Solar Panels in New Inn, Torfaen

A 3-4kWp system in New Inn typically costs £5,000-£8,000 with 0% VAT included — the zero-rate VAT alone saves around £1,000 compared to the standard 20% rate. Based on New Inn's solar yield of 870 kWh/kWp, a 4kWp system generates approximately 3,480 kWh/year, paying for itself in 6-8 years through electricity savings of £974+/yr and Smart Export Guarantee income of 4-6p/kWh. Adding a home battery (5-10 kWh) costs an additional £3,000-£6,000 and also benefits from 0% VAT. We recommend getting at least three quotes from MCS-certified installers to compare pricing and equipment.

A smart meter is required to sell surplus electricity back to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and earn 4-6p/kWh for your exports. Your energy supplier will install a smart meter for free if you do not already have one — contact them before or shortly after your solar installation. You do not strictly need a smart meter for the solar panels themselves to work, but without one you cannot receive SEG payments. Your MCS-certified installer submits the G98/G99 application to your Distribution Network Operator after installation to register your system for grid export.

Yes. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of the output of a south-facing roof, making them well worth installing. Many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west faces to spread generation throughout the day, which can improve self-consumption and reduce the amount of electricity exported at the lower SEG rate. East-facing panels generate more in the morning, while west-facing panels peak in the afternoon — both align well with typical household usage patterns. Only north-facing roofs are generally unsuitable for solar in the UK.

Shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce output significantly — even partial shading on one panel can affect the whole string in older systems. Modern systems use power optimisers or microinverters so that shading on one panel does not drag down the performance of other panels, typically recovering 20-25% of otherwise lost generation. Your MCS-certified installer will assess shading patterns throughout the year during the site survey using specialist tools. If shading is unavoidable, optimisers add approximately £50-£80 per panel but are well worth the investment for maintaining overall system performance.

South-facing roofs at a 30-40° pitch produce the most electricity (100% of potential yield). South-east and south-west roofs produce around 95% of optimal output. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85%, and many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west faces to spread generation throughout the day, which can improve self-consumption. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended for solar panels in the UK as they receive significantly less direct sunlight. Your MCS-certified installer will assess your roof orientation during the site survey.

Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round, including during winter months. While output is lower from November to February, Torfaen still receives usable daylight hours even in December, and panels work from diffused light on cloudy days. With 1,400 sunshine hours per year, the annual generation figure of 3,480 kWh for a 4kWp system in New Inn already accounts for this seasonal variation. Cooler winter temperatures actually improve panel efficiency compared to hot summer days. Adding a battery allows you to store daytime generation for evening use when winter daylight hours are shorter.

Get at least 3 quotes from MCS-certified installers to compare pricing, equipment brands, and warranty terms. Check each company is registered with MCS at mcscertified.com — this certification is required for Smart Export Guarantee eligibility. Look for 25-year panel performance warranties and 10-15-year inverter warranties as a minimum. Ensure your installer includes the DNO notification (G98/G99 application) and handles all paperwork. Remember that 0% VAT applies automatically to residential installations, so you should not be charged any VAT on the total cost.