Solar Photovoltaic
Solar PV Panels (Solar Photovoltaic) convert solar energy from daylight into electrical energy. A common misconception is that these panels rely on full sunlight. Although more efficient during periods of bright sunshine, modern systems generate electricity on cloudy days too, ensuring that you are saving energy all year round.
The systems produce no emissions, and are amongst the most energy efficient forms of renewable energy available today. An estimated 455 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions can be saved per kilowatt-peak (kWp) of electricity generated, when compared with energy from fossil fuels.
Providing the panels are not sited in areas of shade, the Solar PV panels will be efficient, whether positioned on pitched or flat roofs, attached vertically onto walls, or on the ground. These possibilities allow them to work equally well in either rural, or urban locations.
To suit some buildings or locations where space is at a premium, several smaller panels can be connected together, or to provide greater efficiency.The electrical energy generated from the Solar PV panels is usually fed into the electricity grid using inverters, and your energy production calculated and deducted from your energy provider’s bill. Batteries can be used to store the energy in some configurations.
Feed-In Tariff Scheme
In April 2010 the Feed-in Tariff was launched by the Government, a premium payment for each unit of electricity that is generated by small Solar PV systems. This replaced the LCBP grant schemes. Both domestic and commercial tariff rates are index-linked which means that they will increase or decrease with inflation. All PV installations under 5MW, private and commercial are eligible. On the commercial side, the scheme encourages PV installations among rural businesses and the farming sector, and small and medium enterprises.
How much will I get from 1 April 2011?
| 4kW or less, on a new building before first occupation | 37.8p per kWh |
| 4kW or less, on a building which is already occupied | 43.3p per kWh |
| Greater than 4kW but not exceeding 10kW | 37.p per kWh |
| Greater than 10kW but not exceeding 100kW | 32.9p per kWh |
| Greater than 100kW | 30.7p per kWh |
| Stand-alone* | 30.7p per kWh |
*not attached to a building and not wired to provide electricity to an occupied building
Additional 3p bonus will be awarded for every unit of electricity exported. The Government has committed to pay the tariff for 25 years for photovoltaic installations.