientation, tilt and shading into system performance estimates.
How Much Roof Space Do I Need For Solar Panels?
Solar Panels are typically 1.8-2sqm. each. A typical 3-bed semi can accommodate upto 8 panels per side.
Do I Need Direct Sunshine For My Solar Panels To Work?
No, solar panels only require daylight to work, even operating on cloudy days. However, you will generate more energy on brighter days.
Can I Sell Energy Back To The Grid?
Yes. For systems <50kWp (100 panels) you can register for the Governments ‘Smart Export Guarantee’ (SEG) – typically 3-6p/kWh. This is not the only option as some suppliers pay more e.g. Octopus Energy pay 15p/kWh to customers on their standard tariff.
If you have a larger commercial system >50kWp you can get paid for surplus energy via an Export Power Purchase Agreement (Export PPA). These are short or long term contracts bewteen you and an energy supplier and typically valued at 15p/kWh. We can help you get the best deal via our broker network.
How Long Will My Solar Panels Last For?
Solar PV panels come with a typical performance warranty of 80-85% output in 25-30 years, depending on the brand, with a useful life expectancy in excess of this.
Solaredge inverters come with a 12 year warranty that can be extended to 20 years.
Our Tesla and Solaredge battery storage systems are guaranteed for 70-80% of original capacity for 10 years.
What Size Solar PV System Do I Need?
Sizing a system is simple. All we need is your address and current energy consumption (copies of energy bills). We will optimise your system to take advantage of available roof space whilst also future-proofing your system as homes and vehicles go greener.
Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?
Solar panels will self-clean if positioned at an angle of over 10 degrees. However, every site is different with some suffering from greater soiling than others. Our monitoring portal can quickly determine whether panels are underperforming. We recommend an annual service during which our engineer can advise if cleaning is required, or not.
What's The VAT Rate On Solar?
For residential/domestic solar PV installations, the VAT is now 0% until 2027
Do You Need Good Internet?
Yes you will need a decent level of internet connection at your property as most inverters, batteries, and monitoring software require internet for the purposes of remote monitoring and/or correct functioning
Will Your System Reach It's kWp Output?
You’ll often see PV systems classified by their theoretical kWp (killowatt peak) output. This number is mostly used for comparison – the important measure for your system is the estimated annual kWh (killowatt hour) generation. It’s the energy you can expect your system to produce, allowing for local conditions, shading, whether the panels are in or on roof, orientation etc.
Do You Need A Smart Meter For Export Payments?
To be eligible for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments, you need to be able to send half-hourly export monitoring to your energy company. The easiest way to do this is via a smart meter.
- Second generation smart meters transmit their data over the Smart Metering Wide Area Network (SM-WAN), which is a closed secure network, rather than existing mobile networks (which first gen smart meters use). The coverage of this SM-WAN is not comprehensive at the moment, and so you should check with your supplier if there is coverage where you live prior to us installing PV. Without this network coverage, the smart meter cannot communicate.
- Under the terms of the SEG, suppliers (‘SEG Licensees’) are obligated to accept manual export readings from generators – see section 3.5 (p5) of the guidance here. In the case that there is currently no SM-WAN coverage at your property, the SEG Licensee should still be able to install a smart meter and accept manual readings for the time being, until the WAN coverage is expanded.
What Happens With Planning Permission?
The vast majority of our domestic retrofit installations are installed as permitted development and as such do not require planning permission.
However, we advise all customers to take their own advice on planning as every local authority has their own way of interpreting the guidelines. We can prepare and submit planning applications on your behalf, or supply drawings if you want to do the application yourself, at additional cost. For more details on the requirements please see the solar panel section on the planning portal website.
What Is A Generation Meter?
A generation meter records the amount of electricity generated by the solar PV system. This may automatically send meter readings back to the system owner
How Do I Compare Different Makes Of Solar Panels?
We offer a range of solar PV panels that consider aesthetics, value for money, performance, track record and manufacturer guarantees. Our team know the market and can advise you on the panels that will best suit your needs.
What Guarantees Will My PV And Battery System Come With?
Genfit offer a 5 year insurance backed workmanship warranty that covers you even if we are no longer around. In addition, we pass on equipment manufacturers warranties, :
- Solaredge inverters – 12 years (can be extended to 20-25 years)
- Solaredge optimisers – 25 years
- Solaredge batteries – 10 years to 70% capacity
- Tesla Powerwall battery – 10 years to 80% capacity
- Longi solar panels – 25 years performance to 85%
- QCells solar panels – 25 years performance to 86%
- Sunpower solar panels – 25 years performance to 92%
- Zappi EV chargers – 3 years
It is also worth considering whether the manufacturer has UK based service and support teams, otherwise it can be impossible to claim against their warranty. We have completed this due diligence and will walk you through your options along with their pros/cons.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Solar Panel And Battery System?
The majority of residential solar panel installations take no more than 1-2 days to complete. Typically, the scaffolding will be erected the week prior to our installation team arriving. We will normally leave the scaffolding in place for 1 week to ensure all equipment is reporting in correctly.
Commerical PV systems are usually larger and therefore take longer to install. As a guide, a 250kW (500 panel) PV system will take up to 10 days to complete.
What Ongoing Service And Maintenance Do Solar Panels Require?
We recommend that you have your solar PV system serviced annually. We offer a standard service and maintenance package based on your systems size and specific equipment installed. Our team will advise you on what’s included and costs.
If I Have Solar Panels Can I Come 'Off-Grid'?
Solar PV panels alone are not able to provide all your annual electricity. Your system will produce 5 times more energy in July than in December so to cover Winter and night time consumption you would need an alternative energy source and/or a battery system. Solaredge and Tesla Powerwall battery systems will work during a power cut.
Do I Need A Battery?
Over 90% of our residential customers opt for a battery when installing their PV system.
Solar batteries can be an excellent long-term investment for any homeowner or small to medium business owner.
We offer a range of single and 3-phase battery solutions so please contact our team to find out which one is best for you.
Is There Anything I Need To Arrange Before My Installation Date?
Our surveyors will make you aware of anything that needs to be addressed prior to your installation date. The most common are:
Utility isolator – if we need to add another consumer unit or Tesla Gateway and a utility isolator is not present we will ask you to contact your energy supplier to arrange for one to be installed. This typically costs £80-£100.
Working areas – need to be cleared of clutter
Internet access – for remote monitoring we will require an internet connection. We have options to connect via ethernet, powerline adapters, wifi or cellular depending on signal strength. If you have any specialist equipment we may ask you to arrange for installation of one of the above prior to your installation date.
Do I Need Planning Permission For Solar Panels?
Residential
In most cases the installation of solar panels does not require planning permission as it is permitted development, as long as the following limits are met:
- Panels should not be installed above the highest part of the roof (excluding the chimney) and should project no more than 200mm from the roof slope or wall surface.
- The panels must not be installed on a building that is within the grounds of a listed building or on a site designated as a scheduled monument.
- If your property is in a conservation area, or in a World Heritage Site, panels must not be fitted to a wall which fronts a highway.
Note – If you are a leaseholder you may need to get permission from your landlord, freeholder or management company.
Commercial (non-domestic)
- Solar panels installed on a wall or a pitched roof should project no more than 200mm from the wall surface or roof slope.
- Where panels are installed on a flat roof the highest part of the equipment should not be more than one metre above the highest part of the roof (excluding the chimney).
- Equipment mounted on a roof must not be within one metre of the external edge of that roof.
- Equipment mounted on a wall must not be within one metre of a junction of that wall with another wall or with the roof of the building.
- The panels must not be installed on a listed building or on a building that is within the grounds of a listed building, or on a site designated as a scheduled monument.
- If the building is on Article 2(3) designated land* the equipment must not be installed on a wall or a roof slope which fronts a highway.
- If the equipment is on the roof of the building the capacity for generation of electricity across the whole of the site cannot exceed 1 megawatt.
- Other than microgeneration solar thermal equipment or microgeneration solar PV equipment, if there is to be any other solar PV equipment installed on the roof of a building then the Prior Approval (56 days) of the Local Planning Authority is required. This will assess the design and external appearance of the development, particularly in respect of the impact of glare on occupiers of neighbouring land.
Note – If you are a leaseholder you may need to get permission from your landlord, freeholder or management company.
Ground Mounted Solar Panels
Solar panels with a total surface area >9sqm. require planning permission. Contact us for more information.
Is Panel Shading An Issue?
Shading can have a serious impact on system performance and, as such, can affect the financial return of your solar PV system. If shading might be a problem, Genfit is able to provide full computer-generated shading analysis and system design using Solaredge Designer.
What Do You Get Paid For Exporting Solar Power?
Large energy suppliers are legally obliged to offer an export tariff, to pay you for any excess solar power sent to the grid. It’s usually around 15p/kWh.
How Do You Apply For An Export Tariff?
The supplier may ask for a copy of your MCS certificate and DNO response letter. This will be included in your handover pack if possible or forwarded on as soon as we have the DNO’s response.
How Do You Get Permission To Connect To The Grid?
No prior approval is required for the connection of 3.68kWp (4kWp in practical terms) to a single-phase electricity supply, or 11kWp to a 3 phase supply. Above these limits, an application needs to be made to the network operator (DNO) in advance of connection. DNO application will be submitted on order acceptance and charges can vary depending on system and DNO for your area.
What Is A Smart Meter?
Smart meters measure how much gas and electricity you are using and can send these readings via a remote connection to your energy supplier. They come with an in-home display screen to help you visualise your energy usage and support you to reduce your energy consumption.
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