Save money with own solar power

Feb 23 2010 by Gary Beckwith, The Journal

WITH energy shortages in the news its good to know that businesses and homeowners can take control of their own energy requirements by using solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.

And, with the recent Government announcement about the Feed in Tariff (FIT), they can also make money by selling excess energy back to the National Grid.

North East renewable Energy experts, Sol2o, have provided the following information to help you understand the issues and enormous advantages of this technology.

What is Solar PV?

Solar PV panels and roof tiles generate electricity using the energy from the sun. PV produces energy from daylight and does not require direct sunlight, and will even produce energy on dull, overcast days. The electricity produced from your property’s PV panels will either be used in your building or sold back to your energy provider.

What are the benefits of Solar PV?

There are many benefits to PV technology. Sol2o have highlighted some of the main benefits below.

PV panels provide your very own clean, independent, renewable power source.

The Feed in Tariff will mean energy generators will be paid a rate for the total electricity produced and the total electricity exported back to electricity providers.

The generation tariff has been set between 29.5p and 41.3p.

The Export Tariff has been set at a minimum of 3p.

A typical 2.5kw PV system can reduce your electricity bills by up to £140.

A Typical 2.5kw PV system can yield £900 per year.

PV will increase the value of your property or building premises.

PV can be installed into either new-build properties or older properties.

PV systems are maintenance free.

PV panels have a warranty of 25 years and a life expectancy of up to 60 years.

PV Systems are silent in operation.

Installation is clean with minimal disruption and no extra space is needed inside your property.

A typical PV installation will normally pay for itself within 10 years (utilising the FIT).

PV can make people self-sufficient when it comes to power supply.

Who can benefit from Solar PV?

Businesses, homeowners, public sector and charitable organisations can all benefit from PV technology.

Installing PV panels on a property or premises will instantly provide the ability to produce electricity.

Businesses who install Solar PV panels may be eligible to receive interest free loans from The Carbon Trust. Larger organisations can be safe in the knowledge that they are contributing towards their corporate social responsibility and their carbon reduction commitment.

Public sector buildings can use it to reduce their carbon reduction targets, while also reducing their energy costs and requirements.

Sol2o is a division of the John N Dunn Group, a leading North East micro-generation energy consultancy and project development company. They offer a complete service in the design, installation, commissioning and operation of a range of renewable energy technologies to both the public and private sector.

Head of Operations at Sol2o, Steve Wigham, said: “We think the PV industry will grow significantly this year as a result of the Feed in Tariff being introduced in April 2010. This will be a fantastic boost for the microgeneration market in the UK.”

Contact Sol2o on 0800 280 0020 or visit www.sol2o.co.uk

Step by step solar PV installation

SOL2O are experts in this technology and one of a small number of North East businesses who are MCS accredited, which enables them to fit PV. Sol20 follow a straightforward procedure when installing PV technology.

Step 1: Sol2o conduct a free, no obligation assessment of your building or property for its suitability for PV installation.

Step 2: Sol2o design the solar PV system most suited to your property using the most appropriate PV technology to optimise your energy production, including an assessment of the electricity that will be generated.

Step 3: Sol2o provide an economic evaluation of the electricity production potential, showing expected returns on your investment, including your FIT.

Step 4: Sol2o ensure that your solar PV installation receives all the necessary permissions (if any) and you receive all the necessary grants or capital allowances available to you.

Step 5: Sol2o installs your PV system using our own MCS accredited engineers and, wherever possible, use products that are manufactured in the North East.

Step 6: Sol2o manage the connection of your PV to the national grid, activates the FIT and commissions your system to operate at its maximum potential.