More About Photovoltaics

Photovoltaic (PV) panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into cheap, green electricity from sunlight. They even work on cloudy days and can cut your carbon footprint, lower your electricity bills and help generate an income by allowing you to sell excess energy back to the grid through the Government's Feed-in Tariff scheme. Solar power is one of the most promising sources of energy for the 21st Century and has truly come of age. At Kings Electrical we are dedicated to promoting solar power systems as an indispensable source of clean energy for the future.

Characteristics of solar power:

• Clean - Solar power systems generate electricity with zero emission of CO2 or other gases associated with global warming and acid rain.
• Renewable - Solar power systems can convert nature's sunlight into an unlimited supply of energy.
• Abundant - The amount of sunlight striking earth in any given hour contains light energy equivalent to the total world energy consumption for one year.
Q:Why go solar?
Photovoltaics (PV) provide clean, renewable power, they reduce both the electricity bill and CO2 emissions. Solar power is silent and exceptionally reliable, requiring no maintenance.
Q: How does PV work?
PV converts sunlight to DC electricity using semi-conductor materials such as silicon. Inverters then convert this to AC for direct usage or export to the grid.
Q: Do PV modules produce hot water?
No. PV modules only produce electricity.
Q: How does PV compare to other renewables?
It's low weight and very simple installation make it the most versatile of all renewable technologies. With no moving parts it is the most durable, lasting for decades. Annual performance is very consistent.
Q: Does PV work when its rainy or cloudy?
Yes. Power is generated in direct proportion to the strength of the sunlight. On cloudy or rainy days power is still produced from any sunlight absorbed.
Q: What is an inverter?
An inverter converts the DC (direct current) electrcity from the solar cells into AC (alternating current) electricity. The inverter technology takes power from the PV system at the maximum power point.
Q: How does a homeowner go about claiming FiTS?
Homeowners contact their Energy Provider. Payments are made on the electricity generated, the total generation meter is a mandatory part of a PV system and this will produce a figure (the amount of kWh generated) to the Energy Provider which is multiplied by the tariff (set by the size of the system, i.e. 41.3p/kWh). For systems greater than 4kW the installer will need to contact the Energy Provider before the installation because of G59 and G83 regulations
Q: How much electricity will it generate?
Each kilowatt peak of PV installed in the UK on average would produce around 800kWh per annum. This varies with geographical location and orientation/pitch of the panels. Your MCS accredited installer will be able to advise you of your system’s output taking the various factors that affect it into consideration.
Q: Do I need planning permission?
Some authorities require planning permission especially for listed buildings or within a conservation area. Although planning permission for solar PV is not generally required, Mitsubishi Electric recommends that customers should always check with their local authority before having a system installed.
Q: How much will a system cost?
There are a number of factors that contribute to the cost of a system including the size of the system, module type, inverter size, whether new build or retrofit, accessibility such as scaffolding requirements and labour costs. Please contact Kings Electrical for advice.
Q: How much space do I need?
Mitsubishi Electric PV-TD185MF5 panels are 1658x834x46mm . Therefore a 1.1kWp system will require 6 panels. However dimensions will vary depending on layout.
Q: Where can I install a PV system?
A PV system should not be installed in shade such as from other buildings or large trees since this will decrease the output from the system. However, although generally installed on a roof, they can be installed on any surface such as facades, sunshades, garages or ground mounted. They are normally installed in locations that receive sunshine through most of the day i.e. from east through south to west. However, maximum output will be facing due south and between 30-40 degrees from horizontal.
Q: What is a unit of electricity or KwH?
Units are how you are billed for electricity. These are examples of 1 unit or kWh. A 1 bar electric fire running for one hour. A 60w lightbulb running for 6 hours.
Q: Will I have to regularly clean my PV module and what are the maintenance procedures?
The modules are self cleaning providing they are installed with a pitch of at least 10 degree’s. A standard PV array has no moving parts and as such doesn’t “need” any maintenance however; we do advise that the system is checked electrically and mechanically on an annual basis.
Q: What is G83?
Engineering recommendation G83 sets out the standards required for the connection of Small-Scale Embedded Generators (SSEG) of up to 16 amps per phase. If your connection doesn't fall under G83 then it classes as a G59 connection as it will be for generation of over 16 amps per phase.
Q: What is G59?
Engineering recommendation G59 sets out the standards required for the connection of a Generating Plant to the Distributing Systems of a licensed Distribution Network Operator (DNO). It states the requirements that you must meet before your local DNO will allow your Generating Plant to be connected to the network.