Solar PV

The word itself helps to explain how photovoltaic (PV) or solar electric technologies work. First used in about 1890,the word has two parts: photo a stem derived from the Greek phos, which means light, and volt, a measurement unit named for Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), a pioneer in the study of electricity. So photovoltaics could literally be translated into light electricity, and that's just what photovoltaics materials and devices do, they convert light energy into electricity, as Edmond Becquerel discovered in the 18th century.

A huge amount of solar energy falls every year from the sun to the Earth, we can use this energy to power electrical energy for our Homes and Businesses , The energy falls onto the panels, which creates DC electricity, an inverter then converts this into AC electricity, which is then used to run your household or business needs.

Sunlight is made up of photons or particles of solar energy. Photons contains various amounts of energy, corresponding to the different wavelengths of the solar spectrum. When photons strike a PV cell they may be reflected or absorbed, or they may pass right through. Only the absorbed ones generate electricity. When this happens, the energy of the photon is transferred to an electron in an atom of the PV cell which is actually a semiconductor).

This depends on you the consumer, obviously the less you waste the less you need. To assess  your current needs add up your units consumed on your last 4 electricity bills, or contact your supplier and ask them what is your average electrical consumption is per annum. This is by far the best way to size a system rather than individual use. An average size 3 bed roomed semi detached house can produce 30-50% of its electrical needs using a 2kw system.

A well designed system will operate well in excess of the manufacturers 25 year warranty. The PV module with no moving parts has a lifetime expectancy of at least 30 years.

The tariffs are payments to anyone who owns a renewable electricity system, for every kilowatt hour they generate. They are applicable to households, businesses and, indeed, virtually any property owner.

Up to 43.3p/kWhr, depending on the type and size of the system used to generate renewable energy. For detailed information, see our tariff levels table.

Plus an additional 3.3p/kWh when you export any surplus back to the grid.

You will also reduce costs on your electricity bill when you use your own energy.

Anyone who owns a property can benefit from the Feed-In Tariffs offered.