SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS

Photovoltaics is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.
Photovoltaics are best known as a method for generating electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into a flow of electrons.
The photovoltaic effect refers to photons of light exciting electrons into a higher state of energy, allowing them to act as charge carriers for an electric current.

Pros Cons
You can benefit from the Governments feed-in tariff which pays a set rate per kWh of electricity generated and an additional rate for any exported back to the national grid.
The feed-in tariff is guaranteed by the Government for 25 years.
Panels designed for European countries generate power even on cloudy days, they simply need light to produce electricity.
Clean energy means you reduce your carbon emissions by up to 1 tonne per annum.
Producing your own power protects against rising energy prices.		 A large area of unshaded south, south-west or south-east facing roof is required to maiximise payback. Smaller systems can be installed but payback will be longer.
Panels degrade over time by approximately 20% over 25 years, this however is taken into account in most reputable suppliers calculations.
It may be beneficial to replace the inverter after 10 years to optimise power generation, although this is not essential.

 

Mark Bullock has installed a system that you are welcome to inspect.
See how they are fixed to the roof; how the wiring connects to the electrical system and see the daily charts of kW generated.
Call me on: 01260 223773

Some Website Links for more information.

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy...

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy...

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/e...

--------------------------------------------------------------------

MCS installers.

http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/mcs-installation...

Discussions on costs:-

http://www.navitron.org.uk/forum/index.php/topic,9750.msg161...

---------------------------------------------------------------------

This link shows the trend in panel prices, which is the major component cost.

http://www.solarserver.com/service/pvx-spot-market-price-ind...

Currently the average wholesale price of 4kWp crystalline panels is €1.38 ~ £5000; the other major item being the inverter, typically £1500 for 4kW.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual systems comparisons:

https://sites.google.com/site/uksolarcasestudy/system-compar...

Map to find others in your area:-

http://www.bdpv.fr/carte_installation_en.php



MCS installers should use SAP; Performance of a solar PV system according to the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure for Energy Rating of Dwellings (SAP 2009):

http://www.nottenergy.com/renewable-energy/tools2

PVGIS should be higher than SAP; enter your location on the map.

http://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvgis/apps4/pvest.php

Met Office anomaly maps.
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/anomacts/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Renewable Energy forum discussion:-

http://www.navitron.org.uk/forum/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The importance of shading:-

http://www.pvresources.com/en/shading.php

http://www.builditsolar.com/References/SketchUp/SketchUpEx.h...


A useful site for understanding feed in tariffs

http://www.fitariffs.co.uk/

With thanks to Andrew Needham for putting together the above list of website links.