We are all very much aware of the need to reduce our energy consumption and to use energy more wisely. We are also aware of the need to generate energy from renewable sources; one of which is Photovoltaic electricity or PV for short.
PV works by taking radiation from the sun and converting it in to direct current (DC) which is then inverted into alternating current (AC) for use in our homes through our normal 3-pin sockets. There are 4 principle components of a PV system and these are: PV panels; high grade cables; current inverter; measurement meter.
Once these items are correctly installed any daylight falling on the panels will create some electrical current. However, to make a system viable and operate properly the panels require a high level of the sun’s radiation. Therefore it is important that the panels must face as close to due South as possible, be free from any shading and be at a pitch of approximately 30 degrees from horizontal to be most effective.
The location in the UK also plays a major part in the effectiveness of PV systems and the closer you get to the South coast and in particular the South West the better the PV system will perform.
The UK Government has created legislation that will encourage the purchase and installations of these PV systems on domestic dwellings through the introduction of a Feed In Tariff (FIT). Any electricity generated by an approved domestic PV installation will qualify for the FIT which is a fixed sum paid for each Kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity generated for the next 25 years. At present the typical cost of electricity from the National Grid could be in the region of 15 pence per kWh. As well as saving this amount by using the electricity generated by the PV installation the FIT will pay up to 41.3 pence per kWh to the owner of the PV installation; thus providing an income stream and a reduction in electricity bills. The cost of a typical PV installation is in the region of £12,000 to £18,000 per property.
Checkmate is currently reviewing the systems available and looking to partner with an organisation that may be able to supply these systems for new properties at low or no cost to the developer in return for receiving the investment income from the FIT.
If you would be interested in finding out whether your new homes could be suitable for a PV installation at low or no cost then please contact us to register your interest.
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