Solar PV

Solar PV:

Electricity produced from sunlight is the cleanest form of electricity generation.

How does Solar PV work?

-Solar PV refers to solar photovoltaic systems, which convert daylight into electricity using layers of semiconducting material.

-This material is made out of silicon and when exposed to natural light the panels produce a direct electrical current (DC) which is then converted into mains compatible alternating electrical current (AC) by an inverter.

-This AC electricity can then be used to power your buildings and its contents via your existing wiring, or be fed back to the National Grid.

-Importantly, for the UK, Solar PV produces energy from daylight, not direct sunlight, so cloud cover and our variable weather does not significantly undermine performance.

Did You Know?

The total amount of energy from solar radiation received by the earth’s surface is 10,000 times our global energy consumption.

Solar panels actually conduct electricity better in colder climates. Solar PV cells will ‘pay back’ the energy that was required for their manufacture within 1.5 – 2 years of their lifetime, which can be up to 40 years.

Over 95% of solar cells are produced using silicon, which is the second most common element in the Earth’s crust.

What are the benefits of Solar PV?

By installing a solar PV system, your organisation is able to harness the free energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. This, in turn, lowers energy costs by way of less usage of energy from your supplier. It also gives you the chance to earn money through the UK Feed-in-Tariff  scheme which is guaranteed for 20 years. Most importantly, however, installing a solar PV system helps reduce greenhouse gases, as energy use associated with buildings accounts for around 50% of UK CO2 emissions. So you can rest easy, knowing you’ve done your bit for the environment and reducing the effects of climate change.

Corporate responsibility and environmental aims:

Many companies wish to work in a way that promotes sustainability and reduce waste. This can be a powerful message to your workforce and customers and can be incorporated into your company aims for the future.