Posts
Renewables: Solar PV Systems
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems use energy from the sun, converted to electricity to use in your household. The technology is well developed with a large choice of equipment. Last year the UK's leading DIY retailer, B&Q began selling solar PV systems at their stores and online.
Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity. PV requires only daylight, not direct sunlight to generate electricity and so can still generate some power on a cloudy day.PV cells are referred to in terms of the amount of energy they generate in full sunlight, know as kilowatt peak or kWp.
Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity. PV requires only daylight, not direct sunlight to generate electricity and so can still generate some power on a cloudy day.PV cells are referred to in terms of the amount of energy they generate in full sunlight, know as kilowatt peak or kWp.
PV arrays now come in a variety of shapes and colours, ranging from grey 'solar tiles' that look like roof tiles to panels and transparent cells that you can use on conservatories and glass to provide shading as well as generating electricity. Solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panel is placed on top of existing tiles.
Some local authorities require planning permission to allow you to fit a PV system, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Always check with your local authority about planning issues before you have a system installed. Obtaining retrospective planning permission can be difficult and costly.
By installing a solar PV system to your home you will help to reduce your energy consumption through electricity use, some systems can currently provide up to 100% of your electricity needs, however these systems are expensive. This not only will save you money but reduce our dependency on fossil fuels which are conventially used to provide the energy in our homes. Each kWp will reduce your CO2 emissions by about 325kg per annum, and over 8 tonnes over the lifetime of a system per kWp. Solar PV systems require very little maintenance. A yearly check by the householder to ensure panels are clean and a more detailed check by a professional installer every 3-5 years should be sufficient.
Choosing a system suitable to your needs requires consideration of a range of factors, including the area of south facing roof, type of system and your budget. A competent accredited installer will be able to assess your situation and discuss with you the best configuration to meet your needs. If you are replacing a roof or on a new build you could consider installing solar PV roof tiles which will offset the cost of conventional roof tiles.
Some local authorities require planning permission to allow you to fit a PV system, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Always check with your local authority about planning issues before you have a system installed. Obtaining retrospective planning permission can be difficult and costly.
By installing a solar PV system to your home you will help to reduce your energy consumption through electricity use, some systems can currently provide up to 100% of your electricity needs, however these systems are expensive. This not only will save you money but reduce our dependency on fossil fuels which are conventially used to provide the energy in our homes. Each kWp will reduce your CO2 emissions by about 325kg per annum, and over 8 tonnes over the lifetime of a system per kWp. Solar PV systems require very little maintenance. A yearly check by the householder to ensure panels are clean and a more detailed check by a professional installer every 3-5 years should be sufficient.
Choosing a system suitable to your needs requires consideration of a range of factors, including the area of south facing roof, type of system and your budget. A competent accredited installer will be able to assess your situation and discuss with you the best configuration to meet your needs. If you are replacing a roof or on a new build you could consider installing solar PV roof tiles which will offset the cost of conventional roof tiles.
If you are interested in installing a solar PV system, typical installation cost for a domestic system is £4,000 - £9,000 per kWp, however grants are available from the low carbon buildings programme (funded by the Department of Trade and Industry, DTI). To be eligible for a grant you will need to use a certified installer and products. The low carbon buildings programme offers a maximum of £2 500 or 50% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower for solar PV systems.
"I am a strong believer in green energy and want to promote it. I have decided to put my money where my mouth is and demonstrate my real concern for our environmental situation"
Peter Hain, Member of Parliment, Labour
Related Links
Low Carbon Buildings Programme
Department of Trade and Industry
Certified Installers
Certified Products
No comments:
Post a Comment