Solar Energy (photovoltaic Solar Panels for Electricity)

It is generally known that photovoltaic solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. It is actually more accurate to say that they now convert daylight into electricity.

On any given day throughout the year, we can produce solar electricity. This is because the technology behind photovoltaic solar energy has developed rapidly, and the most advanced panels are extremely effective and efficient – even here in the UK!

Solar PV panels operate using daylight, so much energy is still produced on cloudy or overcast days. Obviously, the panels produce more energy than sunlight when the weather is overcast.

There are local variations in output from the top to the bottom of the country, but they are very small. Precise meteorological records have been kept for many years, so annual outputs and regional variations can be predicted with a good degree of accuracy.

Orientation: Most photovoltaic solar panels are mounted on rooftop structures, ideally facing due south or a southerly direction. They should be tilted between 30° and 40° from the horizontal for maximum efficiency.

Panels installed anywhere from east through southwest will generate energy, and while south-facing is optimal, panels in any direction along the southern arc should achieve an efficiency of 85% or above.

Open exposure is important, as is any shading from large trees or other buildings, etc., which prevents good sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells. Low temperatures will not affect output – it is purely determined by the quality of the light.

No planning permission required.

Planning permission is generally not required unless the structures are to be placed on a listed building. (Prince Charles recently received planning permission from Westminster Council to install solar panels on the roof of Clarence House.)

How PV works...

Photovoltaic solar cells convert natural light and sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power lights and household or office appliances at home or in the business.

Because the panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, an inverter is also installed to convert the output to AC. The system is connected to the national grid and will work alongside your conventional electricity supply. At night, or when you need more power than your solar system can provide, electricity will be drawn from the grid. When your solar system generates more power than you need, the surplus electricity is exported and sold back to the grid.

A meter will be installed so you can monitor how your system is performing.