When sunlight, from either sunny conditions or during cloudy conditions, falls on the surface of a PV cell a DC electric current is generated. PV cells are manufactured into panels which can be easily handled as they are robust and durable. Solar PV arrays are made up of multiple panels to create a system to suit the customer’s requirements and budget. Larger arrays have greater electrical output and higher income potential.

The DC current builds as it flows through the panels that make up the array, before it is channelled away via the cabling to an inverter. The inverter converts this DC current into AC current, which is then seamlessly fed into the existing building electricity system for use on-site or for export to the grid.

How much electricity and income does PV generate?

Typically a 4kwp (kilowatt peak) system in our region can generate in excess of 3,500kwh of electricity a year. Exact output depends on the efficiency of the PV modules chosen, location, shading, pitch and orientation to south. An average UK household consumes about 3,200kwh/year of electricity therefore a 4kwp PV system is capable of producing the equivalent of 100% of the household requirements annually.

Annual earnings on such a system would be approx:

• £540.40 in tax-free FIT income (Property with an EPC of D or above)
• £315.00 in savings on your bill through use of your own free electricity
• £81.20 in export income from power sold to the grid
• £936.60 in total savings per year
• £5499.00 inc VAT, fully fitted from price for a typical system

What is the electricity worth?

The ‘Feed in Tariff’ means that all power suppliers are obliged to pay Solar PV owners a set rate per unit (kwh) of production for 20 years for ALL their Solar PV power. Even better, having been paid for ALL the home produced power you can then use your free electricity on-site and automatically export any excess to the grid, so you will always be earning in daylight hours. If you use much of the electricity you generate on-site (which is generally the case) you will make a considerable saving by not having to buy the equivalent electricity from your power supplier. The tariff is index linked to the Retail Price Index to protect it from inflation and it is classed as tax-free income for domestic properties.

The government has stated that electricity prices will rise significantly over the coming decade  (Click Here to see BBC News Item), with evidence of this over the last 2 to 3 years, and as these prices rise the benefit you gain from your own PV generated electricity will rise too.

What is its long-term value?

Manufacturers of most Solar PV panels offer warranties on their performance for up to 25 years. Realistic life expectancies of high quality PV panels are between 30-40+ years as the panels are ‘solid state’ technology, are very durable and are self-cleaning. Therefore, the financial and environmental benefit over the lifetime of the system is very attractive.

What is involved in the installation?

PV arrays are ideal for most roofs. A typical domestic installation would take between 1 – 2 days to complete and depending on safe access to the specified location may require the use of temporary scaffolding. For roof mounted systems rigid brackets are fixed into place under the roof tiles directly onto the rafters, then aluminium rails are secured to these brackets on which the panels are securely clamped. The inverter and other electrical components are wired into place and connected to the panels. The electrical supply to the property will only need to be interrupted once, briefly, when all the components are in place in order to make the final connection. Installation requirements do vary depending on specific site factors and array sizes. In most cases fixing solar panels to your roof is considered ‘permitted development’ under planning law with no need to apply for planning permission (see FAQs for more info).

*Subject to property type, and free survey