Solar PV

Solar PV for Homes

Even in the UK, a typical domestic roof will absorb significant amounts of solar radiation that could be harvested to contribute to the energy needs of the home below it.

The key is capture and storage.   Capturing it is achieved by mounting solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels on the roof, ideally angled at around 30-40 degrees to the horizontal, free from shading, and generally inclined towards the south.  Storing it can now be achieved using batteries (see “Battery Storage Systems”).

Solar PV is not a new technology – it has been around for years – but thanks to improvements in technology and manufacturing economies of scale – it has become ever more efficient and cost effective; so much so that, in spite of the scaling back of the Government’s incentive scheme, the Feed in Tariff (FIT)*, it still makes sound financial sense to install solar PV on a suitable roof.

*The Feed in Tariff has now been replaced in the UK by the “Smart Energy Guarantee” (SEG), which obliges power supply companies to pay domestic generators a nominal rate per kWh exported to the grid.  Rates paid vary widely between suppliers from 1p per kWh to 15p, so it pays to shop around.

Electricity Prices Increase

  • Q4 2021 (20.8p / kWh) 23% 23%
  • Q2 2022 (28.3p / kWh) 31% 31%
  • Q4 2022 (51.9p / kWh) 57% 57%
  • Q1 2023 (80.5p / kWh) Industry Prediction 88% 88%
  • Q2 2023 (91.8p / kWh) Industry Prediction 100% 100%

Source: ICAEW / Ofgem

Indeed, recent events have made this even more compelling as the soaring cost of energy shows no sign of easing any time soon.  Even with UK Governmental support initiatives, average electricity costs have doubled in the last 12 months and the recent shortening of the Government’s “Energy Price Guarantee” from 2 years to 6 months, raises the spectre of further increases next April 2023.

Yet millions of homeowners could substantially offset these costs by putting their roof to work.  If your roof has a significant area of unshaded and uninterrupted surface facing south (or SE/SW), it could support a solar PV array capable of generating up to 1 kw per 5m2 of panels.

 

Quality Components

SRM only install the latest high-efficiency monocrystalline PV panels from established and reputable manufacturers.

The other key component of a PV system is the Inverter, needed to covert the PV array’s DC output into ‘mains’ AC current, suitable for either consumption within the property, battery charging, or to export to the grid.

Again, we only use tried and tested equipment from established manufacturers.