Is solar electricity suitable for your home?
The economics of using photovoltaic (PV) panels for a specific application should be carefully investigated before installation. Different green energy technologies are more suited to some types of homes than others. Contact Bryson Energy to find out whether solar power is right for you, or whether you should be considering another technology, like wind power or micro-combined heat and power.
- telephone 0800 1422 865 (NI householders only)
- Bryson Energy website
How PV panels work
PV systems use energy from the sun to create electricity. The panels require only daylight, rather than direct sunlight, to generate electricity. When light shines on a panel, it creates an electric field across layers of silicon in the cell, causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity is. Power can be used straight away or linked back into the power grid.
Installing PV panels
You can use PV systems for a building with a roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees of south, as long as no other buildings or large trees overshadow it. If the roof surface is in shadow for parts of the day, less electricity will be produced.
PV panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panels are placed on top of existing tiles.
PV panels come in a variety of shapes and colours, including:
- grey 'solar tiles' that look like roof tiles
- transparent panels that you can use on conservatories or glass to provide shading as well as generate electricity
Installation costs
Most domestic systems are between 1.5 and 3 kilowatts (kW) and can produce around half a domestic property’s electricity requirements.
Solar tiles cost more than conventional panels,and panels that are integrated into a roof are more expensive than those that sit on top. If you plan to have major roof repairs carried out, it may be worth considering PV tiles, as they can offset the cost of roof tiles.
How PV panels can save you money
Producing your own energy could be cheaper than buying it from energy companies.
If you generate electricity using solar panels, the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) entitles you to claim Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) for every megawatt hour of electricity you generate.
- ROCs can then be sold to electricity supply companies
- in addition, as a microgenerator you can enter into an agreement with an electricity supplier to sell any electricity to them that you do not use
- NIRO - Department for the Economy website
- Renewables - Power NI website
- Action Renewables website - ROC Trading
Planning permission
You may have to get planning permission to fit a PV system, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Always check with your divisional planning office about planning issues before you have a system installed. Obtaining planning permission after the system is in place can be difficult and expensive.
Maintenance
Systems that connect to the grid require very little maintenance. You just need to ensure that the panels are kept relatively clean and that shade from trees isn't a problem. The wiring and components of the system should be checked regularly by a qualified technician. Stand-alone systems (not connected to the grid) need maintenance on other parts of the system, like batteries.
- Local energy advice - Bryson website
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme - MCS website
- Find certified solar panels - Solar Keymark website
Remember to insulate first
You should make sure that your property is properly insulated before installing renewable technologies.