Solar Power for your home – Photovoltaic

Photovoltaic

Photovoltaic is the principal of capturing light and turning it into electricity. Already used in numerous applications it has proven a reliable source of energy. We have all seen photovoltaic calculators that do not need batteries. This is the same idea except on a larger scale. PV Cells are connected together into an array more commonly known as a solar panel. They are made from layers of semiconducting material, usually silicon, and when light hits their surface it creates an electric field and produces electricity. The electrical output is measured in kilowatt peak or kwp.

The benefits of solar electricity

You could be paid to generate your own electricity even if you use it. It is called Green Energy Cashback and it is paid for twenty five years for generating renewable energy from solar photovoltaic systems. Plus you can sell what you do not use to the National Grid and for this you get paid even more. For homes that are not connected to the Grid a battery system can be installed storing the energy generated for when you need it. A typical home fitted with a 2kwp system can generate around 40% of the electricity it needs each year, thus saving up to £250 of your energy costs. Of course there is also the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint, doing your bit to save the planet. On average a typical photovoltaic system could reduce the amount of CO2 your property creates from its energy use by one tonne per year.

Is a photovoltaic system suitable for my home?

Basically you need a surface that ideally faces south as this will get the most sunlight. The solar panels can be mounted on a roof, wall or even in your garden. They must not be overshadowed as this defeats the object and they will not generate anywhere near their potential. In most cases planning permission is not needed as long as they are below a certain size, but it is always worth checking with your local planning officer.

How much does a system cost?

The majority of domestic systems are between 1 and 4 kilowatts, normally costing between £4,000 and £12,000 fully installed.

 

Generating  a green and clean energy source – Photovoltaic – PV.