Solar Power

Solar Hot Water (Thermal)

Solar panels fitted on to the rooftops of homes can provide hot water. In order to be able to obtain maximum effect they need to be south facing at an angle of 30º, and with no overshading. The amount of solar radiation obtained in the summer will be ten times more than the winter radiation gains.

A typical flat plate, or evacuated tube system consists of three parts:

The panel typically 3-5 sq metres.
The storage tank (200 litres capacity) hot water cylinder.
Pumped circulation system.

Typically in the optimum conditions a solar hot water system can be expected to provide 50% of hot water requirements.

Solar panels can be used to heat water in an otherwise unheated swimming pool to extend the season. It can be diverted to the domestic system for winter benefits.

Solarsavers scheme has two flat plates and two evacuated tube companies who can provide further details. Systems today are typically priced between £2,000 - £3,000, often with government grant available. Read more about grants and discounts available.

Solar Photovoltaics

This translates to providing electricity in the form of power obtained from light. PV cells consist of two layers of cells, made into modules to form an array. PV cells are expensive to produce and are energy intensive.

The PV array can be made in various arrangements and can provide power in situations where it would be expensive to use conventional grid supplies eg. remote areas. They can be used for street parking meters, as well as domestic, or commercial use on building design.

PV can provide electricity, the energy output varies according to size and type of module used. An array of 9 square metres could typically produce 1.3kwp. Although the siting, angle and orientation must be maximised to achieve this.

This could provide sufficient electricity for base load application as domestic appliances, lighting etc. The system can be connected to the grid to transform the DC power from the PV array on to AC power. The householder benefits with reduced electricity costs and can “sell” the excess to the grid (although this is at a nominal rate).