Ardenham Energy offers a full Solar PV design and installation service to customers in the South, the Midlands and East Anglia. We specialise in "bespoke" solutions rather than just standardised solar electricity offerings. Shading management is one of our strengths, and our experience and the technology we use means that we are able to offer solutions for sites most other installers consider too difficult.
Feed In Tariff update
The government's plan to cut the Feed-In Tariff was ruled unlawful and put on hold, which is was great news for customers who missed the December 12th cut-off date.
However, whilst the Government Department (DECC) have already unanimously lost in the Court of Appeal, there is a very slim chance that they may win if they decide to appeal once again in the Supreme Court. Even a Government cross party committee have severely criticised Decc’s handling of this, and so it is unlikely that they will appeal, let alone win one. Incidentally, with the expectation that they will lose, they are rushing through parliament, law to change the rate with effect from 3rd March 2012 at the proposed rates.
The two possible outcomes are that either:
- The government either does not appeal to the Supreme Court and or loses the appeal, in which case the 43.3p rate will stand until 3rd March 2012;
- The government wins the appeal and all new installations will earn 21p a unit, for the foreseeable future.
Our view is that with the significant falls in the cost of solar PV modules over the past year, there are still great returns to be made at 21p - in many cases beyond 10%.. If the 43.3p rate is held until April, then the returns will be even greater. Therefore it is now a great time to invest in Solar PV – you are guaranteed at least 21p for 25p years, but it is highly likely that it will be the full 43p for this time frame.
Ensure you don't miss out on this great opportunity - call us now on 01296 250 100 or book your FREE site survey by completing the form below:
Solar Electricity Technology
Solar photovoltaic panels (PV) uses energy from the sun to create electricity. PV requires only daylight – not direct sunlight – to generate electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers, causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity...
PV arrays now come in a variety of shapes and colours, ranging from grey 'solar tiles' that look like roof tiles, to panels and transparent cells that you can use on conservatories and glass to provide shading as well as generating electricity. As well as enabling you to generate free electricity they can provide an interesting alternative to conventional roof tiles.
Is my property suitable for Solar Electricity?
You can use PV systems on any building with a roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees of south, as long as no other buildings or large trees overshadow it. If the roof surface is in shadow for parts of the day, the output of the system decreases.
If you intend to have major roof repairs carried out it may be worth exploring PV tiles as they can offset the cost of roof tiles.
Grid connected systems require very little maintenance, generally limited to ensuring that the panels are kept relatively clean and that shade from trees has not become a problem. The wiring and components of the system should however be checked regularly by a qualified technician.
Stand-alone systems, i.e. those not connected to the grid, need maintenance on other system components, such as batteries.
Orientation and Performance Guide for Solar Electricity
UK solar irradiation: Annual Total kWh/m2
Map showing average solar radiation on a 30° incline facing due south. Source: Solar Trade Association
