I've heard that solar panels take more energy to make than they generate in their lifetime, is that true?
No. according to research carried out, the average panel will pay back the energy used to manufacture it in less than 09 years, and with a 50 year lifetime, that gives 41 years of pollution free energy generation.
What does PV mean?
PV is short for photovoltaic, pronounced fotovoltayik, which comes from Latin: photo (meaning light) + voltaic(meaning energy)
How does it work?
Photovoltaic panels (PV) capture the energy that is in sunlight and converts it into electricity. This is then stowed in batteries so that it could be used after dark. There is a charge regulator which permits only the required amount of electricity to flow in or out of the battery. In this way it prevents the overuse or misuse of the system. The electricity stored in the batteries could be then used to power lights, television, fans and other small appliances. The versatility of the system is seen in that it works even in the rainy season and in diffused light conditions. These Solar Photovoltaic cells need just daylight and not the heat of the sun to work.
Are there solar panels to suit me?
There are different PV panels to suit every need. They can either be fixed above your existing roof or integrated into the your building in many ways.
Solar panels are stylish and make a bold statement about who you are and your passion to reduce pollution. They also increase the value of your home.
How much space do I need?
You need approximatly 8m2 to produce 1kWp.( Subjected to change)
What is the difference between solar thermal and solar power?
Solar thermal uses the heat of the sun to warm water which can be used to in radiators or directly in a bath or shower. Solar power uses solar cells to convert solar heat energy into electricity to power electrical appliances.
How much energy does a solar array produce?
Each kWp of Solar PV produces between 1450 and 1600kWh per year depending on enviornmental factors.
What does a solar PV system cost?
The installed cost of a PV system will depend upon the roof type, the size of the system, the type of module used and how the system is mounted. To provide a detailed fixed quote requires a detailed site survey and analysis. A typical family uses 4000kWh per year and this would require a 2.7 - 3.0 kWp system.
What will I have to pay?
Your investment will vary depending on your requirement’ Once a site visit is made a quote will be submitted to you.
Access Solar will cover the cost of roof surveys for public sector installations.
Will solar power protect me from power bill increases?
The prices of oil and other non-renewable sources of energy are on the increase. This trend will continue into the future, getting more dramatic as shortages of supply increase. The price of your electricity from solar will never increase as the fuel is free and infinite!
Does solar power reduce pollution?
Absolutely. The major contributor to global warming is the emissions of carbon dioxide from power stations burning fossil fuels. This is changing our climate and causing more severe weather patterns around the whole planet. Every time we use our electricity we are contributing to this massive problem. Everyone needs to do their bit!
The use of fossil fuels and nuclear energy has dramatic impacts on the local and global environment. The less dependent we become on utility giants and the global energy markets the closer we are to creating a more sustainable future.
By installing a solar PV system you are opting out of the fossil fuel and the nuclear world and becoming an independent supplier of clean green electricity for your own use and export to the grid.
Friends of the Earth can tell you about Climate Change.
How much carbon dioxide will it save?
Electricity produced from fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and gas result in millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. This is one of the main green house gases contributing towards global warming. By installing a PV system on your roof you will be producing your own electricity therefore offsetting the production of carbon dioxide. The emission factor used word wide is 0.43kg of CO2 / kWh.Therefore a typical 2kWp system will save almost 1 tonne of carbon dioxide each year.
What do kWp and kWh mean?
Watts are the units used to measure energy use or production and a kilowatt is a 1000 watts.
kWp stands for kilowatt peak, which is the power that a solar panel will produce if it has ideal conditions. kWh stands for kilowatt hour, which is how many kW (kilowatts) are produced in one hour.
What are the benefits of Solar Power?
Solar powered is a clean energy source
Solar power is a healthier alternative than the conventional energy source
It is extremely cost effective in the long term
Could be adopted to an existing building with minimum effort
Easy maintenance
Is 100% reliable and safe
Sunshine provides an unlimited supply of free electricity
What are the benefits to the Environment?
Solar Power is a clean source of power. In that it does not emit any harmful or toxic gases (from oil fired power plants)
Installing solar power in the home or office enhances the environment since it bypasses the use of environment polluting energy sources