Solar electric (Photovoltaic ( PV) ) systems produce electricity according to the amount of sunlight that falls on their surface, For this reason unshaded, preferably south-facing, surfaces are best. The pitched roofs of most houses in the UK are ideal. Flat roofs can be utilised by fitting a frame to hold the PV modules. Output will be reduced by shade or non-optimal orientations or tilt angles.

Grid connect PV systems are often integrated into buildings, for example PV roof tiles are now available which can be fitted like standard tiles. PV can also be incorporated as building facades, canopies, shading structures and sky lights

    Annual electricity consumption of a household of 4 in the UK is 3500-4000 kWh per year (3.5 to 4 MWh/year)

 A 1 kWp grid-connected PV system in the UK will produce about 700- 800 kWh of electricity per year and require about 8 m2 of roof area.

 A 5 kWp grid-connected PV system in the UK will produce about 3500- 4000 kWh of electricity per year and require about 40 m2 of roof area.

SAMPLE EQUIPMENT LIST                     ( 18 Modules 9 modules x 2 rows  Portrait)   IN ROOF   Description Part No   Schuco 175W modules in packs of 2 units  x 9 packs = 18 modules     PV Light In Roof Materials   Vertical Aluminium Frame (center) 5.8Mtr 221632 Vertical Aluminium Frame (side) 5.8Mtr 221633   Vertical frame Gasket( side/center) 100 Mtr 231209 Center Coupling Plate for 221633 2 no 221788 Side Coupling Plate for 221632 1 pr 221789   Center Try Square  cover/lock for 221632( 2 no) 221790 Side Try Square     cover/lock for 221633( 2 no) 221791   Basic Cover Frame 2. ( Flashing Kit) 231136 Vertical Extension 2 Flashing Kit ( 1 Pr)  1368mm Lg 231137 Horizontal Extension 2. Flashing Kit ( 2 sets) 231138   Sheet Protection ( center) Foam Block 1no 221854 Sheet Protection ( side) Foam Block 1no 221855   Pressure Plate single for S175 - SP Portrait  249882 Pressure Plate double for S175-SP Portrait  249884 Pressure Plate Butyl strip   60 Mtr 231210 Universal Screw for Sliding Block 221353 ( 100 ) No 221227 Sliding Anchor Block ( 100 ) No 221353

Schüco PV Light – Secure installation for every photovoltaic module. There are currently around 500 different solar modules available on the German market, from over 60 manufacturers. Schüco is able to install all these modules securely. Our PV Light substructure system offers the right fixing units and the right fixing anchors for every module construction type and for every type of roof covering. The system components of the substructure have been tested both together and individually for structural strength. The appropriate certificates can be provided on request.

The example above shows Solar PV modules (lighter blue) and Solar Thermal panels (darker blue) covering the whole south-facing roof area of a pair of semi-detached houses. (Image courtesy of  Schuco Solar)

  All PV systems produce electricity only during the daytime. More electricity is produced in summer (May to September) than in winter (October to April). It makes sense to operate electrical devices which require a lot of power (eg,. washing machines) when the solar system is supplying plenty of power.

Grid connection of a solar (photovoltaic) system MUST have local electricity company approval. The installers should be Clear Skies (government) registered and they should ensure the system is properly installed and with the required degree of protection.

When your PV system is connected to the grid it will produce electricity that will be used directly in your home. If the system is generating more power than needed by the home then the excess is sold back to the electricity company. If your system is not providing enough to meet the electrical energy demand in your house the utility provides the difference.

In effect, the grid acts as an energy storage system, which means the PV system does not need to include battery storage.

Note : there are costs associated with grid-connection and metering to and from the grid. The electricity companies do not pay a generous rate for electricity 'exported' from your PV system to the national grid. In fact, the cost of 'importing' (buying) units of electricity from these companies is usually a lot more than they will pay you for your renewable electricity. It is usually best to design your system so all power that is generated is consumed on site - and that a minimum of 'imported' / expensive electricity is bought from the electrical utility company.

NET-METERING

In some cases a 'net-metering' arrangement may be possible. This allows all electricity from a 'renewable energy system' (solar, wind, solar/wind , solar/wind/biomass etc.) to be given the same value as the electrical energy supplied by the utility -and letting the meter spin backwards when your system is producing surplus electricity !

If you are thinking about the potential for solar electricity in your building project – email us or call 0161 881 1383