Call us: + 44 (0)1908 61 71 61
info@solarpartner.co.uk
About
Solar & PV
About Solar & the PV system
How does it works?
Watch video how PV works
Solar technology has more than 60 years of significant testing and use in the field. Solar electricity system components include modules, inverters, and “balance of system” parts (e .g., production meter, wiring, racking, switches) .
The systems are relatively simple and quick to install compared to other renewable energy technologies, and they have few if any moving parts to maintain.
When sunlight hits PV modules, high voltage direct current (DC) electricity is generated. The DC flows into the system inverter which converts it to alternating current (AC) and steps down the voltage for use in the associated power panel.
The amount of power being generated depends on the size and number of modules, their efficiency, their orientation to the sun, and the amount of sunlight falling on the module array .
There is not much sun in the UK - will solar PV still work?
Yes. Solar photovoltaics works using light, and not necessarily sun light. This means that a solar PVsystem can function in cooler and often cloudier countries. However you will of course generate moreenergy at sunnier times of the year.
How much electricity will I make?
Each kilowatt peak (kWp) of PV installed in the UK will produce on average around 800kWh a year. This varies with geographical location and your accredited installer will be able to estimate your system output depending on the solar radiation levels in your area.
The cost of a solar PV installation?
The cost of a solar PV installation varies depending on the system size, type and location. The average price ranges from £8,000 - £14,000. All UK homeowners are now eligible for the feed-in tariff which pays you for the energy you produce.
Why should I go solar?
By installing a solar PV system you will be generating clean green electricity from the free energy of the sun. You will then reduce your electricity bills by not paying as much for your energy, but you will also earn money through the UK feed-in tariff scheme, launched on April 1. Installing a PV system will also help reduce greenhouse gases as energy use associated with buildings accounts for around 50% of UK CO2 emissions.
What is a feed-tariff or FiT?
The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) - known as the ‘Clean Energy Cash-Back Scheme’ in the UK - is a Government-backed scheme that pays you for producing renewable electricity. There are two ways that the tariffs can help you make money from generating your own energy:
Generation Tariff - This FiT provides a fixed income for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity you generate and use in your property. The current FiT rate in the UK is 41.3p per kilowatt hour of energy produced.
The Export Tariff – Any extra energy you generate can provide you with an additional fixed income for every kWh of electricity you generate and sell back to the grid.
Do we need Planning Permission?
In most cases, planning permission is not required. However, some authorities do require planning permission especially for listed buildings or within a conservation area. Your local authority will be able to provide you with information on your home's eligibility.
Solar PV Benefits?
- Provides a predictable cost for electricity over the life of the system
- Enables cash payments from the feed-in tariff
- Provides clean electricity directly where the power is needed
- Increase the value of the premsies where installed
- Offers flexible expansion if your needs change
- May support the local economy and generate new jobs
- Makes clear to the public your environmental commitment by producing clean electricity at your facility
About the solar PV modules or panels
What are they made from?
Most solar modules in production today are made of silicon crystal cells. The three main types of silicon- based modules are single(mono)-crystal, multi(poly)-crystal, and amorphous, a type of “thin film” module.
Most solar modules in production today are made of silicon crystal cells. The three main types of silicon- based modules are single(mono)-crystal, multi(poly)-crystal, and amorphous, a type of “thin film” module.
There are also non-silicon-based thin film modules. Single and multi- crystalline modules are more efficient, sturdier, and heavier than thin film modules. Thin film modules are lighter in weight and often applied to flexible materials like a plastic backing. Thin film modules are commonly found in building-integrated applications such as roof shingles, roll-on roof coverings, and windows.
Efficiency ratings?
The module efficiency rating refers to the percent of sunlight that is converted to electricity. Single and multi-crystal modules are more efficient than thin film, while thin film is lighter and more flexible. The less efficient a module, the more modules and space needed to produce the target amount of power. In order to compare apples to apples when reviewing project proposals, efficiency is best thought of in terms of cost per kWh produced.
Capacity?
The capacity is the maximum amount of energy the system can produce based on how many watts of PV are installed. The bottom line when comparing solar electricity equipment options is the cost per watt, or ideally, cost per kWh over the lifetime of the PV system. Solar customers are ultimately purchasing kilowatt hours (kWhs).
Warranty?
Most modules come with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty, meaning that after 25 years the modules should still be producing at least 80 percent of their rated capacity. As there are no moving parts, and the modules are built for long-term stability in all weather conditions, it is likely a PV system will continue producing at least 50 percent of its rated capacity beyond 30, possibly even 40 years.
Maintenance?
PV modules require very little maintenance. In dry or very dusty environments, the system owner should hose off the modules to ensure maximum production.
PV modules require very little maintenance. In dry or very dusty environments, the system owner should hose off the modules to ensure maximum production.
Maximum production?
Solar modules produce at peak efficiency in cool (but not cold) temperatures, with maximum sunlight exposure. Direct shading on even a small portion of the modules will greatly reduce the amount of power produced. Production will also vary significantly according to local climate conditions and the amount of sunlight hitting the solar modules.
Solar modules produce at peak efficiency in cool (but not cold) temperatures, with maximum sunlight exposure. Direct shading on even a small portion of the modules will greatly reduce the amount of power produced. Production will also vary significantly according to local climate conditions and the amount of sunlight hitting the solar modules.
What are the Inverters?
Purpose?
Grid-tied inverters condition the DC power produced by PV modules into “utility grade” AC power that flows through the electrical panel for use in the building, or back into the utility meter.
Grid-tied inverters condition the DC power produced by PV modules into “utility grade” AC power that flows through the electrical panel for use in the building, or back into the utility meter.
Efficiency?
The inverter contains the “brains” of the PV system, that monitor and control for peak performance and alert the system operator to any anomalies . Typical inverter efficiency is 88 to 92 percent, meaning that of 100 DC watts coming into the inverter from the modules, only 88 to 92 watts will be converted into usable AC power.
The inverter contains the “brains” of the PV system, that monitor and control for peak performance and alert the system operator to any anomalies . Typical inverter efficiency is 88 to 92 percent, meaning that of 100 DC watts coming into the inverter from the modules, only 88 to 92 watts will be converted into usable AC power.
Safety?
If the utility grid goes off line (e .g., in a power cut), the inverter also switches off and any electricity being produced by the PV modules is “dumped” through the grounding wires . This feature protects utility workers or others when the supply is down.
If the utility grid goes off line (e .g., in a power cut), the inverter also switches off and any electricity being produced by the PV modules is “dumped” through the grounding wires . This feature protects utility workers or others when the supply is down.
Warranty?
The inverter warranty is usually 10 years, with expected performance approximately 15 years. Therefore, the system owner should budget to replace the inverters at least once over the useful life of the PV system. Theinverter should continue producing at least 50 percent of its rated capacity for more than 30 years .
The inverter warranty is usually 10 years, with expected performance approximately 15 years. Therefore, the system owner should budget to replace the inverters at least once over the useful life of the PV system. Theinverter should continue producing at least 50 percent of its rated capacity for more than 30 years .
Features?
Each inverter option has costs and benefits that must be analyzed in the context of the entire project. The size of the inverter will depend on the number of PV modules and whether more modules are to be added later . Other considerations are the kWh monitoring and reporting features, such as whether the inverter can send production data through a wireless Internet connection.
Each inverter option has costs and benefits that must be analyzed in the context of the entire project. The size of the inverter will depend on the number of PV modules and whether more modules are to be added later . Other considerations are the kWh monitoring and reporting features, such as whether the inverter can send production data through a wireless Internet connection.
The inverter must usually be replaced usually 10 to 15 years into the project. This cost must be configured into the project budget.
Location?
Inverters work most efficiently in cool, clean conditions.
Inverters work most efficiently in cool, clean conditions.
Installation structure?
PV modules may be installed on building roofs (flat or tilted), or mounted on standing poles, along hillsides, in gardens or commercial landscape areas or in open fields.
In fact any unshaded solid structure that will last 10 or more years provides a good solar installation location. It is common to install the system in conjunction with a re-roofing project, or when creating a dual-benefit structure with integrated PV .
The system may be mounted on a flat roof, using no- penetration ballast anchors, or on poles with dual tracking to maximize production.
Solar Partner provides corporate, small business and individual domestic customers with solar PV energy systems. We offer free no obligation surveys, system design, product supply and installation of your Solar Photovoltaic system for the Midlands area including Milton Keynes, Northampton, Buckinghamshire and Luton areas. Solar Partner is an MCS accredited company and completes all works in accordance with G83 & G59.
We design, build and install solar PV systems of any type and size; from domestic installation to small businesses to large commercial farms and office buildings including schools. Creating efficient attractive PV energy systems that perform well in the UK climate, we can help you reduce your electricity bills and generate income through the Feed in tariff (FiT). Using our solar computer software PVSOL we can design a solar system to optimise the kWh output from your roof to ensure that you obtain a high FiT return. Our goal is to reduce your carbon foot print and to ensure that you maximise your return on investment.
Based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, we also work with companies, individual customers and farmers in the surrounding areas Bedford, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Luton, Cambridge, Buckingham, Aylesbury, Towcester Wellingborough and Dunstable to provide excellent value for money solar energy installations.
Based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, we also work with companies, individual customers and farmers in the surrounding areas Bedford, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Luton, Cambridge, Buckingham, Aylesbury, Towcester Wellingborough and Dunstable to provide excellent value for money solar energy installations.
Solar energy for Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire
If you live in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire areas, Solar Partner can help. We can design, supply, install and commission a solar PV energy system suitable for your needs. Our experience in solar photovoltaic’s, project management and construction will ensure the best system for you at competitive price.
Solar Power for residential and domestic houses
If you have a south, east or west facing roof that is exposed to the sun then we can design a solar polycrystalline panel system for you. Maximising your roof area we will install a roof mounting system that will maintain the water integrity of your roof whist providing you with a highly efficient and value for money solar power system. Make money from you roof today - earn 41.3 pence for every kilowatt you produce and extra 3.0 pence for every kilowatt you export to the national grid. Payback periods can be as low as 8 years giving you 17 years of free electricity. Increase the value of your home whilst reducing your carbon foot print.
Solar photovoltaic energy for - Farms
Solar Partner is working with many farmers in Bedford, Aylesbury, Buckingham, Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Northampton and Hertford to install quality solar power systems on their barns and outbuilding roofs. Solar Partner understands the needs of farmers and how much electricity they need and when. Solar PV electricity reduces the farms annual operating costs whilst providing a regular income stream from the FiT payments. Solar PV will also protect farms against rising electricity prices enabling better financial planning.
Solar photovoltaic energy for - Commercial buildings
Solar Partner is working with many companies in Milton Keynes, Bedford, Cambridge, Northampton and Hertford to install quality solar power systems on their business premises roofs. Solar Partner understands the needs of building managers and company owners. Solar Partner can help you to make more use from your roof whilst reducing your electricity bill providing a regular income stream from the FiT payments. A Solar energy system will also protect you and your company against rising electricity prices to enable better financial planning.
Solar Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline Panels for standalone systems
Solar Partner is an active solar energy company in Newport Pagnell area. We sell solar panels for caravans, narrow boats and remote applications. We also supply charges control regulators, electrical cabling, connectors and mounting systems.
Solar energy products
With state of the art computer aided design software we are able to ensure the best solar system for your building. We use leading SMA, Diehl AKO and Fronius inverters together with best in Class Moser Baer solar panels and Hilti mounting systems to provide efficient and best quality solar PV installations. All projects are completed in accordance with G83, G59 and MCS requirements.
PV Cycle
Solar Partner is a PV Cycle collection point meaning that once your solar panels have reached the end of the their usable life we can ensure they are recycled to minimise the impact on our environment. You only need one company to assist you with your every aspect of your solar Photovoltaic installation.
Solar Partner Ltd. 19 London Road, Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire.
Registered in England and Wales Nr. 6956056
VAT Nr. 996 0895 51
MCS Nr. 13275
All rights reserved by Solar Partner Ltd 2010