1. What is PV?
2. Is the British climate suitable for PV?
3. How much roof space do I need?
4. Do I need planning permission?
5. How long will the system last?
6. Is any maintenance required?
7. How long does a PV system take to install?
8. What does `grid-connected` mean?
9. Are there any grants available?
10. What is the difference between solar PV modules and Solar Hot Water (SHW) panels?
2. Is the British climate suitable for PV?
3. How much roof space do I need?
4. Do I need planning permission?
5. How long will the system last?
6. Is any maintenance required?
7. How long does a PV system take to install?
8. What does `grid-connected` mean?
9. Are there any grants available?
10. What is the difference between solar PV modules and Solar Hot Water (SHW) panels?
What is PV?
PV is short for Photovoltaic - the technical name for the process of converting light into electricity.
PV is short for Photovoltaic - the technical name for the process of converting light into electricity.
What is PV?
PV is short for Photovoltaic - the technical name for the process of converting light into electricity.
PV is short for Photovoltaic - the technical name for the process of converting light into electricity.
Is the British climate suitable for PV?
Yes, PV will generate substantial quantities of electricity in Britain. A 1killowatt rated system (1kWp) will produce around 850kWh or units of electricity per year. PV cells do not need to be in direct sunlight to work and will generate electricity even in overcast conditions. Electricity generation will be at its greatest during the spring and summer and decrease during the winter months when the sun is lower and the days are shorter.
Yes, PV will generate substantial quantities of electricity in Britain. A 1killowatt rated system (1kWp) will produce around 850kWh or units of electricity per year. PV cells do not need to be in direct sunlight to work and will generate electricity even in overcast conditions. Electricity generation will be at its greatest during the spring and summer and decrease during the winter months when the sun is lower and the days are shorter.
How much roof space do I need?
It varies with the type of module installed; A 1kWp system will occupy 6.5 - 8.5 square metres.
It varies with the type of module installed; A 1kWp system will occupy 6.5 - 8.5 square metres.
Do I need planning permission?
Normally permission isn`t required for a PV system but there are a few exceptions. If you live in a listed building, or a conservation area you may be required to apply for Planning Permission. It is best to enquire with your local authority. Most Authorities are happy to confirm that planning permission is not required either verbally or in writing. However, others are less enlightened. If you receive an initial negative response don’t be put off; Many initial objections can be overcome with a couple of phone calls. Contact the head of Development Control and ask for an explanation of the authority`s policy on renewable energy installations. Recent guidance from the Deputy Prime Minister`s Office - in the form of Planning Policy Statement 22 - states that PV installations should be treated as a Permitted Development and therefore do not require a Planning Application. You could speak to your local councilor or the Chairman of the Planning Committee and ask them to support your installation without the need for a planning application. Please call us; we have some experience that may be of help. Your local Authority is there to help you simply call them and they will give you the names and contact details of councilors and officials. Often this information is on their website. To find your local authority planning officials go to http://www.planningportal.gov.uk
Normally permission isn`t required for a PV system but there are a few exceptions. If you live in a listed building, or a conservation area you may be required to apply for Planning Permission. It is best to enquire with your local authority. Most Authorities are happy to confirm that planning permission is not required either verbally or in writing. However, others are less enlightened. If you receive an initial negative response don’t be put off; Many initial objections can be overcome with a couple of phone calls. Contact the head of Development Control and ask for an explanation of the authority`s policy on renewable energy installations. Recent guidance from the Deputy Prime Minister`s Office - in the form of Planning Policy Statement 22 - states that PV installations should be treated as a Permitted Development and therefore do not require a Planning Application. You could speak to your local councilor or the Chairman of the Planning Committee and ask them to support your installation without the need for a planning application. Please call us; we have some experience that may be of help. Your local Authority is there to help you simply call them and they will give you the names and contact details of councilors and officials. Often this information is on their website. To find your local authority planning officials go to http://www.planningportal.gov.uk
How long will the system last?
PV modules made from silicon have a life span of 40+ years. Most module manufacturers offer operation and power output guarantees of 25 years or more. A PV Solar System has no moving parts that will get worn and need replacing. All the components are solid state and built to last.
PV modules made from silicon have a life span of 40+ years. Most module manufacturers offer operation and power output guarantees of 25 years or more. A PV Solar System has no moving parts that will get worn and need replacing. All the components are solid state and built to last.
Is any maintenance required?
One of the key advantages of PV systems over other renewable energy systems is the minimal maintenance required. There are no moving parts to wear out. Any bird droppings or dust that settle on the modules will be washed off by rainfall. A periodic inspection/testing of the PV electrical system is required as for any other electrical installation within the home.
One of the key advantages of PV systems over other renewable energy systems is the minimal maintenance required. There are no moving parts to wear out. Any bird droppings or dust that settle on the modules will be washed off by rainfall. A periodic inspection/testing of the PV electrical system is required as for any other electrical installation within the home.
How long does a PV system take to install?
Our experienced installers will only take 2 days to install a 2kWp system – 4 days for a 5kWp system
Our experienced installers will only take 2 days to install a 2kWp system – 4 days for a 5kWp system
What does `grid-connected` mean?
Most PV systems in the UK will be grid-connected, which means that the system is connected to the mains or local electricity network. During the day, the electricity generated by the PV system can either be used immediately to power electrical appliances in the home or workplace, or can be sold to one of the electricity utility companies. During the night, when the solar system is unable to generate electricity, power will be imported from the network in the usual way. We will make the necessary arrangements for connecting the PV system to the grid as part of the installation process.
Most PV systems in the UK will be grid-connected, which means that the system is connected to the mains or local electricity network. During the day, the electricity generated by the PV system can either be used immediately to power electrical appliances in the home or workplace, or can be sold to one of the electricity utility companies. During the night, when the solar system is unable to generate electricity, power will be imported from the network in the usual way. We will make the necessary arrangements for connecting the PV system to the grid as part of the installation process.
Are there any grants available?
Yes, The Low Carbon Building Programme offers capital grants for householders. Please refer to our `Grants` section for the latest details.
Yes, The Low Carbon Building Programme offers capital grants for householders. Please refer to our `Grants` section for the latest details.
What is the difference between solar PV modules and Solar Hot Water (SHW) panels?
A PV system uses light sensitive semi-conducting materials that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. This electricity can be used to power household appliances and lighting. Surplus electricity can be sold back to the National Grid. A Solar Hot Water (SHW) system uses the sun`s energy to heat water for washing and bathing.
A PV system uses light sensitive semi-conducting materials that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. This electricity can be used to power household appliances and lighting. Surplus electricity can be sold back to the National Grid. A Solar Hot Water (SHW) system uses the sun`s energy to heat water for washing and bathing.
