Solar PV (Photovoltaic)

"Solar doesn't work in the UK as it always rains"

This is a statement we hear all too often, its also a statement that is completely untrue.

Its a little known fact and quite surprising to learn that the UK receives 60% of the
solar energy compared with the equator.

This means that solar technology, whether its solar thermal (water) or PV (Photovoltaic) is
a very viable technology indeed and can provide great energy savings.

 

What is Solar PV

In 1838 the photoelectric effect was discovered by physicist Edmund Becquerel
although it wasn't until the 1950's that the technology was developed enough
to produce efficient working cells. During the 50's and 60's Solar PV was put on
satellites and sent into orbit but it was still too expensive for general use.
The next few decades brought better technology with lower prices and Solar PV was
installed in world-wide remote villages to provide electricity for where there was
no supply. Grid-connected Solar PV has had a massive growth since 1990's
in the more developed countries of the world.

How does it work?

The photovoltaic (PV) process converts sunlight, the most abundant energy source on the
planet directly into electricity. The equipment required for this process
has no moving parts and as a result requires minimal maintenance.
In addition, the electricity is generated with no emissions and no noise.

A PV cell consists of two or more thin layers of semiconducting material,
most commonly silicon. When the cell is exposed to light,
electrical charges are generated and this can be conducted away by
metal contacts as direct current (DC).

The electrical output from a single cell is small, therefore multiple cells
are connected together to provide a more useful output.
Cells connected in this way are encapsulated (usually behind glass)
to form a weatherproof module or panel.

Multiple modules can likewise be connected together in order to provide
sufficient power for common electrical appliances.

 

What are the uses for Solar PV?

PV technology has many applications in the UK, both for stand-alone systems
and for integration onto buildings. PV has been used for many years in the UK
in applications such as monitoring stations, radio repeater stations,
telephone kiosks and street lighting to name just a few examples.
There is also a substantial market for PV technology in the leisure industry, with battery
chargers for boats and caravans, as well as for powering garden equipment such as solar fountains.

In more recent years in the UK, PV has become more widely used in urban areas,
where it can be integrated into new buildings or mounted onto existing buildings.
This is a rapidly growing market in the UK and throughout Europe.
PV technology is ideally suited to the urban environment,
providing pollution and noise free electricity without using extra space.

PV technology is also widely used in the developing world. The technology is
particularly suited here, where electricity grids are unreliable or non-existent,
with remote locations often making PV power supply the most economic option.
In addition, many developing countries have a high level of solar radiation levels year round.

Frenergy offer a range of solar panels for direct sale,
or as part of a Frenergy designed and installed system.

We offer a range of polycrystalline solar photovoltaic panels, together with associated
accessories such as charge controllers, battery system etc.

Call us today for more information on Solar PV!

01604 211200