Solar PV
Different types of solar PV systems
Solar PV utilises free energy from the sun to generate electricity. It relies on daylight (rather than radiation)
The electricity produced by Solar PV can drive any appliance that is powered by electricity. An inverter (usually situated in the loft) converts the DC current into usable AC current that can be used as power.
A 1.80kW Solar PV System (10 x 180W modules) should produce around 1,693kWh of electricity per annum (this figure may vary, depending on location). To put this into perspective, the average household usage is 9-10kWh per day.
Location of modules
The location of PV modules is vitally important. They must receive the maximum amount of daylight possible, so it is not advisable to install them in situations where surrounding buildings or trees may cast shadows. The best location for a PV solar module is on a south-facing roof or side of a building.Photovoltaic (PV)
PV technology works by using solar cells or photovoltaic arrays to convert sunlight into electricity. Currently, the biggest market for this technology is Germany, where since the introduction of their feed-in tariff system the Erneuerbare Energien Gesetz (EEG) there has been a huge demand for PV technology. Elsewhere, the PV industry has grown by forty-eight per cent each year since 2002, making it by far the fastest growing energy technology. Historically, PV technology has been used to power spacecraft, in particular satellites but today the vast majority of this technology is used for the generation of power. .
Stand Alone System - Solar PV
Solar Photovoltaic Panels, or Solar PV Panels for short, is a technology in which daylight is converted into electrical power. It uses energy from the sun to create electricity that will operate electrical appliances and lighting
Solar PV Panels - Photovoltaics
Solar PV panels require only daylight, not necessarily sunlight, and are therefore capable of generating electricity on cloudy days. Solar PV panels work equally well in urban or rural locations. They can be installed on the roof of most homes that can support the equipment and can easily be connected to a building’s electricity supply.
Benefits of Solar PV - Photovoltaics
When in use, Solar PV panels do not generate greenhouse gases or cause pollution. Each kilowatt-peak (kWp) of electricity produced can save approximately 455 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions compared with electricity generated from fossil fuels.
Available Sunlight for Solar PV Panels - Photovoltaics
The amount of available sunlight in the UK varies with the latitude of the site. The south of the country has more available light than the north. The total annual energy available varies from approximately 1,259 kWh per metre squared per year in the South-West of England to 850 kWh per metre squared per year in Scotland. The light energy also varies during different seasons of the year with more daylight available in the summer than in the winter.
Siting of Solar Integrated PV - Solar Photovoltaic Panels
Solar PV panels can be attached to pitched roofs or flat roofs, fixed vertically onto external walls or located on the ground. They can also be integrated into patent glazing or rain screen cladding systems. They should work efficiently in most locations as long as no part of the panel is shaded from the sun.
Electricity requirements vary depending on the size of your house and how energy-efficient the building and appliances are. With a Solar PV system you will be able to reduce electricity bills because the system will supply some or all of your power rather than mains electricity. If Grant Solar PV is connected through a grid system, it will automatically take electricity from the national grid at times of low generation, for example at night. There is no need to manually switch the system this will be done instantly.
Different types of solar PV systems:
On-roof systems
An on-roof solar PV system (also called a stand-off or bolt-on system) offers very good value for money and is a simple way to install PV panels onto an existing roof. It is the most common PV system installed on homes today. This type of system comprises stainless steel or galvanised brackets which are attached to the roof battens or rafters and an aluminium mounting rail system specifically designed to fit the PV panels. The panels are fixed to the rails using special clamps and then connected together to form the working electrical PV array. Planning permission is not generally required but will probably be necessary if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
In-roof systems
An in-roof PV system is integrated with the roof. The PV panels are installed flush with the roof and so this type of system is considered to have less of a visual impact than an on-roof one. They are more expensive than on-roof systems but still offer good value for money and are also suitable for existing roofs. Planning permission is not generally required unless your property is listed or in a conservation area.
Solar PV tiles
Solar PV roof tiles and slates are the perfect choice for a new-build or if you are re-roofing your home or need to maintain the look of the roof . Solar PV tiles fit directly into the roof, replacing conventional roof tiles or slates. This means that the appearance of the roof line is not altered. Solar PV tiles are compatible with many existing conventional tile and slate products. This type of system is more expensive than the other two and can be slightly less efficient. Again, planning permission is not generally required.
Flat roof systems
A flat roof PV system can be fitted to an existing roof and can be aligned for optimum orientation to the sun and tilt. Their efficiency is comparable to on-roof PV systems. However, care must be taken to ensure that the roof structure can take the extra weight. The frames required can make them more expensive and planning permission is required.
Ground mounted systems
A ground mounted system does not require a roof and is ideal for larger systems if you have the space. The system can also be aligned for optimum orientation and tilt angle. In this type of system the PV panels are mounted on frames on the ground or can be raised above the ground on mounting poles. However, planning permission will be required and ground works e.g. trenches may also be required which can drive up costs
immerys PVt60 Solar Roof Tile
30 year water-tightness and anti-corrosion roof guarantee
Integrates seemingly into the roof for increased aesthetics
Manufactured by the world’s leaders in industrial materials
Used by National Housebuilders for Code for Sustainable Homes
Makes use of existing trades on site
Solar Roof Tiles
Solar Cube is proud to distribute the unique PVt60 Solar Roof Tile, which integrates within a tiled pitched roof. The solar tiles, or solar slates as they are otherwise known, are solar panels which increase the aesthetics for a solar home. This product offers a duel warranty on the performance on the solar tiles, and water tightness of the roof for 30 years. Imerys are the world’s leaders in industrial materials, and one of the largest importers of clay tiles into the UK market. Working with their partners in Europe, they have developed the unique building integrated in-roof solar roof tile.
30 Year Water Tight Finish
The waterproof panel frames have been designed to interlock with each other, and with the surrounding tiles. This allows the system to obtain a watertight finish, and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The modular format of the solar panels ensures its ease of application on a variety of installations, both large and small.
Planning Guidelines
As planning guidelines become more onerous, the use of renewable technology is becoming desirable for builders and developers. The ecological advantages of solar power, a clean energy source with a high level of reliability, is widely seen by builders and developers as the number one choice of renewable energy for the UK. Due to the PVt60 solar tile being discreetly integrated into the roof, it is often approved by Local Authority Planners over other renewable energy options which have been considered unsuitable.
TF Plate Professional
Lightweight at 10kg/m²
Laid flat to a pitch as low as 3°
Easy mounting on profile sheet metal
Makes use of existing substructures
Optimum yields due to use of Triple Junction Technology
Industrial Solar Products
The TF Plate Professional has been designed to retro-fit existing industrial and metal roofs. This simple method of installation makes use of the existing substructure. The unique cells from Uni-Solar® enables the TF Plate Professional to be laid flat onto low pitched roofs, ideal for traditional metal roof buildings.
The plate system is mounted to the existing substructure with water sealing rivets, bolted through the module and the roof. Fixing adhesive is applied to safe guard the roof and ensures it remains sealed. The panels are layered onto each other to offer additional protection.
The TF Plate Professional is the ideal solution to maximise profit from the introduction of the UK Feed-In Tariff, which was introduced in 2010.
Back to TopPDF Downloads:
Imerys PVt60 System sizes (25 kB)
Imerys PVt60 Technical data sheet (21 kB)
Imerys PVt Guarantee (1.4 MB)
Imerys PVt60 Installation guide (5.8 MB)
Imerys Solar roof tile range (1.1 MB)
Renewable Heat Incentive (1.1 MB)
