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In optimal conditions i.e. facing south and tilted at an angle of 30degrees to the horizontal, a typical 2 kWp domestic PV system in the UK will generate 1500 kWh per annum. 1kWh is equivalent to 1 unit of electricity on your electricity bill.

Solar Panels

If every suitable roof in the UK was fitted with solar PV the energy generated could exceed the nation's current electricity demand.

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Solar Lighting Kits

The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity.

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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. As well as enabling you to generate free electricity they can provide an interesting alternative to conventional roof tiles!

A horizontal plane in the south of England in summer can receive up to
1 kW/m2 at peak times, but this falls to 200 W/m2 on a dull winter™s day.

PV systems generate no greenhouse gases, saving approximately 325kg of carbon dioxide emissions per year - adding up to about 8 tonnes over a system's lifetime.

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With huge environmental issues and soaring energy prices in the U.K. more and more people are learning the benefits of installing a Solar Powered System to create their own energy directly from the Sun.

"New" MCS Approved Solar Panel Rooftop Kits.

There has never been a better time to take advantage of renewable energy and benefit from generous feed-in tariffs.

Are you interested in generating your own energy at home, business, school or college and reducing your carbon footprint?

SolarShop works independently from any particular supplier. Through our partners, specialist consultants and MCS Approved Installers throughout the country we can recommend the best Solar Products to suit your property.

We can offer a range of MCS approved solar electric systems for your home or business, installed on the roof or ground mounted.

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Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity, which can be used by a wide variety of appliances in your home. PV panels are based on the semiconductors used in the electronics industry. During installation of a PV system, there is little disruption to your home - all the components are on your roof or in your loft, apart from a meter and switch which can be installed by your main fuse box.

Why should I install a photovoltaic system?
Installing your own solar photovoltaic (PV) system means that you can generate your own electricity from the free and inexhaustible energy from the sun. A photovoltaic system never needs refueling, emits no pollution, and can be expected to operate for over 30 years while requiring minimal maintenance.

Diagram showing the total average solar radiation falling on one square metre surface inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal, measured in kilowatt hours.

900   1000   1100   1200   1300

Lower Electricity Bills

Your electricity bills will be lower because often you will be using electricity from the PV system instead of taking electricity from the mains. A typical household consumes 3000-4000 kWh on average per annum. A 2 kWp system would provide almost 50% of your electricity needs i.e. 1500 kWh. This can vary considerable dependent on your electricity consumption and how energy efficient your property and electrical appliances are. It is possible for a 2 kWp PV system to supply all your electricity needs if you implement all possible energy saving measures and of course with a larger system 3-5kWp you could easily meet your needs, but you would obviously need more unshaded area and a larger budget.

How much will a grid connected system cost?

Prices for Solar PV systems vary, depending on the size of the system and the type of cell used. Systems installed on top of your existing roof are less expensive than systems integrated into new build. Solar tiles cost more than conventional panels, but the cost of tiles that would be displaced can be offset against the Solar tiles. The size and price of your system will depend on the suitable available roof area and your budget.
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The components typically required in a grid-connected PV system are illustrated below.

The PV array consists of a number of individual photovoltaic modules connected together to give the required power with a suitable current and voltage output. Typical modules have a rated power output of around 75 - 120 Watts peak (Wp) each. A typical domestic system of 1.5 - 2 kWp may therefore comprise some 12 - 24 modules covering an area of between 12 - 40 m2, depending on the technology used and the orientation of the array with respect to the sun.

Most PV modules deliver direct current (DC) electricity at 12 volts (V), whereas most common household appliances in the UK run off alternating current (AC) at 230 V. An inverter is used to convert the low voltage DC to higher voltage AC. Numerous types of inverter are available, but not all are suitable for use when feeding power back into the UK mains supply.

Are you interested in reducing your energy costs and helping the environment by reducing your need for fossil fuels.

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We also offer a range of DIY kits for remote buildings such as stables barns and out-houses which can be installed easily. These systems are generally mounted on an existing roof or placed in an un-shaded area in an array of solar modules and come with full installation details. Solar Power Station