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Photovoltaic systems

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Renewables Ltd 2008,

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APOLLO RENEWABLES LTD

Sustainable energy for this generation and the next

 

SUPPLY  AND  INSTALLATION  OF  SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC  AND  WIND TURBINE  SYSTEMS

What is a photovoltaic system

A solar photovoltaic system is basically a renewable energy generator that converts daylight into electricity. A photovoltaic (PV) system will generate electricity from diffuse light as well as direct sunlight, meaning the system works even on cloudy days. With a grid connected system, the solar PV generator works in parallel with the mains power supply.   

 

The PV product

The main components of any PV system are the modules, typically mounted on a pitched roof however there are several other installation options available. The modules can be installed above roof tiles or other covering (most common for retro-fit installations) or integrated into the roof itself. Please see our PV mounting options page for more details. PV systems are reliable, practically silent in operation and almost maintenance free.   

 

The energy

The energy generated from the PV modules is converted into grid quality AC electricity by an inverter. With a grid connected system this energy is then fed straight into the electrical supply via the fuse board. The inverter also comes with a built in display showing information such as the power generated at that moment in time, voltage and many more values. More detailed monitoring equipment is also available.  

 

How does it work with my electric supply

During the day energy from the PV system will be fed into the main electrical supply to power electrical appliances, with any excess exported to the grid. When the PV system is not generating enough (and at night) the shortfall in electricity will come from the mains electrical grid supply. Please note that during a power cut a grid connected system will stop operating, this is to ensure the safety of maintenance personnel who could be working on the grid network.  

 

… and how much energy will it generate

A typical PV system will generate approximately 750kWh – 850kWh for every kWp installed (kWp stands for kilo-watt-peak and refers to the maximum power that could be generated by the PV system in good generating conditions). Put simply a 2kWp PV system will generate approximately 1,600kWh per year, this amount is approximately half of the electrical energy used within a typical domestic property.

 

Do I need planning permission

In most cases PV systems are included within permitted development rights, however exceptions are made for installations on listed buildings, systems in conservation areas and locations classed as areas of outstanding natural beauty. In all cases Apollo Renewables can provide information and help guide you through the planning application process if applicable.

 

You can sell your energy to the grid

All major energy suppliers (and many of the smaller ones) offer the Government’s Clean Energy Payback payments, more commonly know as the Feed-in Tariff (FIT). Energy suppliers have to pay the generator a premium amount for the energy a system generates, irrespective if used within the building or exported to the grid. See our funding page for more details.

 

Our warranty and guarantee

As standard, all our systems come with a 5 year installation warranty and manufacturer’s product warranties (5 years for inverters, 10 years for mounting systems and 25 years for module power output). Apollo Renewables also offer a free system check after the 1st and 2nd year of installation to ensure the system is operating at its optimum.

 

Size of system, cost and energy generation

Due to the modular nature of a PV system any size is possible, however for a general guide some facts and figures about typical sized retro-fit systems are below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above costs are based on a retrofit installation over a concrete tiled roof. Actual costs would be dependent on site factors and the roof covering type. Please note that VAT for homeowners is rated at 5%, and zero rated for new build domestic properties.  

 

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