Solar Photovoltaics

Solar PV turn solar irradiation into electricity. There are a number of different PV technologies with different efficiencies and prices: thin film, poly-crystalline, mono-crystalline, hybrid, with mono-crystalline being the most efficient and expensive (see links below for detailed information). A variety of sizes, types, aesthetics and installation options exist, but roofs, walls and the ground are all possible surfaces.

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Orientation, pitch angle, over-shading and cost are key considerations. In the south west panels should ideally face south and be mounted at an inclination of 30 degrees. Variance from this will result in reduced outputs. DC electricity output is converted to AC through an inverter, and the power is used either onsite or exported to the grid or battery set if demand is low. Solar PV systems do not require direct sunlight, although the sunnier the better. Shading can have significant impacts on output where panels are wired in series, so should be avoided.

The south west receives the highest levels of solar irradiation in the UK at 1,100 - 1,200 kWh/ m².

Summary

semi-conductor crystal PV cells produce DC electricity (5-20 per cent efficient) converted to AC via inverter (90 per cent efficient)
AC electricity is output from the system with a yield of between 50 and 200 kWh/ m² of panel
capacity factor = 7-12 per cent in the UK
constraints: roof area, land area and cost
advantage: technically easy to integrate, quiet, motionless
output is typically guaranteed for 20-25 years
typical lifetime of 25 years

Examples

Westlea Housing Association installed 33 kWp of PV on social housing flats in Corsham, Wiltshire. Click here to view.

The SPIRE project is a highly visible 56 kW solar PV on Barnstaple Civic Centre. The scheme allows shading of the building to reduce overheating in summer whilst allowing solar gains from the low winter sun to be of continued benefit.

Solar Photovoltaics

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Summary

Examples

Links