Solar Photovoltaic

Solar PV is a renewable energy system that uses photovoltaic panels to convert light into electricity. Voltaic cells are made up of thin layers of semi-conducting material which generate an electrical charge when exposed to light. Solar panels can be installed on a building roof, a façade, within the roof tiles/slates or on the ground.

Solar PV Provides a number of Key Benefits:

• Reduces a property’s electricity grid consumption
• Average system lifespan of over 25 years
• Minimal maintenance and upkeep required due to self-cleaning glass
• Complete packages for on-roof, in-roof, flat roofs and façades
• Reduces your carbon footprint

How Much Electricity Can Solar PV Produce?

The panel area required to produce an output of 1 kilowatt (kW) in optimum light, typically has an area of around 6m2, produces an annual electricity output of 830 kWh and results in an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 471 kg.

The estimate above depends highly on the latitude of the installation, the orientation of the panels, the number of available daylight hours within a year and any shadowing obstruction due to buildings or trees. These factors need to be taken into account during the survey and when designing a Solar PV system to ensure optimum generation from your investment.

Whilst these factors will affect the output of the Solar PV, with the optimum being a south facing array at around 30 degrees pitch, because the sun continually moves in relation to the array through the day and throughout the year, systems that are installed on roofs that vary from these ideals can still produce very high outputs throughout the year.