PV solar panels generate a return-on-investment.
 Solar panels today
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"There are an estimated 900,000 homeowners with PV solar technology in the UK currently and rising."
Questions about PV solar panelsWhat are the financial benefits? Export tariff payments bring a whole new dimension to PV's financial benefits. We've provided a typical financial breakdown here:  Lets do the math
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How much will PV generate? PV system's in the UK climate generate around 900 kWh/year per kW installed. Therefore, a basic 1kW system will generate typically 900 kWh per year, and a 5kW system approx 4,500 kWh. Geographical variables apply.
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What happens to surplus?
When producing excess power, PV automatically feeds out to the National Grid, and payment comes via an export tariff.
Is there enough sunshine?
Photovoltaic panels work with direct and passive sunlight. The UK receives 60% of the sun's radiation compared with the equator. Each square metre of your roof receives between 900-1,400 kWh annually.
Systems will generate, on average, 300 days out of 365.
Is my roof suitable?
Most homes are suitable with a South/South East/South West facing roof.
Most roof types are suitable except for thatch.
How does it work?
- PV cells are bombarded with photons during daylight hours. Electrons are created.
- The Inverter switches the resulting current from AC to DC.
- The power will go to technology in your home first, then battery storage.
- Electricity generated will be recorded in the management system.
Feasibility?
Your yearly electric bill x 30 years (panel lifespan).
+3% (average yearly inflation) equals your future energy costs.
Compare this figure to the cost of installing PV solar panels.
A more detailed equation here.
Why PV in cooler climates?
Actually, photovoltaics work more efficiently in cooler temperatures.
Degradation of the panels occurs much quicker in hotter climates, just like redlining your car engine will reduce its lifespan and efficiency.
Can PV heat my hot water?
PV-to-hot water converters heat traditional hot water tanks by using daytime solar-generated electricity redirected to the heating coil. This device eliminates the need for your boiler to heat water.
Can I install myself?
In most cases, no.
Installing DIY solar panels can work out cheaper. However, installations must get certified by accredited MCS-installers only.
PV solar panel kits are available to Part P qualified professionals.
How much roof space?
Although PV-arrays take a lot of roof space, most homes in the UK are suitable. Additionally, they can be ground-mounted A-frames if a roof is unsuitable.
What does grid-connected mean?
Any excess electricity produced will be directed out to the National Grid, and you will be credited accordingly (if battery storage is not present).
Any deficit between in power generation automatically draws from your electricity supplier as per usual.
Do I need planning permission?
No planning permission is required unless on a listed building or conservation area.
What maintenance is required?
No maintenance is required because PV is a 'solid-state' energy conversion process.
Is fitting expensive?
Fitting costs account for 55% of the final installation.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
This answer depends on the density of the cloud. In average cloud densities, the sun can penetrate. With very, heavy dark, dense cloud cover, probably not. As an example, use a solar-powered calculator, and it will work fine.
Will fitting have an impact?
Once the panels are fitted, the internal components don't take up much space inside. The overall installation process usually completes within 2-3 days. All MCS-installers are polite, clean and tidy.
What size system is best?
Sizing requirement depends on your consumption rate, roof space and your budget. Various options are available to suit different budgets such as typical 2, 3 and 4kW size systems.
How long does PV last?
Photovoltaics installed in the 1960s are still working today. Degradation is minimal consideration when choosing a system. Monocrystalline solar panels still have an 80% generation capacity after 20 years.
What about cleaning?
PV solar panels are coated with a microscopically thin layer of titanium dioxide during manufacturing. When ultraviolet light falls on the glass, the coating reacts with organic matter to break it down.
As NASA's Mars inter-planetary rovers, Spirit and Opportunity demonstrated perfectly, dirt and dust find it difficult to attach permanently.
With that said, a periodic clean, using de-ionised water, will give an extra 5-10%.
What are the costs?
The cost of a PV solar panel installation depends on system size and plugin requirements.
Get a quoteA different perspective.
The combustion engine was the most significant machine developed by humanity, yet for most of its lifespan; lay dormant on the driveway.
When in use, the rev counter varies from 1,000 to 6,000 RPM depending on road conditions and brings its owner a sense of pride (maybe) with usefulness spanning a single decade typically.
The same is correct with photovoltaics. However, the usefulness continues beyond its initial operating time with battery storage.
While operational, the performance counter also varies depending on atmospheric conditions and brings a sense of pride (maybe) with usefulness spanning three-decades.
Empowerment checklist:
- Recognise the futility of Switch N' Save.
- Acknowledge PV works well in the UK.
- Choose with or without battery storage.
- Feel the pride on installation day.
"Go your own energy way."
Stuart Lovatt
Founder of Power My Home.
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