Photovoltaic (solar panels)
Photovoltaics (PV)
This is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels composed of a number of cells containing a photovoltaic material. Materials most commonly used for photovoltaics include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon. Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, the manufacturing of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced considerably in recent years.
Driven by advances in technology and increases in manufacturing scale and sophistication, the cost of photovoltaics has declined steadily since the first solar cells were manufactured. Net metering and financial incentives, such as preferential feed-in tariffs for solar-generated electricity, have supported solar PV installations.
The Feed In Tariffs
Feed-in tariffs in the United Kingdom were first announced in October 2008 by the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, who announced that Britain would implement a scheme by 2010, in addition to its current renewable energy quota scheme (ROCS). In July 2009, he presented details of the scheme, which began in early April 2010.
Feed-In Tariffs (also known as FITs) are the electricity part of what some people call Clean Energy Cashback, a scheme that pays people for creating their own “green electricity”.
The tariffs have been introduced by the Government to help increase the level of renewable energy in the UK towards our legally binding target of 15% of total energy from renewables by 2020 (up from under 2% in 2009).
Tariff levels vary depending on the scale of the installation.
These figures are with effect from 12th December 2011
How do the Feed-In Tariffs help? The Tariffs give three financial benefits:
- A payment for all the electricity you produce, even if you use it yourself.
- Additional bonus payments for electricity you export into the grid.
- A reduction on your standard electricity bill, from using energy you produce yourself
Who are they for?
Broadly speaking, the FITs are for everyone, including households, landlords, businesses and even organisations such as schools and care homes.
What renewable energy systems are eligible?
Most forms of MCS Certified renewable electricity generation in all sizes up to 5 megawatts (enough for a large factory), which are supported by the Renewables Obligation.
Do they cover heating?
No; that will be covered by the Renewable Heat Incentive which also requires that installers and products have MCS Accreditation.
Fill in the site survey form, or contact us by e-mail or telephone for a free, no obligation site survey and quote. Firstly we will assess whether your roof or ground space is right, and then discuss what kind of system you are looking for – advising you on the best way of generating maximum output.
