Solar PV (Photovoltaics)
How does it work?
Solar Photovoltaic Panels, or Solar PV Panels for short, is a technology in which daylight is converted into electrical power. It uses energy from the sun to create electricity that will operate electrical appliances and lighting
Solar PV Panels - Photovoltaics
Solar PV panels require only daylight, not necessarily sunlight, and are therefore capable of generating electricity on cloudy days. Solar PV panels work equally well in urban or rural locations. They can be installed on all manner of roofs and even ground-mounted and can easily be connected to a building’s electricity supply.
Benefits of Solar PV - Photovoltaics
When in use, Solar PV panels do not generate greenhouse gases or cause pollution. Each kilowatt-peak (kWp) of electricity produced can save approximately 455 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions greatly reducing your carbon footprint.
Available Sunlight for Solar PV Panels - Photovoltaics
The amount of available sunlight in the UK varies with the latitude of the site. The south of the country has more available light than the north. The total annual energy available varies from approximately 1,259 kWh per metre squared per year in the South-West of England to 850 kWh per metre squared per year in Scotland. The light energy also varies during different seasons of the year with more daylight available in the summer than in the winter.
Siting of Solar Integrated PV - Solar Photovoltaic Panels
Solar PV panels can be attached to pitched roofs or flat roofs, fixed vertically onto external walls or located on the ground. They can also be integrated into patent glazing or rain screen cladding systems. They should work efficiently in most locations as long as no part of the panel is shaded from the sun.
