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Photovoltaic panels (PV) explained

Photovoltaic panels or cells are constructed from one or two layers of semi conducting material, usually silicon and use the sun’s energy to produce electricity. Electricity is created when light shines on the cell. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced.

Are they right for you?

The panels need to be installed on a south-facing roof or 90° of south. It is important too that they are not overshadowed by trees or other buildings and that the roof structure is strong enough to take their weight.
PV installations can operate on an on grid or off grid set up. An on grid system produces electricity during daylight hours and uses it within the home; any electricity produced and not used is then sold back to the national grid.
Find out about feed-in tariffs >

If the system is not producing enough for your needs, power is simply pulled from the grid, this all happens automatically.

Off grid systems require batteries to store the electricity generated during the day. This set up requires some maintenance. There is also an implication on the feed-in tariff rate.

Please note: A Micro Generation Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installer such as East Green Energy must be employed to qualify for feed-in tariffs.

Deciding on types and options

PV cells come in many different shapes and sizes: hybrid monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous film; framed models that can be retro fitted on top of existing roof tiles; semi-integrated modules which can be fitted within the roof tiles and photovoltaic tiles which blend in with the roof tiles.

Each option has advantages for different styles of property; for aesthetic reasons a planning officer may prefer certain cell types.

Planning

As a result of the relaxation of planning laws within the UK in April 2008, you no longer need planning permission to install solar thermal systems in most homes, unless the building is listed or within a conservation area or world heritage site.

East Green Energy recommends that you always check with your local planning department prior to any works taking place.

Building Regulations

To comply fully with a change in building regulations East Green Energy can arrange a building control surveyor to issue a Building Regulations Completion Certificate . This confirms that the installations meet the requirements of the Building Regulations.

Winning efficiency

The output of a PV cell is measured in kilowatt peak (kwp) - that’s the amount of energy the cell generates in full sunlight. The availability of the panels varies greatly from around 65 to 240 watts per metre squared (Wp/m2).

An area of 16 m² of PV modules equates to around 2kwp of output. A typical 2kw array will produce approximately 1780kwh per year the approximate 80% factor is used, as there will always be losses from irradiance on the modules to conversion to usable AC electricity.

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