Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Systems
Solar PV (photovoltaic) systems are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. This is due to a number of reasons: the introduction of the Feed-in tariff (FIT), the maintenance-free operation and the ease of integrating into the existing structure of the house. There are a number of ways of integrating PV into homes: above or on-roof systems; in-roof/integrated systems; tile imitation systems; flat roof and ground mounted systems.
Benefits
- High reliability - No moving parts that can fail.
- Generally maintenance-free operation.
- Can reduce electricity bills as well as providing an additional, tax free, income stream.
- Solar energy is free and reasonably predictable
- Grid-connected systems can be as small or as large as is suitable or wanted as there will still be a grid connection feeding the property.
Sample Solar PV System
The below details are for a sample solar PV system. It assumes a house with a suitable sized, unshaded and south facing roof.
- System rating: 2.82 kWp
- Total array area: 20 m2
- Typical system cost: £ 13,000
- Estimate of annual energy produced: 2,400 kWh
- Equivalent energy to running a 60W laptop for: 4.6 years
- Annual CO2 saved: 1,013 kg
- Proportion of average households electricity produced: 33%
- Likely return on investment: 7-8%
- Likely total annual financial benefit (FITs and energy savings): £ 1,040
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