Energy Efficiency is a Key Area for all UK householders and businesses. ARC Taunton Ltd are trained to install Photovoltaic Cells, which generate electricity by using daylight on silicon solar cells which are normally located on your roof. Cables are used instead of the pipework associated with traditional solar systems. The electricity produced can be consumed by the household or sold back to the national grid.
Opportunity
You may have heard a little about the renewable energy revolution but my have limited knowledge of the technologies involved, however ARC Taunton can help make it easy!
Background
With the increasing number of us wanting to be more energy effcient and energy bills constantly increasing, there has never been a better time to start looking for more sustainable, money saving alternatives to reduce energy consumption.
The use of fossil fuels has become an issue that is realised by the UK Government, with its effects on global warming and pollution. As we all know fossil fuel reserves are limited and are often expensive, whereas renewable energy sources are not. As a result, the UK Government has committed to cutting down our reliance on fossil and nuclear fuels and introduced 'Feed in Tarriff' or 'FiT'.
Using Solar Energy through Photovoltaics
PV (Photovoltaics) uses energy from the sun to create electricity to run appliances and lighting - requiring only daylight, not direct sunlight, to generate electricity. The systems use cells to convert solar radiation into electricity, these cells consist of one or two layers of a semi-conducting material, usually silicon. When the light shines on the cell it creates and electric field across the layers, causing electricity to flow.
The greater the intensity of light, the greater flow of electricity. PV systems generate no greenhouse gasses and a typical domestic system can save around 1.2 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year... thats up to nearly 30 tons over a systems lifetime!
Solar PV in the Home
PV systems can be used for a building with a roof or wall that faces 90 degrees of south, as long as no other buildings or large trees overshadow it - if the surface is in shadow for parts of the day, the output of the system decreases.
As the solar panels are not lightweight, the roof must be strong enough to support them, especially if you are placing them on existing tiles or if you are mounting on a flat roof. Solar PV installations should always be carried out by a trained, experienced installer - ARC Taunton are approved and experienced to handle your installation.
Cost and Maintenance
Pricing can vary, depending on the size of the system installed, type of PV module used and the nature of the actual building on which the PV is mounted. The system size is determined by the amount of electricity required and the available roof space.
For more details and for a breakdown of how much your return would be, please contact us.
Grid connected systems require very little maintenance, generally this involves ensuring that the panels are kept relatively clean and that shade from trees has not become a problem. The wiring and components of the system should however be checked regularly by a qualified technician. Other stand alone systems not connected to the grid, need other system components such as batteries.
Please feel free to get in touch with ARC Taunton today, and start saving money, making money and helping the environment with renewable energy!
