Solar photo voltaic panels

Solar PV technology systems converts light into electricity through solar panels situated on your roof. This electricity is then used either to store in batteries, or is fed directly into the homes electricity supply. When you are not using this power yourself the surplus is fed back onto the grid network through a special meter from which you will get paid for generating electricity, known as micro generation.

Each solar PV panel contains cells made up of two or more thin layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When this is exposed to light, electric charges are generated.

Photovoltaics (PVs) are an interesting concept for powering buildings. Unfortunately, the costs of PV arrays are still very high to make them economically viable.

For example 10m2 of PV cells would give a peak output of 1 kilowatt. This array would produce approximately 700 kwh of electricity each year. If electricity for a house can be purchased from the grid at 11.00p per kwh then the value of this electricity is £77.00 per year.

Economic values can be improved. As the cost of electricity increases then this will make them more viable. Increases in efficiency of the panels, as the technology improves this will mean more electricity per m2.

The capital cost of the panels decrease and reduced power requirements within our buildings. All will bring the solar PV world closer to being economically viable.