Solar power (PV)
The sun is an amazing source of energy. Some people question the considerable benefits to be enjoyed from solar panels based on the misconception that we don’t receive enough sun to generate suffi cient energy.
Fortunately, this is very far from the truth. For both solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems our climate is more than capable of producing a wealth of free renewable energy from solar panels of both types.
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels actually generate electricity which is then used to power the electrical appliances in your home. As well as reducing your carbon footprint, underscoring your green credentials and contributing to the on-going struggle to protect the Earth and its fragile ecology, photovoltaic solar panels will considerably reduce your energy bills.
With the introduction of Feed in Tariffs (FIT’s) in April 2010, they can also generate a healthy income.Feed in Tariffs (FIT’s) pay you for ALL the energy you generate, regardless of whether you use it or not. You also save money by not having to buy the amount of electricity you have produced, and you get an additional payment for the electricity that you export as a surplus to the National Grid, creating an effortless additional revenue stream.
How Solar PV Works
1. The PV array is installed in the best location to maximize the power output, for example in a residential installation this could be on the roof. The PV modules are connected in series to generate a direct current (DC) 2. This direct current is converted to alternating current (AC) at grid rating by the inverter. Each kWp installed in the UK will generate, on average, 800kWh. This will vary depending on orientation and location
3. The AC generated by your PV system is connected into the main distribution board for the building. Here it is automatically used in the same way as the electricity that would have been drawn from the grid
4. In times when you are producing more than you are using, any excess is fed back to the grid, while in times of excess demand this is topped up by drawing from the grid.
As solar PV panels have no moving parts, most installations do not require maintenance; however we would recommend an annual once-over and inspection.
Heat pump
Air source heat pumps are the low carbon, low running cost alternative to traditional boilers. They can reduce your energy costs by up to 70% if replacing oil or LPG fed heating systems (and can pay for themselves in as little as four years), or save 30% against ever-increasing mains gas costs.
Air source heat pumps provide both space heating and hot water, and work with either under floor heating or suitably sized radiators. Whilst ideal for newer properties, they can be retrofitted to older homes where energy efficiency measures have been undertaken. Heat pumps can be ideal for domestic and commercial properties, or for heating swimming pools and hot tubs. In some installations it may be appropriate to combine an air source heat pump with traditional heating technology to complement the required outputs. All heat pumps that we install are specified against user requirements and do not need any third party boosting system. The fan intake system (outdoor air handling unit) is located on the outside of the house; this requires bi-annual maintenance.Planning permission is not required in most instances
Wind Power
The UK has the highest occurrence of strong, persistent, year-round wind of any country in Europe. In fact, we get 40% of Europe’s wind! Yet few people take advantage of this incredible, free, green resource. If you did, you could be generating a substantial amount of your own electricity, selling surplus back to the National Grid and being paid for EVERY unit of electricity you generate through the ‘Feed in Tariff’ scheme. For wind turbines this is index linked, fi xed for 20 years and tax free for most domestic installations. A well-placed wind turbine should pay for itself in 3-6 years, and produce a double digit return on investment. Wind, though, is ALL about location and that is where our expertise comes in. the UK market. They generate minimal noise, require little maintenance, and could easily power anything from a large home through to an industrial unit or small office facility.
What’s more, they are designed to last for over 25 years. To obtain maximum benefit from wind turbines it is important that you have a large area of unobstructed land and a minimum annual mean wind speed in excess of 5m/s. An onsite survey will help us ascertain the suitability of your property for a wind turbine. If your location is unlikely to benefit from a wind turbine installation, we will explore other energy conservation technologies with you rather than supply and install something from which you will receive relatively little benefit.
Solar Thermal water Heating Systems
These systems are amongst the most efficient on the market, providing up to 70% of your annual hot water. State-of-the-art solar collectors ensure you have heated water all year round and are largely unaffected by extremes of ambient temperature, even in the depths of winter. And because your solar thermal water heating system can work in tandem with your existing water heating arrangements, there’s never any danger you’ll be left without hot water.
Benefits of solar thermal include: • Reduce your hot water heating bills
• No need for planning permission
• Ideal for the British climate
• Works even on cloudy days (dawn till dusk all year round even in winter)
• Supplies up to 70% of your annual hot water needs