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.
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If every suitable roof in the UK was fitted with solar PV the energy generated could exceed the nation's current electricity demand.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) uses energy from the sun to create electricity to run appliances and lighting. PV requires only daylight - not direct sunlight - to generate electricity.
Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert solar radiation 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.
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The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity.
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!
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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.
Solar Powered Electric
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.
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Your own clean power source that helps reduce global warming
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Reduces your electricity bills, since daylight is free
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Increases the value of your property
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Extremely low maintenance, with a long functional lifetime of 30 years or more
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Silent in operation
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PV Grants are available from a variety of organizations to help with the cost of installing a Solar Powered System (some are subject to other energy efficient measures being completed).
Complete our Free survey to see if your property is suitable for a Solar Energy System
How it works
Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert solar radiation 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.
Diagram showing the total average solar radiation falling on one square metre surface inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal, measured in kilowatt hours.
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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.With most domestic systems usually between 1.5 and 2 kWp. prices can range from £4,000 - £9,000 per kWp installed. Systems installed on top of your existing roof will be at the lower end of this price range, and systems integrated into new build will be the higher range. 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.
As a rough guide, solar panels mounted on an unshaded south facing roof will generate about 120 units of electricity (kWh) per square metre per year.
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.
The SolarShop works independently from any particular supplier. Through
our associates, specialist consultants and installers throughout the
country we can recommend the best Solar Products to suit your property.
Are you interested in reducing your energy costs and helping the environment by reducing your need for fossil fuels.
Click on our survey link below to send us details of the property you wish to install a Solar Powered System.
Free Survey
We also offer a range of DIY kits for remote buildings 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.