Generating electricity from solar panels.

How it works
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generate electricity using nothing but daylight. Solar PV panels use thin layers of crystal, such as silicon, which generate direct current (DC) electricity when light falls on to them. Each PV panel consists of lots of crystal cells, each connected in turn to the next, and then the entire panel is connected either into batteries in order to store the electricity, or into an inverter to convert the output to usable alternating current (AC) electricity like we use in our homes.

The modern power inverters we supply allow the power generated from your PV panels to be fed back into the UK mains supplies, allowing the national grid to act as an energy storage system for you. This ‘net metering’ will reduce your electricity bills as, with a two-way meter, you will be paid by one of the electricity supply companies for your energy contribution to the grid. Not only that, but you will be paid at above the current market-rate that you would pay for electricity normally too.

As with solar thermal panels, these PV panels are easily fitted to roofs as long as there are no over-hanging trees or buildings to cast shadows, but can also be mounted on canopies, within vertical building facades, or even on their own free-standing frames if necessary.

In a remotely located building, a stand-alone solar PV installation combined with storage batteries would be the ideal solution to provide power to that structure without any electrical connection to the grid.

The benefits of solar PV

• They do not generate greenhouse gases, saving CO2 emissions.
  
  
• There are a number of installation options available including on-roof, canopy, façade, sky-light style in-roof, and complete roof solutions.
  
  
• Advantages over other renewable technologies – well suited to the urban environment and completely silent in use.
  
  
• Easy to install & maintain, using tried & tested technology.
  
  
• Enjoy more independence from utility companies and the fluctuating (generally increasing) costs of fossil fuels.
  
  
• All systems we install today will qualify for repayments under the Government’s Feed In Tariff legislation

Typical costs & funding
a grid connected 1kW (peak) system comprising of about 5 panels, inverter and all cabling would cost you in the region of £5 – 6,000 fully installed

In addition to the savings you make from generating your own electricity rather than buying it in from your electricity provider, under the Government’s Feed-In Tariff legislation your PV system will qualify to earn you an income for all the electricity it produces over the next 25 years! This legislation is designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy systems, and means that you could be paid up to 41.3p per unit of electricity you generate (even if you use it yourself), plus up to another 3p for every unit you export back into the national grid.

In basic terms this would mean that your solar PV system could pay for itself within 10-15 years, and then earn you a tax-free and inflation-linked income on your investment of between 5-8% annually for years thereafter!

Please do contact us for more details –there’s simply never been a better time to invest in renewables!