Solar Photovoltaics

Green Deal Solar Panels

Solar photovoltaics are solar panels that covert sunlight into direct current electricity. The technology has moved forward in recent years and shows no sign of diminishing, the increase in production of these systems has seen a direct fall in costs for installation and manufacture.

Domestic systems are usually mounted on south facing roof tops, pitching the panels towards the sun helps with the efficiency so even flat roof properties can take advantage of the savings that can be achieved.

Initial costs are higher than Thermal solar water heating but savings can be significant, usually 40% of all electricity needs can be met by an average system. The high installation cost can be offset by the savings and so will be adhering to the ‘Golden Rule’, of the Green Deal.

The Energy Trust has statistics which predict that an average system can produce 2.9 kWp. A 2.9kWp system can generate up to 2,500 kilowatt hours of electricity a year and costs an average of £11,700 to install but would generate a payment of £1,200 per year from a feed in tariff, bringing a return on the initial investment within 10 years. After the tenth year the consumer would be making money from their investment.

With the rise in electricity prices this particular technology will play a significant part in the Green Deal and become much more wide spread.