Photovoltaic (PV) System

Feed in TariffThe UK Government launched a feed in tariff for grid connected PV systems in April 2009 called Clean Energy Cashback. This will provide an income of up to 43.3p per kWh for all generated electricity; in addition any surplus generated electricity which is exported back to the grid will attract an additional 3.1p/kWh (giving you a total cost saving of 46.4p per kWh for every unit). This is received by a credit on your electricity bill. The electricity saving can be checked by taking the kWh reading from the micro generation meter.

Dependent on your location and building aspect, you could generate an annual tax-free, index linked income of around £375/kW of installed array. This equates to a return on investment of around 12-15% per annum for 25 years.

Solar panels will generate electricity in any weather as long as there is daylight. Modern day silicon is now so advanced that it captures a far greater percentage of the sun’s energy and generates much more electricity, even in cloudy weather.

There are three types of photovoltaic cell units available on the market. These are Mono-crystalline (right) with an efficiency of 14-17%, Poly-crystalline (left) with an efficiency of 13-15% and Amorphous (centre) with an efficiency of 5-8%.

Barrie Beard Ltd, Worcester Road, Upton Warren,Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7ETTel: 01527 875172 Fax: 01527 873168www.barriebeard.co.uk email: enquiries@barriebeard.co.uk

Commercial Electrical Contractors

Feed in tariff rates

System Size /kWh

Less than 4kW on new buildings 37.8p

Less than 4kW on existing buildings 43.8p

4-10kW 37.8p

10-100kw 32.9p

Greater than 100kW 30.7p

Photovoltaic (PV) System

Solar PV array (modules)

DC/AC Inverter

DC Isolator

AC Isolator

AC PowerConsumer Unit Micro

Generation Meter

Electricity Meter

Mains Supply

(Figures correct at March 2011)

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installations

Commercial Electrical Contractors

www.barriebeard.co.uk

Barrie Beard Ltd are now MCS accredited and able to supply, install and commission Solar Photovoltaic PV

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)Every day, the earth receives solar energy equivalent to the electricity consumption of 5.9 billion people for 27 years! Photovoltaic (PV) technology enables us to turn this energy into electricity.

The PV EffectA source of clean, renewable energy, photovoltaic energy matches the European Directives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels. As part of EU-wide action to increase the use of renewable energy, the UK has committed to sourcing 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 and building-integrated renewable technologies such as PV will play an important part in achieving these targets.

Growth Industry UKLower-cost PV and higher consumer demand are expected to drive growth in markets around the world, and the UK in particular has very significant growth potential. Here, strong low carbon initiatives, such as the feed in tariff, carbon reduction targets and stringent planning regulations will lead to rapid growth in installed capacity.

Factors to ConsiderThe location of the PV modules is very important in order to maximize the performance and energy yield from the system. The ideal site is south facing at an angle of between 30 and 40 degrees. Any shade from trees, neighboring buildings or overhead cables can have a huge impact on the performance of the system, good system design is imperative to maximizing the system yield.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installations

Roof Hook/Stand Off

Free Standing Photovoltaics on a Flat Roof Domestic Array

Flat Roof Array