Solar Power

Photovoltaic panels – or solar panels – convert sunlight into electricity. PV panels have grown massively in popularity, with production growing by nearly half every year for the last five years. Solar power has been described as the solution to our future energy requirements and yet there are limitations with the technology.

Conventional PV panels – the most common form of domestic solar power in the UK – are still relatively expensive. Some figures suggested early domestic solar power systems could take more than 200 years to repay their initial cost. Another important consideration, the “energy payback” time, also warns that solar may have some hurdles to overcome. Traditional panels may take as much as ten years to repay the energy used in their production. Crystalline silicon versions are a marked improvement in this respect.

Costs

The cost of a solar power system can vary hugely. A single PV panel – of around two square metres – installed and generating electricity, can cost as little as £4000. More substantial systems, providing for a significant proportion of the total household energy requirements, can cost upwards of £10,000. Whilst prices are dropping slowly, solar power is still a relatively expensive alternative when comparing initial costs.

Efficiency

There are also questions regarding efficiency. Whilst high level panels achieve 40%, standard domestic versions are still at less than 20%. In addition, the UK’s climate is not ideally suited to solar power. Systems will run at reduced efficiency in the winter months. Many days are overcast and so provide poor conditions for power generation, though some areas of the country are better suited than others.

Clearly there are a great number of variables which will determine how much electricity a solar panel produces. In real terms the energy produced by an average domestic solar panel in the UK is around 700-1000kwH per year. This represents around one quarter of the average household’s energy requirements. Once installed this is free – and more importantly emission free – electricity.

The technology is a dramatic improvement on electricity from coal and gas power stations. The lifecyle of modern panels is around 20-30 years, so they will ultimately repay their energy, and more. Financial considerations, it may be argued, are secondary in the case of solar power. Energy costs continue to rise, and so PV panels are likely to represent better value in the future.

Integration

Solar power is also relatively simple to integrate into an existing home power supply. Excess can be sold back to the national grid, and this energy can then be used locally, which further increases energy efficiency. Panels generally require little if any maintenance, are silent and unobtrusive.

Ensure proper research is conducted into planning permission before investing in solar power for the home. Whilst the installation of one solar panel to the roof of a private home may often be permitted without planning permission, it cannot be assumed that this will be the case. Some areas will not allow panels because of rules regarding conservation, for example. Check first, as this will guarantee there are no problems at a later stage.