Solar Photovoltaic Energy FAQ

In 1838 the photoelectric effect was discovered by physicist Edmund Becquerel although it wasn't until the 1950's that the technology was developed enough to produce efficient working cells. During the 50's and 60's Solar panels were put on satellites and sent into orbit but it was still too expensive for general use.

The next few decades brought better technology with lower prices and PV Solar panels were installed in world-wide remote villages to provide electricity for where there was no supply.

What applications are there for solar photovoltaic energy (PV)?

PV has many applications, both for stand-alone solar panels and for integration onto buildings. PV has been used for many years in many countries in applications such as monitoring stations, telephone kiosks and street lighting to name just a few examples.

There is also a large market for PV solar panels in the leisure industry. You can now buy garden equipment such as solar fountains. Or what about battery chargers for boats and caravans?

Increasingly, solar photovoltaic energy has become more widely used in urban areas, where solar panels can be integrated into new buildings or mounted onto existing buildings. It has become a rapidly growing market throughout Europe.

In fact, I believe all new buildings should incorporate PV solar panels. Its a no brainer! And you can retro fit most homes with solar panels as well. Also, it needn't cost you a fortune either. You can do it 'on the cheap'. For more information click here.

Solar photovoltaic energy is ideally suited to large towns and cities , providing pollution free and noise free electricity without using extra space.

PV solar panels are also widely used in the developing world. The technology is particularly useful here, where electricity is unreliable or non-existent. Remote locations often make PV power supply the most economic option.

How long will a solar photovoltaic energy system last?

The average lifetime of a PV module can be in excess of 20 years. Crystalline silicon modules in particular have a very long life span.

In addition, they require very little maintenance. Other system components will have a varied lifespan, for example batteries in stand-alone systems can last between 2 and 15 years depending on type.

How much will I need to power my home?

Using the UK as an example, a typical domestic system of 1.5 kW would produce around a third of the annual demand of an average family household.

However, calculating the system size depends on many factors, for example whether the system is grid connected, energy demand of the household etc.

What is the photovoltaic solar energy efficency?

There are different types of solar panel technology and the size of available roof space, angle to the sun, pitch of the roof and budget will have an effect of how much solar electricity you can produce.

How much Power can I expect to get from my PVs?

Typically a 1kWp array will produce 750kWh/year.

Why are PVs rated in Wp rather than watts?

Wp means peak Watts. In other words, a 100Wp panel will produce a maximum of 100W in peak conditions (1kW/m2 solar irradiation) - this is equivalent to a bright sunny midsummer day in the UK

How can I connect my solar photovoltaic energy system to the grid?

You will need to use a grid-tie inverter. If you wish to get paid for the electricity you produce, you will need to ensure a G83-certified inverter is used.

However, many people use non-G83 certified inverters, and simply do not bother with an export account. In many cases the household will always be consuming more electricty than that being fed into the grid, therefore, the net effect is zero export

Is it true that I can get my electricity meter to spin backwards?

Not usually, nor is it legal to do this. The very old meters may cause this to happen, but most have a rachet-type mechanism to prevent this from occuring.

Why install PV solar panels?

There are many reasons to install PV solar panels:

It is the most practical and economically viable option for many applications in remote areas.

It is completely pollution free. Installing a small domestic system of around 1.5 kW would provide around 1000 kWh of electricity every year, this would save around half a tonne of CO2 annually.

PV can be integrated into the fabric of a building. Electricity can be supplied at the point of use.

Solar panels will run silently.

There is very little maintenance required for solar panels.

After the initial installation costs, there are no further fuel costs.

PV systems are modular, and can be added to at any time.

You can install your own solar panels if you know a bit of DIY and greatly reduce your costs. For more information click here.

Are there any planning issues?

For the majority of homeowners the addition of solar panels fall within 'permitted development rights', which means that the panels will be more or less flush with the roof.

If your property is in a conservation area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or is a listed building you may need to apply for full planning permission.

We recommend checking with your local council to see what their stance is on solar panels, although most people install PVs without doing this.

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