Solar Photovoltaic

A further idea is to use PV panels (Photovoltaic cells) the cells convert solar radiation from the sun into electricity, this can either be sold to the national grid or contribute to heating your domestic hot water through an immersion, helping towards running the heat pump for your full central heating and domestic hot water system. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems use cells to convert solar radiation into electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semi-conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers, causing electricity to flow - the greater the intensity of light, the greater the flow of electricity.

Advantages

• Can be installed in various locations, e.g. pitched or flat roofs, vertical walls and on the ground
• One day we will all have to have something like this fitted to our house
• Free energy
• No noise
• Grants at the moment are low but larger amounts are allocated to this product
• In the near future there will be further help for the capital cost

Disadvantages

• Needs to be installed in either south, south west or south east aspects only
• At the moment expensive to install, but improvements and mass production are bringing the cost lower every year
• In preservation areas this system can be met with objections, although councils are now pushing for more of these panels to be fitted

The photos below would be considered as a starter system. The 1.2 kWp six Sanyo hybrid panels produce approx. 1170 kilowatt hours of electricity a year which is about a quarter of the average family annual consumption.