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Solar PV
 Generate cheap, green electricity from sunlight.
Solar panel electricity systems, also known as solar photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun's energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells don't need direct sunlight to work - they can still generate some electricity on a cloudy day. The cells convert the sunlight into electricity, which can be used to run household appliances and lighting.
The benefits of solar electricity
- Cut your electricity bills: sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your electricity costs will be reduced.
- Get paid for the electricity you generate: the government’s Feed-In Tariffs pay you for the electricity you generate, even if you use it.
- Sell electricity back to the grid: if your system is producing more electricity than you need, or when you can't use it, you can sell the surplus back to the grid. Read more about feed-in tariffs and selling electricity.
- Cut your carbon footprint: solar electricity is green, renewables energy and doesn't release any harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants. A typical home solar PV system could save over a tonne of CO2 per year - that's more than 30 tonnes over its lifetime.
- If your system is eligible for the Feed-In Tariff scheme it could generate savings and income of nearly £1,200 per year - you will get paid for both the electricity you generate and use, and what you don't use and export to the grid. If you know your system size, you can get a tailored estimate for your system using our Solar Energy Calculator.
How do solar panels (PV) cells work?
PV cells are made from layers of semi-conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced. Groups of cells are mounted together in panels or modules that can be mounted on your roof. The power of a PV cell is measured in kilowatts peak (kWp). That's the rate at which it generates energy at peak performance in full direct sunlight during the summer. PV cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most PV systems are made up of panels that fit on top of an existing roof, but you can also fit solar tiles.
Solar tiles and slates
Solar tiles are designed to be used in place of ordinary roof tiles. A system made up of solar tiles will typically cost around twice as much as an equivalent panel system, although you will save the money you would have spent on roof tiles or slates. Solar tile systems are not normally as cost-effective as panel systems, and are usually only considered where panels are not considered appropriate for aesthetic or planning reasons.
To find out more about solar technology, visit the Renewable Energy Association website.
Costs, savings and maintenance
Costs
An average system is 2.9 kWp and will cost around £8,000 ( some elements of the installation may qualify for a lower VAT rate). Most domestic PV systems cost around £2,500 to £3,500 per kWp installed, though small systems cost proportionately more. Costs vary between installers, so it is important to get several quotes. Other factors are:
- the more electricity the system can generate, the more it costs but the more it could save
- larger systems are usually more cost-effective than smaller systems (up to 4 kWp)
- PV panels are all around the same price per kWp, but PV tiles cost much more than a typical system made up of panels
- panels built into a roof are more expensive than those that sit on top.
Savings
A 2.9kWp system can generate up to 2,500 kilowatt hours of electricity a year - that's around three quarters of a typical household's electricity needs - and will save over a tonne of carbon dioxide every year.
If your system is eligible for the Feed-In Tariff scheme it could generate savings and income of nearly £1,200 per year - you will get paid for both the electricity you generate and use, and what you don't use and export to the grid. If you know your system size, you can get a tailored estimate for your system using our Solar Energy Calculator.
Maintenance
Solar PV needs little maintenance - you'll just need to keep the panels relatively clean and make sure trees don't begin to overshadow them. The panels should last 25 years or more, but the inverter is likely to need replacing some time during this period, at a current cost of around £1,000.
If you wish to find out more or would like to arrange an installation please call Warmer Energy Services on: 0800 377 7755 |
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