RLB Solar Energy, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Telephone 01924 266001

Solar PV from RLB Solar Energy

Solar electricity systems, also known as solar photovoltaics (PV) capture the sun's energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells don't need direct sunlight to work - they can still generate some electricity on a cloudy day. The cells convert the sunlight into electricity, which can be used to run household appliances and lighting.

The benefits of solar electricity

• Cut your electricity bills: sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your electricity costs will be reduced.
• Get paid for the electricity you generate: the government’s Feed-In Tariffs pay you for the electricity you generate, even if you use it.
• Sell electricity back to the grid: if your system is producing more electricity than you need, or when you can't use it, you can sell the surplus back to the grid. Read more about feed-in tariffs and selling electricity.
• Cut your carbon footprint: solar electricity is green, renewables energy and doesn't release any harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants. A typical home solar PV system could save over a tonne of CO2 per year - that's more than 30 tonnes over its lifetime.

How do solar photovoltaic (PV) cells work?

PV cells are made from layers of semi-conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced. Groups of cells are mounted together in panels or modules that can be mounted on your roof.

The power of a PV cell is measured in kilowatts peak (kWp). That's the rate at which it generates energy at peak performance in full direct sunlight during the summer. PV cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most PV systems are made up of panels that fit on top of an existing roof, but you can also fit solar tiles.

Solar tiles and slates

Solar tiles are designed to be used in place of ordinary roof tiles. A system made up of solar tiles will typically cost around twice as much as an equivalent panel system, although you will save the money you would have spent on roof tiles or slates. Solar tile systems are not normally as cost-effective as panel systems, and are usually only considered where panels are not considered appropriate for aesthetic or planning reasons.

Savings

A 2.9kWp system can generate up to 2,500 kilowatt hours of electricity a year - that's around three quarters of a typical household's electricity needs - and will save over a tonne of carbon dioxide every year,

If your system is eligible for the Feed-In Tariff scheme it could generate savings and income of nearly £1,200 per year - you will get paid for both the electricity you generate and use, and what you don't use and export to the grid. If you know your system size, you can get a tailored estimate for your system.

Maintenance

Solar PV needs little maintenance - you'll just need to keep the panels relatively clean and make sure trees don't begin to overshadow them. The panels should last 25 years or more, but the inverter is likely to need replacing some time during this period, at a current cost of around £1,000.

Next steps

Choosing a site, planning permission, and installation

Choose a site for your solar PV panels that will give the maximum performance. Planning permission is generally not needed, and installation is fairly quick and simple.

Just give us a call and we’ll be pleased to offer advice.