PV Panels

There is a lot of discussion in the press and the Solar Industry about Photovoltaic (PV) Panels. There are a number of grants available from Government and some Local Government incentives. Historically the use of solar technology and PV panels has been expensive to install and difficult to work out an economic payback. This has not delayed some people installing solar panels and generating their own power with a feel good factor that they were doing their bit to lessen dependence on non-renewable energy.

What do Photovoltaic Panels (PV Panels) provide?

Photovoltaic Panels turn sunlight into electricity. The PV panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity. This electricity powers your home and exports excess electricity to the national grid. PV panels have become increasingly popular over the last few years. PV Solar Panels in a 2.5 kWp system can generate over 50 % of the electricity needed for an average family home.

The government solar panels grants are Feed In Tariffs (FITS), which aim to reward the earliest adopters of solar panels the most. The Government are to launch a Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (RHI) in April 2011.

FITS Scheme - Feed in tariffs for PV electric solar panels

This government incentive pays you 41.3p per Kwh produced. This will be paid even if you use the energy yourself, giving a guaranteed income and savings on your electricity bills.

RHI Scheme - Renewable Heat Incentive for solar heating

The governments Renewable Heat Incentive solar grant will pay 18p per KW produced, giving a guaranteed income from your installation of renewable energy products

The benefits of PV Panels are:

1. Quick and easy to install

2. Government backed income for 25 years (Feed-In Tariff)

3. Make no noise

4. Pay for themselves and generate a profit

5. Require minimal maintenance, as there are no moving parts

6. Work even on cloudy days

7. Invest in the future and reduce your carbon footprint

There are a number of different PV installations from domestic to large scale commercial operations. Four power generating breakpoints for solar photovoltaic power generating systems are:

Systems up to 4kWp

These solar PV panel systems are configured to optimise the power output from smaller mounting areas. Whilst looking good and complying with building regulations. These panels are for residential and smaller industrial buildings and can be roof or ground mounted even on garden sheds, greenhouses or balconies

Systems from 4kWp to 10kWp

These mid-range Solar PV panels with higher power outputs and three phase power options are suitable for larger residential properties, industrial buildings and schools. They can be installed on roofs or ground mounted, some even have a purpose built frame or if a new build they can be built into the building

Systems from 10kWp to 100kWp

These systems are normally for larger buildings and can be designed either for direct grid connection or professionally integrated into existing power systems. Solar PV systems of this size could be mounted on a hospital, a school, a hotel, a larger industrial building or even a swimming pool.

Systems over 100kWp

These are designed and built for bespoke stand alone and directly grid connected systems. These stand-alone systems focus on achieving the best guaranteed return on investment. These are normally built for large campus type operations such as universities or large multiple office complexes. The equipment needed is provided with a full support package to ensure maximum productivity.

Conclusion

Keep any eye out for the RHI scheme and work out what is the best way to get a grant and generate your own energy while helping reduce carbon emissions and make the world a cleaner place for generations to come. There is a lot of information available on the Internet or from local government climate change departments. In addition to this, http://www.wholebuild.co.uk hosts important information from organisations like the Solar Trade Association, product manufacturers and solar PV installers.