Anglia Renewable Energy

How much power do we use in our home?

Everyone consumes energy, but sometimes it is had to know just how much power is really being used in the home. Domestic energy usage is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) and the best way to understand what this means is to look at what a kWh does in every day life.
A kWh of electricity can provide:
1200 electric shaves
Drying your hair 15 times
Listening to 15 CD'S
Using a small refrigerator for 24 hours
Microwaving 20 meals
4 evenings of light with 60W incandescent lamps
An average 3 bedroom house uses between 9-10kWh per day

What is a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system?

A Solar Photovoltaic system (or Solar PV as it is commonly known) is a renewable technology which utilises free energy from the sun to generate electricity. The electricity produced by Solar PV can be used to drive anything from an appliance to a light bulb that is usually powered by the mains electrical supply.

How does Solar PV work?

Solar PV relies on daylight to generate power through the use of photovoltaic cells within roof mounted panels (modules). These modules are generally fixed to a roof and connected by cables into an inverter. The inverter then takes the Direct Current (DC) electricity produced by the modules and converts it into Alternating Current (AC), the same as the electricity that comes from the National Grid. This is then either consumed within the property or sold back to the power supplier.

What is the difference between Solar PV and Solar Thermal?

As previously mentioned, Solar PV systems use energy from the sun to generate electricity with roof mounted modules. Solar Thermal employs roof mounted collectors to absorb energy from the sun. These collectors are usually connected to the lower coil of a twin-coil cylinder via a sealed circuit containing a special glycol/water solution. The pump in the system circulates the heated fluid from the collector to the cylinder, where the stored water is heated for use in the home.

What happens when the weather is cloudy or cold?

Solar PV panels use light to generate electricity, so the modules still work when it is cloudy, although when it is overcast they are less efficient. When it is slightly overcast, the panels may produce as much as half the power they would in sunny conditions. When the sky is heavily overcast, this could reduce further. Temperature is less important than how much light there is. What’s more, a clear cold day is perfect, because pv modules operate better at cooler temperatures.

Where Did PV come from?

In 1839, a French scientist named Edmund Bacquerel discovered the photovoltaic principle and the first basic solar cell was developed some 40 years later. However, today’s photovoltaic technologies were developed in the 1950s and 1960s for uses including satellites, spacecraft, electronic watches and calculators. The idea behind the domestic use of PV to provide renewable power for the home, has now been established for over 20 years.

What are the key benefits of Solar PV?

The Solar PV system has many unique features. It is available in simple kit form ranging from half a kW (0.50kW, two to three modules) to 4.00kW (16 modules) for most domestic properties, making ordering straightforward. Bespoke systems of almost any size can also be designed and supplied using the same basic components found in the kits. The systems utilise MCS Accredited 180-300 Watt monocrystalline Solar PV modules. The module frames are made from corrosion-proof, anodised aluminium and meet the highest requirements in terms of stability and durability.

What is the difference between polycrystalline and mono-crystalline modules?

The polycrystalline modules use cells made from a multi crystalline silicon material with a blue marbled appearance. The mono-crystalline modules have cells of a darker appearance, almost black in colour. These are produced from a pure single crystal silicon, resulting in a cell which is very slightly higher in efficiency than the multi-crystalline silicon cell. Thus the mono-crystalline modules are typically smaller in physical size than a polycrystalline one of the same output. We offer both systems.

What mounting options are available for Solar PV?

There are several different mounting arrangements available including on-roof, in-roof and flat-roof (by special order),with both landscape and portrait module installations possible.

What is the life expectancy of a PV Module?

PV modules have a life span of over 25 years, but should last much longer since there are no moving parts.

How long is a PV system guaranteed for?

PV Systems are covered by a unique ten year warrantee both by Anglia Renewable Energy and the manufacturer’s guarantee, subject to the system and its components e.g. inverter, modules, etc. being supplied by Anglia Renewable Energy Ltd. Our PV modules also carry up to a 25-year performance guarantee as follows: Performance guarantee to 90% output minimum after 12 years. Performance guarantee to 80% output minimum after 25 years. We also jointly monitor the system 365 days a year for its entire lifespan and will be able to alert you if their is a problem.

How many Solar PV modules are needed to produce a kW of electricity?

Solar PV modules will produce a maximum output of between 180-250 watts pending on which modules you use each in bright sunlight (warranted under standard test conditions ‘STC’). This is written as 180Wp (watts peak). For example, if four modules are connected together they will produce 4 x 250 =1000 Wp or 1.00kWp (kilowatts peak). In the case of a 200Wp panel, 5 panels would be necessary to achieve 5 x 200 = 1000 Wp.

What size Solar PV System do I need?

Electricity requirements vary depending on the size of your house and how energy-efficient the building and appliances are. A standard three-bedroom house consumes approximately 3300 kWh of electricity per annum, excluding heating and cooking (Source: Energy Savings Trust).To put this into perspective, a 4.00kW Solar PV System (approximately 16 panels) should produce around 3,285kWh* of electricity per annum. For a more accurate calculation of your household electricity consumption, either check with your energy supplier or refer to previous electricity bills.

* Dependant on several factors including aspect and angle.

How is the electricity produced by a Solar PV system connected to the electrical system in my house?

The DC power produced by the solar PV modules is converted to AC by an inverter and this is connected to the electrical system of the property, usually via a 16A circuit breaker in the consumer unit.

I have heard a system can be installed as an ‘off-grid’ arrangement. What does this mean?

If you live in a situation where there is no electricity or connecting to the Grid is not possible, an ‘off-grid’ solar PV system (commonly referred to as an ‘island system’) could be installed. This system incorporates a number of batteries charged from the DC output of the PV modules, so that any excess power is stored for times of no solar gain. An inverter is then used to convert the DC power from the batteries into AC, to supply the electrical system/appliances.

Do I always need to store the electricity generated in batteries?

Batteries are not used if the system is ‘grid connected’, that is to say it is connected to the electrical supply network, via the electrical system in the property.

What happens to the electricity produced by solar modules that is not used in my house?

With a ‘Grid-connected’ system, any excess power generated is fed back into the electrical supply Grid. If you have an island system, the excess power would be stored in the batteries for later use.

How can the amount of electricity generated by a Solar PV system be checked?

A ‘generation’ meter installed between the inverter and consumer unit, will record the power supplied by the Solar PV installation. This is the meter you will be required to read for your feed-in-tariff payments.

Can I sell the electricity I generate back to the power supplier?

Most electricity suppliers will pay for power fed into the Grid (feed-in) from domestic Solar PV systems. The easiest way to do this is by signing up to a ‘Buy Back’ or ‘Feed-in Tariff’ scheme with your power supplier. There are two main types of tariff available: Generation: You are paid for all of the electricity that your solar PV system generates even if you consume it in your home. Export: You are paid for just the electricity that is exported back to the Grid and not for any electricity you have consumed

What are Feed-in Tariffs (FiT)?

In the Energy Act 2008, powers for a feed-in-tariff system were laid out. On the 15^th July 2009 an announcement was made to introduce the new standard generation feed-in-tariffs (FiT)system, due to start on the 1^st April 2010. These rates are guaranteed for 25 years for most renewable technologies.
This scheme results in a shorter payback for Solar PV systems, making them an extremely attractive green option for almost any home.

Due to the current review surrounding the change in feed-in-tariff some installations may be subject to the new Government proposed changes, please contact us to discuss where your installation will stand in regards to these changes.

Any Solar PV system installed after the 15th July 2009 is eligible for this Feed-in Tariff at the above rate, provided the system uses MCS approved equipment and has been fitted by an MCS accredited installer

Does the power company and/or the local network operator need to be consulted before installing a Solar PV system?

Yes, it is recommended that you contact your energy supplier before you purchase and install a Solar PV system, as they may wish to fit an additional meter. You should also enquire about green export/feed-in tariffs. There are several now available through different suppliers, so it is advised that you speak to several power companies about their particular schemes. For systems installed on a single phase supply with an installed capacity of 4.0kWp and under (most domestic systems), the local network operator must be notified of the installation of a grid-connected Solar PV system, however this can be done post installation and is usually completed by your installer.

For systems sized between 4.0kWp and 11.0kWp please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will be able to advise further.

For larger systems of 11.0kWp and above installed on a three phase supply, connection permission must be obtained from your local DNO before work can commence on site. If you are unsure of your local DNO please contact us

Will Solar PV protect my house from power cuts?

Not if it is a ‘grid-connected’ system. As a safety requirement the inverter constantly monitors the supply grid and must shut down immediately if the power supply fails. This is to protect engineers that may be working on a nearby line for example. It will automatically restart when the power supply is reinstated on the grid. The inverter needs a 230V electrical supply to convert the DC from the Solar modules to AC.

What happens when there is little or no sunlight, e.g. during winter months?

Solar PV modules do produce more electricity on bright, sunny days, however this is not a necessity. Even in the winter months when the sun is lower or the skies are overcast, Solar PV modules can still produce some electricity. The output will just be reduced.

What is the minimum number of Solar PV modules that can be installed?

The minimum number of Grant Solar PV modules that can be installed is ‘one’.

What is the maximum number of Solar PV modules that can be installed?

DNO permission prior to installation would ultimately determine the maximum size of system allowed to be installed at a specific site. Theoretically though, there is no maximum number of Solar PV modules that can be installed in a system, however, in very large installations, modules will be split into groups (known as ‘strings’). Each of these strings will then be connected to its own inverter. The more strings made, the more inverters needed. The number of modules in a string will vary depending on the type of inverter used.

How long does a Solar PV system take to install?

This varies depending on the size of system. A standard domestic grid-connected 3.0kWp Solar PV system should only take a day to install.

Can I increase the size of my Solar PV system in the future by adding additional solar module?

Yes, it is possible to do this, providing there is sufficient roof space with the correct orientation and the maximum input to the inverter is not exceeded if more modules are connected to it.Your installer can advise you when required.

Do the PV modules have to be installed at an angle? Can they be laid flat?

A PV module should be fitted at an angle of around 30 degrees to optimise the amount of light available across the year. A module fitted outside this angle would see a reduction in module output and affect the performance of the system.

Can Solar PV modules be fitted on a roof facing in any direction?

Ideally Solar PV modules should face South to achieve the maximum power output. Modules facing Southeast or Southwest will produce a slightly reduced amount of power.

Will planning permission be required to install Solar PV modules on the roof of my house?

In some circumstances, you may need planning permission to install Solar PV modules. This may be if you live in a listed building or conservation area. You should always check with your Local Authority before purchasing and installing a solar PV system. A flat roof installation will require planning if mounted on a framework along with a structural engineers report, due to the effects of wind pressure, etc.

How much will a Solar PV System cost?

For a grid-connected Solar PV system, there are a range of standard on-roof kits starting from the smallest 0.50kWp pack up to 4.00kWp. Larger bespoke on-roof, in-roof and flat roof kits are available by special order and prices will vary depending on components. Typically, a 2kWp system would cost around £8000 to purchase, including 8 x modules, an on-roof mounting system to suit, inverter, DC isolator, 32A AC isolator, cables and connectors.

What maintenance is required for a Solar PV system?

If the Solar PV system is grid-connected, it will need very little maintenance. An annual visual inspection should be carried out which usually includes checks such as ensuring the modules are not in shade (by any surrounding growing trees) and in a clean condition (no routine cleaning is required as normal dirt build up is removed by rain).It is however, still recommended that a qualified electrician checks the wiring and system components within a 10 year period, in accordance with the current IE Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition. Angia Renewable Energy can do this or can recommend a qualified electrical engineer to carry out this annual check, if required.

Is Solar PV MCS approved?

Yes, All of the Solar PV modules we use are listed on the MCS Approved Register. Anglia Renewable Energy is also an MCS approved installer, householders will be able to access the Government Feed-In Tariffs (FiT) introduced on 1st April 2010. For approval numbers, please visit the MCS website - Micro Generation Certificate