Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert solar radiation into Direct Current (DC) electricity. Direct sunlight gives the best results, but solar photovoltaic power is still generated in overcast conditions. PV systems include an inverter that converts the DC electricity in to standard Alternating Current (AC) power that can be used on site or fed into the national grid.
DC21 installs a variety of PV systems and these can be installed on any roof, from distribution centres, to farm buildings, or shopping centres. We can help tailor your demand to best match your peak production, ensuring you get the most from your solar photovoltaic system.
Following the recent change by the government in the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT), from the 1st of August the largest economically feasible size in the UK is 50kWp (it is possible to receive the FiT for installations up to 250kWp but at much lower FiT rates).
To find out more about solar photovoltaic energy please contact us.
Solar Photovoltaic Energy - Things to consider
Location - the sites that produce the highest solar photovoltaic return are in the South of England
The roof can be flat or sloping, though south facing inclined roofs will give better solar photovoltaic energy returns. The roof construction needs to be able to support between 10-15kg/m2. Mounting systems can be either secured to the roof or ballasted to prevent any roof penetration.
The Feed-in-Tariff for solar photovoltaic systems is guaranteed for 25 years, so the roof has to be in place for at least 25-years from the date of installation.
Slope and orientation of the roof –
- If the roof ridge is East-West, then only the south facing side will be usable, but in most cases the north-facing roof is not
- A roof with a North-South ridge can use both sides of the roof but will lose out on efficiency
We can also use solar photovoltaic systems that do not penetrate the roof or cause very heavy roof loadings, meaning that the integrity of your roof can be maintained.
To find out more about our solar photovoltaic renewable energy please contact us.