ENQUIRIES 0333 006 7745
9am - 5.30pm Monday - Friday
Please contact us if …
If you’re getting electrical work done and the power needs to switched off, please let us know – otherwise it will log on our system as a fault.
Please tell us if you change your phone number. We may need to call you if we spot an issue (we monitor your system remotely every day) so we need to have your up-to-date contact details.
It’s very unlikely, but if you ever need to turn your system off, call us immediately. Your solar panel system is fully automatic, so please don’t switch it on or off!
The number to call us on is 01453 796790.
Please call ECOVISION today
0333 006 7745
9am – 5.30pm Monday-Saturday
Meter readings
We may ask you to send us a meter reading from time to time. This is to make sure your solar PV system is working as it should.
There are three bits of information we:
- the meter serial number
- the meter reading itself (taken from LCD panel)
- your postcode
These pictures show the two most common meters, to help you find what we need.
You can either enter the details on this form, or send us a photo of your meter with the relevant info clearly shown.
Energy saving tips
Try to use energy when the sun’s up, as that’s when your system is generating electricity.
Most modern appliances (like washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers) have built-in timers so you can run them during the day even if you aren’t at home. Slow cookers are also good for this.
If your appliances don’t have timers built in, you can buy cheap electrical timers that plug into the power socket.
In the kitchen:
- Boil a kettle with only as much water as you need
- Cover pots and pans when cooking – they will boil quicker
- Match the size of the saucepan to the size of the cooking ring to avoid heating air
- Cook several different foods on one ring with a steamer
- Using a microwave rather than a conventional oven to heat a small amount of food may save you energy
- Avoid putting hot food in the fridge or freezer
- Try not to leave your fridge door open
Washing clothes:
- Washing clothes at 30°C can be just as effective for a normal load
- Run your washing machine or dishwasher with full loads
Heating & hot water:
- Turn down your heating thermostat by 1°C – this could save you around £50 a year
- Set your immersion heater or hot water tank to 60°C
Lighting:
- Remember to switch the lights off when you leave a room
- Replace traditional light bulbs with energy saving ones – they last up to 10 times longer
Appliances:
- Buy A rated appliances where possible as they use significantly less electricity than B-G rated appliances
- Switch off TVs, stereos and laptops rather than leaving them on standby (they can use up to 60% of the energy they use when switched on)
FAQs
Who manages the panels on my roof?
Ecovision manage and maintain the panels on behalf of the system’s owners.
Do I need to let you know if I am moving house?
Yes please. This ensures we have up to date contact details for the current resident should any problem be detected with the solar PV system.
I have a letter regarding the solar PV system that is not from Ecovision. Do I need to worry about it?
No, you do not need to worry. Ecovision will always call if there is a problem with your system (unless we don’t have current telephone contact details).
My bills are high, are the panels working on my roof?
The panels produce more electricity when the weather is bright and sunny. Generally, this means they will work better in the summer than in the winter months. Anything that shades the panels from light will affect performance.
Ecovision monitor the system daily, and any issues will flag a fault that will trigger a call and an engineer visit (where required) to identify and remedy any faults.
How can I check the panels are working?
Generation is recorded on a meter. This is usually located with the other house electrics or next to the inverter. If the light on the meter is flashing, the system is producing electricity.
Do I need a deed of variation?
When remortgaging, releasing equity or selling your property a Deed of Variation might be required. This will bring the lease up to date with current Council of Mortgage Lender requirements (CML). Not all leases require this amendment so please contact us if you are unsure.
I haven't heard from Ecovision since the panels were installed. Is this right?
Ecovision manage the solar PV system remotely, so you won’t be contacted unless we are alerted to a fault.
Does my inverter lose its warranty after 7 years?
Inverters have different warranty periods depending on model and manufacturer. If they do fail, this will be identified on our system and we will arrange to replace the unit.
Should I be getting an annual visit?
No, you don’t need to have an annual visit, as we monitor the system remotely.
How do I know the size of my system?
Solar PV systems installed on houses are usually between 1kw and 4kw, the average size is around 3kw. If you want to know the exact size, please contact us directly.
Is my smart meter compatible with the solar panels?
Most solar PV and smart meters are compatible. At the point a smart meter is installed it is the responsibility of the energy provider to ensure compatibility, so please contact them with any queries.
How does the solar system work?
Light shining onto the panels generates electricity in DC (direct current), which is converted into AC (alternating current) by the inverter. The AC is what you get from your mains sockets.
Do I collect the feed in tariff?
The owners of the solar PV system collect the feed in tariff payments.
Can I buy out of the lease?
Yes, you can buy out of the lease. This means you would own the solar PV system and the associated feed in tariff and be able to collect all associated payments. Please contact us by email for a buyout price and associated terms and conditions.
Who owns my panels?
This information is on your lease. Please contact us if you don’t have this and we can provide this information.
Do I need to let my utility provider know that I have solar panels?
Yes, they just need to know that you have a solar PV installation and that you don’t own the associated feed in tariff.
Do owners help with pigeon issues?
If you have a pigeon issue, please take photos and describe the problem as best as you can in an email to us. We will pass this on to the solar panel owners, and they will make a decision on how best to proceed.
Do owners help with water ingress?
If the ingress is as result of the solar PV installation. Please contact us and we will arrange for an onsite survey and assessment.
What is Ecovision’s role?
Ecovision provides an Operations and Maintenance service on behalf of the company that owns them.
Is anyone else allowed to do work on the panels?
No, the lease specifies that all work on the Solar PV system should be carried out by approved engineers working on behalf of the owners, in this case Ecovision engineers.
How much energy do normal household appliances use?
A kettle will use approximately 0.1 kWh of electricity to boil for 3 minutes, an electric oven will use around 0.87 kWh of electricity per hour, a usual size fridge freezer will use approximately 0.74 kWh per day.
How should I best use the solar PV panels to save the most money?
When you turn anything on, it draws power first from the solar panels. When the demand is larger than the panels can supply, electricity is drawn from the grid (which you will pay for).
In order to maximise what is produced and can be used for free, it is best to put on household appliances that use a lot of electricity one at a time.
