Photovoltaics
PV cells are suitable for any building with a southeast to southwest facing roof with no over shadowing.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are used to generate electricity. They should ideally be installed in an unshaded location at between 30-45° to the horizontal and facing between southeast and southwest. They can be installed on pitched roofs, flat roofs or ground mounted.
Solar Photovoltaics - Specifications |
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Typical Domestic SystemPV panels generate DC electricity, which needs to be passed through an inverter to synchronise with the grid and service AC appliances in the house.
A typical domestic installation usually comprises 8 to 16 panels (2 to 4 kWp of generating capacity), requiring around 12 to 24 m2 of roof-space. |
System CostsTypically £8,000 - £14,000 (£3-4,000 per kW) The estimated lifetime of the panels is greater than 25 years and maintenance costs are very low. |
Energy SavingsAs a general rule you can expect to generate around 750 to 800 kWh per kW of PV. So a 4 kWp system should generate around 3,000 kWh per year, and save 1.6 tonnes of CO2. |
Feed in Tariff (FIT)Since April 2010 the FIT has been available for PV in the UK. For retrofit systems <4 kWp the current tariff rate is 43.3p/kWh, which is paid for all electricity generated. If you use that electricity yourself you offset the cost of buying electricity from the grid (typically at 12p/kWh) and if you export it, you are paid an additional 3p/kWh export tariff. Example 4 kWp System (assuming you use 50% of electricity generated and export 50% to the grid):
The FIT for PV is index linked for 25 years. Visit the DECC website for more information and to check the latest tariff rates. |
Development issuesPV panels are now permitted development, however restrictions apply and planning permission will be required for installations on listed buildings, in conservation areas and for most ground mounted systems. A building warrant will be required for most roof mounted installations. |
More information |
Please have a look at some of our installation Case Studies and contact us for a quotation .

