Photovoltaics (Solar power)
With the rapid depletion of natural reserves we as a population face challenges to which previous generations never had to face, and future generations will have a greater responsibility to produce energy from green renewable sources. With the recent increases in utility bills and the ever increasing threats of more rises, what was once an non feasible technology has become more feasible than ever. With government subsidies and the ability to sell excess energy to the utility companies, from an initial investment pay back has plummeted from 30-40 years to a more realistic 10 -15 yrs, depending on the size of the system installed. In april ‘10 when the new feed in tariffs are introduced, pay back will be even less
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PV arrays are a solid state technology
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(no moving parts)
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100% green
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Zero carbon
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PV systems produce no greenhouse gases
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A typical domestic system can save approximately 1.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year,
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adding up to and beyond 30 tonnes over a system's lifetime. Which is estimated at around 30 yrs,
however this is purely an estimate as some systems that were installed 30 years ago are still functioning with only minimal degradation of the PV modules ,
still operating at between 80 -90 % efficiency.
however this is purely an estimate as some systems that were installed 30 years ago are still functioning with only minimal degradation of the PV modules ,
still operating at between 80 -90 % efficiency.
Run your mouse over the thumbnail to view the UK solar irradiation
Annual Total kWh/m2
Map showing average solar radiation on a 30° incline facing due south
shows the total average solar radiation falling on one square metre surface
inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal, measured in kilowatt hours.
Annual Total kWh/m2
Map showing average solar radiation on a 30° incline facing due south
shows the total average solar radiation falling on one square metre surface
inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal, measured in kilowatt hours.
About PV systems
There are 2 main types of pv systems available at the moment;
Integrated - whereby the photovoltaic modules are intergrated into the structure of the roof . Installing a roof integrated PV system is more cost effective when the roof is in need of replacement. This is an excellent opportunity to off set the initial investment, and makes the payback time of the investment even shorter.
Non-ingrated - whereby the PV array is mounted with minimal interference to existing waterproofing and provides an air gap for cooling of the PV thus improving cooling and efficiency of the array.
There are 2 main types of pv systems available at the moment;
Integrated - whereby the photovoltaic modules are intergrated into the structure of the roof . Installing a roof integrated PV system is more cost effective when the roof is in need of replacement. This is an excellent opportunity to off set the initial investment, and makes the payback time of the investment even shorter.
Non-ingrated - whereby the PV array is mounted with minimal interference to existing waterproofing and provides an air gap for cooling of the PV thus improving cooling and efficiency of the array.
Typical installation techniques
select an image
Stay legal always use an NICEIC Accredited Electrician
Photovoltaics (Solar power)
'The process of converting direct light into electricity'
WAA Electrical is an accredited installer of 'photovoltaic' or solar power systems.
Together with iGen Solar Ltd
We are MCS Approved Installers
(microgeneration certification scheme)
Click here to find out more
'The process of converting direct light into electricity'
WAA Electrical is an accredited installer of 'photovoltaic' or solar power systems.
Together with iGen Solar Ltd
We are MCS Approved Installers
(microgeneration certification scheme)
Click here to find out more
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Run your mouse over the thumbnail to view the optimum angle of tilt for a PV array graph
Though most common roof pitches are suitable. The optimum azimuth (orientation) for a PV array is due south.
The percentage impact of non-ideal tilt & orientation is shown in the graph.
However a successful system can be installed and operated outside the afore
mentioned parameters.
Though most common roof pitches are suitable. The optimum azimuth (orientation) for a PV array is due south.
The percentage impact of non-ideal tilt & orientation is shown in the graph.
However a successful system can be installed and operated outside the afore
mentioned parameters.
