Photo Voltaic Cells
What are they?
Photovoltaic cells are solar energy systems that convert the energy in light (photons) into electrical energy (volts) for use in your home.
What’s the benefit?
Micro-generation systems mean that the energy is produced where it is consumed. Micro-generation systems like this can be linked to the mains or be independent from it.
Other benefits:
- Generation of electricity by photovoltaic panels is silent.
- They do not require direct sunlight to operate, which means that they are still effective at generating electricity in the UK’s cloudy climate.
- Once the panels are installed the electricity that is produced is free and clean.
- Panels can normally be expected to last about 20-30 years and require little maintenance.
How can Footprint Building help?
We sell photovoltaic systems from our showroom. We can recommend, supply and install them as required. If you are considering one for your home then give us a call and we will be happy to come and do a free site viewing to discuss your individual requirements.
Answers to frequently asked questions
1. Are they suitable for my home?
Photovoltaic cells (PV) produce minimal electricity; they are suitable for running low energy appliances in the home. We recommend getting photovoltaic cells simply for running other green systems in the home. For example, if you have a rainwater harvesting tank or a ground source heat pump, they have a pump that needs electricity. If you use the photovoltaic cell to produce the electricity to run the pump then the whole system is totally carbon neutral and self sufficient.
The Photovoltaic Panels can be used on home installations. The ideal slope for a panel is 30⁰ – 40⁰ which works well for most pitched roofs in the UK.
Flat roofs are also available for PV installation but will need angled mounting blocks, due to the fact that the sun is not high enough in the sky for a long enough periods in the UK for the panels to be laid completely flat.
Panels can be installed on south facing roofs ideally, but any roof south-east to south-west facing will also be able to have panels installed.
Please note that buildings or trees that cause shade on the panels will reduce the power output.
INVERTER – Unless the power from the panels is being used solely for low voltage appliances, then you will also need an inverter to convert the energy to 240 volts. Apart from the inverter, photovoltaic systems do not take much more internal space. A cable runs from the inverter into the mains connection.
2. Do I need planning permission?
In England there have been changes to the permitted development rights for micro generation technologies such as photovoltaic cells. On the 6th April 2008 requirements for planning permission for most solar installations have been lifted. Roof mounted and stand-alone systems can now be installed withour prior permission in most dwellings, as long as they respect certain size criteria, the systems must fall below 200 mm high. See planning permission for renewable energy technologies for more information. Exceptions will apply for Listed Buildings, and buildings in Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites.
At the moment householders in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland must consult with their local authority regarding planning permission.
3. Are there any grants available?
There are grants available from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. You will need to check the website for availability and application requirements in your area.
Further information
For more information on these products please pop into our showroom on:
42 Pembroke Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3BQ, or give us a call to discuss your individual requirements: 0117 3179571.
