Renewable Energy Solar Panels and Wind Turbines
LEADING THE WAY WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY
Solar PV
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into electricity. PV modules, comprising solar cells, are electrically interconnected and produce electricity whenever they are exposed to light. They work in diffuse light as well as in direct sunlight; their output is proportional to the amount of sunlight received. However, a shadow thrown onto the roof from a chimney or a vent will affect the output considerably.
PV modules are usually mounted on roofs, but can be placed in any southerly-facing location which receives little or no shading during the course of the day. A PV system could also be part of a facade or be mounted on the ground. PV modules produce DC electricity which is then converted to mains-compatible AC electricity by an inverter, which also performs protection functions.
PV systems are entirely modular, and can be installed in any size from around 1kW or 8-10 square metres with no upper limit. Some roofs may be unsuitable for retrofitting PV, for instance because they do not have a continuous, unshaded area on which to mount the PV modules, or because they cannot take the weight of the PV modules.
PV systems contain no moving parts, and are essentially maintenance free. We do recommend a visual check every few years and cleaning of the modules as and when required.
