Frequently Asked Questions

Surge Protective Devices (SPD) are used to protect the electrical installation from electrical power surges known as transient overvoltages. They are also used to protect sensitive & high-value electronic equipment connected to the installation, such as computers, televisions, inverters, and safety circuits, such as fire detection systems and emergency lighting. Equipment with sensitive electronic circuitry can be vulnerable to damage by transient overvoltages. 

Vector Projects follow guidance from BS7671 & the NICEIC. For commercial installations, SPDs shall be fitted whereas for residential installations, this can be relaxed using a risk assessment signed & accepted by the Client. Vector Projects will specify that SPDs are fitted as standard to all new circuit installations unless otherwise agreed. Failure to fit an SPD may affect insurance payouts. 

An additional article for further information on the topic can be found here; https://dms.niceic.com/0000002725.pdf

Until recently, Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS) which are essentially groups of batteries controlled by a battery management unit (BMU) have been subject to VAT unless installed with a qualifying energy saving measure such as solar panels. After consultation, the Government has now decided to remove VAT on stand-alone or retrofit battery installations' until the 31st of March 2027. This measure comes into play on the 1st of February 2024 

An additional article for further information on the topic can be found here; https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/vat-energy-saving-materials-relief-improving-energy-efficiency-and-reducing-carbon-emissions/outcome/summary-of-responses#next-steps

There has been much talk about planning being eased for solar PV, but without planning permission, permitted development rights apply & a summary of these conditions is as follows; 

• Panels must not protrude further than 200mm co-planar from the roof surface. 
• Panels are not to protrude higher than 1m from a flat roof surface.
• Panels are not to be installed within 1m of the external edge.
• Panels are not to be installed Article 2 land which fronts a highway. This includes land within a National Park, the Broads, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an area designated as a conservation area, and land within World Heritage Sites.
• Panels are not to be installed on a scheduled monument, listed building, or within the curtilage of a listed building.  

An additional article for further information on the topic can be found here; https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/schedule/2/part/14/crossheading/class-j-installation-or-alteration-etc-of-solar-equipment-on-nondomestic-premises

 The Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) is a consumer code approved by the Certified Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) that sets high consumer protection standards for businesses that sell or lease renewable energy generation systems to domestic consumers. RECC membership & compliance is a requirement for the microgeneration & certification scheme (MCS).  

Why use a RECC approved contractor?

View Vector Projects RECC certification