SolarAge

Photovoltaics (PV) Technology

Solar PV collectors use energy from the sun to create electricity: it requires only daylight, not direct sunlight. The greater the intensity of light, however, the greater the flow of electricity. PV systems generate no greenhouse gasses (Zero Carbon Technology).

PV arrays are now varied and range from ‘solar tiles’ that look like roof tiles , to panels and transparent cells that you can use on conservatories and glass to provide shading and as well as generating electricity free electricity.

A SolarAge On-Roof Photovoltaic Installation

The example above is a 1kWpeak system of 6 panels (Sharp) delivering between 750kWh to 830kWh per year. This installation represents an annual CO2 offset of approximately 455kgs. 

Siting the PV Collectors

To maximise the exposure of the panel to sunlight ensuring the best performance, three factors have to be taken into account: Aspect, Angle and Shading.

Ideally the solar PV collectors should be facing South as this maximises the energy the collectors will produce. If the collectors cannot be sited due south then any aspect between South East and South West should suffice.

The angle of the solar PV collectors is important and should usually be between 30o and  45o from horizontal.

Shading of the collectors should be avoided as this may significantly reduce their efficiency.

Planning Permission

Installations, whether domestic or commercial, rarely require planning permission. There are always exceptions. See the attached guide, Planning Permission for Microgeneration April 2008 Update, for clarification.

Options

Surplus energy may be exported and sold back to a participating energy supplier. Clients are also able to claim Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) for the total energy generated by their PV system. To do this the client will need to register as an independent energy generator and sell their own electricity in the form of  ROCs to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority, OFGEM. One ROC is equal to 1000kWh or electrical units. The ROC system will remain in place until 2027. for more information on buy back schemes or registering as an electricity generator go to www.ofgem.gov.uk.

Project examples

A 2.16kWpeak system using 12 Sharp 180W PV collectors will generate 1793kWh per annum (or more) offsetting approximately 983kgs of CO2.

A 3.24kWpeak system using 18 Sharp 180W PV collectors will generate 2689kWh per annum (or more) offsetting approximately 1474kgs of CO2.

Building-integrated PV (BIPV):

BIPV is a cost-effective method for new build or re-roofing refurbishment as this will save on the conventional products which they replace during the construction process.

This photovoltaic technology (monocrystalline 125mm square) is designed to be integrated into a tiled/slated roof system. Each PV roof tile measures 1220mm x 420mm overall and delivers 52Wp of electrical power. This equates to 1kWp per 7.8m2.

Conservatories and glass roofs using PV glass laminates can produce clean electricity. They are an effective and energy efficient alternative roofing for most glass based designs.


Photovoltaic roofing products can be selected to be unobtrusive or striking. Integral modules transform the roofs of ordinary buildings into power sources that provide free, clean electricity. Such systems are very low maintenance and are productive for up to thirty years.
A Photovoltaic installation whether BIPV, On-roof or PV glass laminates is an intelligent investment that provides:
inflation-proof, clean electricity for 30 years or more

prevention of several tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, contributing significantly to Carbon Reduction objectives by the Government

Project example

A BIPV system integrating up to a 30m2 array of 3.8kWpeak will providing 3076kWh (or more) of electricity per annum (approximately three quarters of  the average annual electricity demand).  The actual annual saving in carbon dioxide is 1.41 tonnes (0.46kg/kWh x 3076kWh) per property.