Solar PV

Solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. This generated electricity can power your business, home or outbuildings.


Why install a PV system?

There are many reasons to install a PV system:

 

  • Under the new "Feed in Tariffs" from April 2010 the Government will GUARANTEE to pay you a premium amount for the electricity you generate - whether you use it or not!
  • An average PV system of 2kWp could produce as much as £721 in "income" from the Feed In Tariff and a further £250 in savings*
  • It is the most practical cost effective option for producing carbon-free electricity
  • Can easily integrated into the fabric of a building
  • Electricity can be supplied at the point of use
  • The system will run silently
  • Requires minimal maintenance or running costs can last over 30 years
  • PV systems are modular, and can be added to at any time
  • Produces no carbon emissions or pollution once installed
  • Can increase the value of your property

 

What is Solar PV?

The process of converting light (photons) to electricity (voltage) is called the solar   photovoltaic (PV) effect. Photovoltaic solar power cells convert sunlight directly into solar power (electricity).

These solar power cells are commonly used to power everything from calculators, watches and battery chargers to road signs and security alarms.

PV solar power cells are made of semi-conducting materials similar to those used in computer chips. When sunlight is absorbed by these materials, solar energy releases energy from their atoms allowing the electrons to flow through the material to produce solar power (electricity).

It works during daylight hours - more electricity is produced when the sunshine is more intense and when it is striking the PV modules directly. However, the cells do not need to be in direct sunlight to work, so even on overcast days a PV cell will be generating some electricity.

 

Solar PV Price & Savings Guide

 

System Rating

Roof Space

Guide Price

Est Energy Yield (pa)

Maximum Income plus Savings (pa)*

1kW

8m2

£4,500

833kWh

£485

1.5kW

12m2

£6,000

1,250kWh

£728

2kW

16m2

£8,000

1,667kWh

£971

3kW

24m2

£10,000

2,500kWh

£1,457

4kW

32m2

£12,000

3,334kWh

£1,943

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*These are guideline prices only.

 

This data is based on the Feed in Tariffs of £0.433 per kWh (valid up to 31 March 2012 for installations of 4kW or less on an occupied dwelling) and current electricity cost of £0.15 per kWh. 

Assumptions have been made that all electricity is used. Any electricity not used can be sold back to the national grid and will generate £0.03 per kWh on top of the Feed in Tariff. These figures are for installations up to 31 March 2012 and payments are guaranteed for 25 years. 

These figures are aimed at domestic installations.  For more information about larger installations, please contact us.

The performance of solar PV systems is impossible to predict with certainty due to the variability in the amount of solar radiation (sunlight) from location to location and from year to year. This estimate is based upon the Government's standard assessment procedure for energy rating of buildings (SAP) and is given as guidance only. It assumes an unshaded, south facing roof with a 30o pitch.

 

Next stage

If you are still keen to have a look and would like to go further, then please call us on 01743 343403 or email info@e4environment.co.uk