Photo Voltaic Solar Panels

How do Solar PV panels work?

Photo Voltaic, or Solar PV is ever more popular, and newer technology to the UK domestic market than solar thermal but the principles are simple. Achemical reaction generates electrical current within the panels, this electricity can then be used in the home to power appliances which have traditionally been reliant on the national grid and its fossil fuels. A photovoltaic module or solar panel is made up of smaller cells which are joined together; these cells convert sunlight into electricity. Typically there will be a number of panels connected together to give you a bigger output, for your usage and provide extra to sell back to the grid.

Is my property suitable?

To get the best out of the panels the roof of your property should ideally face, South, South West or South East. Panels on a roof with these orientations will give the highest electricity output. It is also better if there is very little or no shading, from trees or other buildings. The roof pitch or angle best for the UK latitude is between 30 - 35 degrees, but we can work with you for different angles, flat roofs and even attached vertically to a wall. Our surveyor will check the roof and or surface for suitability before we give you a quotation.

What size of system will I need?

The average home uses somewhere between 3000 - 4000 kWh of electricity per year, if you have 12 sq m of roof space you can install a 2 kWp system, which will generate for you approximately 1700 kWh, a little over half of your usage, which means you will cut your bills dramatically.

The Government has introduced the Feed in Tariff as an incentive for us to install renewable products into our homes. The tariffs offer a good return, enough to pay off the system in 7 -9 years, and earn profit for the remainder of the 25 years. The tariffs are in bands of payments telling you how much you earn for the size of system you are considering (see the energy saving trust web site for more information). A typical detached property can usually accommodate between 12 - 16 panels, which can generate up to 4kWp. A semi-detached or terraced properties can usually take 8 -12 panels generating 1.5 - 3 kWp.

At APG we will work with you to design a system that will suit your needs and usage taking into account the available roof space you have. Once you are happy the panels can be installed in a matter of days.

To learn more about Solar PV or for a no obligation survey / estimate please contact us or call 01772 697 166