What is a Photovoltaic System

What is a Photovoltaic System

What is a Photovoltaic System

This is a commonly asked question by the uninitiated. A photovoltaic system (or PV system) system is an installation of solar panels that you can use to provide electricity and if you generate more energy than you need you can feed it back into the grid.

Domestic PV systems have 2 main installations options. Existing properties tend to go for an "on-roof" mounting system, where the panels sit slightly above the roof area. This causes the least disruption with the existing roofing structure and tiling. The alternative is an "in-roof" system where the panels replace tiles in the roof. This is most suited to a new house of a house that is having the roof replaced.

PV panels produce energy even on overcast days as they use not only direct sunlight but also diffuse solar radiation. The question is how do you get your energy at night? Well a domestic installation will usually be connected to the national grid so that you can purchase energy from the national grid in the night time.

PV installations are also available for commercial and industrial. Freeholders, in particular, can use the scheme effectively to generate income. They can use a large land based installation to produce energy to sell back to the grid. They also work well on agricultural buildings to produce energy, where it is difficult to connect to the national grid.

Most roofs are strong and big enough for a domestic installation. The panels are reasonably robust as they have to stand up to bad weather on a frequent basis. It's worth approaching the Council to see if the planned system will require planning permission. When choosing a company to install your PV system, ensure that you look for a MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited company.

There are, of course, other forms of alternative energy such as wind power, water power and geothermal energy but these are far less suited to a domestic installation!

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