Preamble
I found Icarus by googling for PV installations on my local area, filled in an online web survey. They, or rather a lady called Helen, promptly phoned me the following day a couple of times. Unfortunately, I was unable to take the call, so they also emailed me. I finally emailed them on the Sunday, and then called on the Monday, and spoke to a lady called Katharine. A survey was arranged for the Wednesday at 4pm.
The visit
A guy called Shaun came around, a most knowledgeable person, who seemed to take great pride in his installations and after care.
We started by looking at the electricity distribution board, I have a “TT” (???) electricity system. A new separate Distribution panel would be put in, which would supplement my current ancient (1960’s ?) distribution panel.
Apollo smart switches are used, which has an on board display/control panel, but no online capability unfortunately.
Solar PV was also mentioned, as were SMA inverters, both of which have online access.
In addition, there a three types of control hardware???:
The Panels
The panels are 4 diode panels, so each panel consists of 4 mini panels in one.
Panels are 33 – 38V @ 8A
Black panels are used, see which panels are best.
BiSol (Italy) or;
SolarWind (Germany)
Three types of silicon: Mono-crystalline, Thin Film and Amorphous.
Guarantees
Workmanship is guaranteed for 5 years.
Inverters for 5 – 20 years
Roof
The inclination at the Winter Solstice is 18°
An EPC is required, with a minimum of a D rating.
Roof inclination is 30°
Equipment
European equipment is used, European distributors, makes things easier for warantees
Invertors:
SolarEdge – Chinese assembly, European components, UK backup
Solar Edge optimiser (Israeli – UK, Chinese assembly) 48 hour replacement
No micro inverters are employed.
No subcontracting, all work is carried out by Icarus themselves.
SMA (advanced installers) software
MasterVolt – dutch inverters
Sunpower – amorphous
Panasonic
Videos
Solar Panel Installation – East Sussex
Icarus Electrical & Solar Ltd – 4kW Ground Mount Video
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