Solar Photovoltaic Energy

Unlike solar panels, which heat your water by absorbing heat radiated by the sun, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems absorb sunlight. When the light hits the PV cells it creates an electric field – the brighter the light, the more electricity.

To find out how you can benefit from installing Solar PV on your home,
call: 0117 239 8525 and arrange to speak with one of our renewable energy experts.

The angle of the sun, number of sunlight hours, clouds, rain, snow and location all affect the performance of a PV panel. Met Office figures show that, on average, the UK experiences 1350 hours of sunlight a year – 1470 hours in the south of the country, 1250 hours in the north.

See here for a Solar Radiation Map

Various types of panels are available, with different power ratings. The strength of a PV cell is rated in kilowatt peak (kWp) i.e. the amount of energy the cell generates in full direct sunlight.

The power rating of single panels will range from a few Watts to around 250 Watts. If you need more power this can be achieved by adding more panels. Panels are also available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, ranging from standard panels to ‘solar tiles’ that look like roof tiles.
A 2 kWp PV system, installed on a south-facing pitched roof will cover about 20 square metres and typically produce around 1500 kWh of electricity every year. This will provide about 40% of a household’s needs.

On most properties, providing the roof is sufficiently strong, PV systems are probably the easiest solar technologies to install. PV panels are usually fitted at roof level, but provided the panels have a good view of the sun it makes little difference where they are sited. Planning permission for most home solar electricity systems is not normally required, subject to listed buildings or conservation areas.

• Feed in tariff
• Renewable Heat Incentive