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Q: What are Photovoltaic (PV) Panels?
A: Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity that can be used to run appliances and lights. Photovoltaic cells generate energy even when it is overcast and cloudy as they absorb scattered light.
Q: How are PV Panels Fitted?
A: Photovoltaic panels can be mounted on a roof or ground mounted. Ideally the roof will be south facing, or near to at an angle of 30 degrees with the horizontal for optimum performance. The panels produce DC electricity, so a small inverter will be fitted inside the house, to change the DC into AC (used in all normal homes and the Grid). Installation is clean, with minimal disruption and no extra space needed indoors.
Q: What is a grid connected system?
A: Photovoltaic panels can be connected to the Grid through the local electricity supplier. Surplus electricity can be sold back to the supplier.
Q: How much do they cost?
A: Installation costs are around £4.500 per kW installed based on a 4 Kw system. The price will vary depending on the size of individual installations.
Q: How long does the installation process take?
A: For an average system, the installation process rarely takes more than a few days, with minimal disruption. Scaffolding is required for work on the roof.
Q: What is the feed-in Tariff?
A: The Government announced a feed in tariff on 15 July 2009 applicable for all installations from that date, but officially beginning in April 2010. For every unit a photovoltaic system up to 4kW produces, the Government will pay 41.3p. For systems up to 10kW the tariff is 36.1p.
Q: What are the advantages of solar energy?
A: Solar energy is a clean, renewable, and reliable source of energy, which may lower the cost of your electricity bill. Not only is solar energy very competitive with other energy forms in terms of cost, but it is also more environmentally friendly as it reduces greenhouse gases. In addition, photovoltaic (PV) modules, which are used to absorb solar energy, contain no moving or wearing parts. As a result, the components require little maintenance and last for decades.
Q: Do panels store energy from the sun?
A: The electricity generated by your system is used directly by your property when it is produced. Any power generated in excess of your home's requirements is sent out to the utility grid.
Q: What can a solar system power in my property?
A: The electricity generated by your system will be used to power any and all devices and appliances plugged into your home's electrical service. Solar systems are not designed to provide power for a single device, e.g. a refrigerator, but go to offset the total sum of your electricity usage.
Q: How much roof space is needed to power my home?
A: A good rule of thumb is to allow 100 sq. ft. per every kilowatt (kW) of electricity the system produces. A typical solar electric system for a home will require approximately 300-500 square feet.
Q: Can my roof support the weight of the solar panels?
A: The typical solar panel and mounting equipment weigh less than 3 lbs per square foot, so they add very little weight to your roof. In very rare circumstances, older homes may require structural work prior to installing a system. If necessary, Ashthorn will help you conduct a more detailed engineering assessment.
Q: If the power goes out, will my solar system continue to produce electricity?
A: You will not have any electricity if there is an outage.
Q: How long will my solar system last?
A: Most solar panels come with a 25 year power output guarantee and are expected to last at least twice that long. The power output guarantee on the solar panels in provided by the manufacturer of the panels and states that at the end of the 25th year, the solar panel will still produce a minimum of 80% of their original power output.
Q: If I move can I take my solar system?
A: It’s best if you leave it on the original house because it increases the resale value of a home.
Q: Will the panels create a glare that can disrupt planes flight path?
A: No. The panels have a glare resistant tempered glass cover that minimises reflected light.
Q: What is the payback?
A: A solar system will also add value to your property, reduce your monthly expenses and insulate you from rising energy costs. The payback period depends on government incentive, your utility rate, site location and site condition.
Q: What will it cost to get rid of my electric bill?
A: The cost for this will depend on your electric usage. The more panels you place on the roof, the more you will be saving in electricity costs.
Q: What's the effect of rain and fog?
A: In fog, marine layer, or June gloom your system will still produce about 25 - 30% of the normal production. A steady rain can cut production slightly but is great for cleaning your panels.
Q: What happens if there's a utility power outage?
A: With grid-connected solar electric systems, you will experience loss of power when the utility grid is down. This is intentional: when there is an electricity outage, there are people working on the power lines. If your system were allowed to stay active during the outage, the people working would run the risk of being electrocuted by the live wire.
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