Solar photovoltaics are reaching grid parity and are expected to provide electricity as cheap as the National Grid by 2012. Solar PV reaching grid parity is fueled by a number of factors including:
- Rising global energy prices
- The rise in local and national legislation, and international commitments designed to reduce carbon emissions
- An increase in subsidy support for PV from national governments
Analysing the cost of photovoltaics should not be considered solely in terms of ‘upfront costs’, since they have many additional benefits:
- The inclusion of PV has been shown to increase house value.
- PV also ‘future proofs’ homes or commercial property against rising fuel prices
- Excess electricity can be sold back to the National Grid, the rate for which varies according to your supplier
Myth 2: PV’s cost makes it the least popular renewable energy:
In October 2006, St James homes surveyed almost 100 potential buyers for their new ‘envirohome’, Kennett Island in Reading. They found that solar thermal and PV were the priority requirements for those considering this new type of home. The BBC also found similar statistics in 2006. PV was rated above a wind turbine, grey water recycling, and other energy saving features. As a maintenance free, long lasting technology, many consumers are attracted by its unique ‘fit and forget’ potential.
Myth 3: PV can’t provide all of my electricity
Individual cases differ according to the energy efficiency of a building and energy consumption, however evidence has shown that it is certainly possible to get a household’s electrical needs out of a PV system. According to Energy Savings Trust, the average household consumes 4,000 kWh per year.
An example of PV producing more electricity than used in a home is presented by the Garside Family: Since their system was installed the Garside family have become suppliers of electricity, consuming just 2,600 kWh a year, which is less than the 2,930kWh they produce. This has allowed them to sell their excess production back to their electricity supplier and feed it into the national grid.
Myth 4: PV uses more energy to produce than it gives back:
There is a common but mistaken notion that solar cells never produce more energy than it takes to make them. The term ‘energy payback’ captures this idea. Reaping the environmental benefits of solar energy requires using energy to make the PV system, but the investment is small. Specifically, paybacks for standard, crystalline modules are two to four years (depending on where they are installed). For new, thin-film modules, ‘energy payback’ times of just one year are anticipated.
Myth 5: Solar thermal is less expensive than PV, so a better option:
Solar thermal systems and solar PV are very different technologies. Solar thermal heats water, while PV creates electricity. Both are excellent means of reducing carbon emissions, and it is possible to have both. However, in terms of reducing carbon emissions, PV avoids more carbon emissions as it displaces grid electricity, which (in the UK) is three times more carbon intensive than gas.
Myth 6: The UK does not receive sufficient sun to make PV worthwhile:
Electricity is produced with daylight, not intense sunlight. Although most effective in sunny climates, the UK is still a suitable market. UK irradiance levels stand at 1000W/m2 for London, with a range of 750W/m2 to 1100W/m2 across the UK. There is little difference between solar irradiation in the Scotland and the south coast of England. In fact, solar electric (PV) panels are routinely used in the polar regions to supply power for test equipment. The UK has similar irradiance levels to Germany and the Netherlands.
Myth 7: It’s hard to get planning permission for PV in the UK:
Local government has taken the initiative to encourage the use of renewable energy. In June 2006 Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning said:
“It is patently absurd that you should be able to put a satellite dish up on your house but should have to wrestle with the planning process for small scale microgeneration which is no more obtrusive. We want far more microgeneration to be treated as permitted development.”
She added:
“We need to seize on new development as an opportunity not a threat. It is time to rethink the way we build. It is time to rethink the way we design our homes and communities, if we are to build communities for the future that are truly sustainable. Our long term ambition should be zero carbon development and we believe the Thames Gateway offers a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in environmental improvements for new developments. We do not know yet how fast we can get there, but the development industry should be clear about our aims and should start planning now for new investment and innovation to meet our goals.”
Solar has been installed on listed buildings in the UK and in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Previous restrictions can be overcome with technologies such as discrete solar PV and solar thermal tiles that sit flush with the roof, blending seamlessly into the natural roof line.
Myth 8: PV will only work if it is south facing:
The optimal orientation is south facing, however south west and south east orientations are also effective and produce about 70% as much energy as a south facing installation. It is also important to consider inclination: a 35 degree inclination is optimal, but over 90 percent of the maximum annual energy can be created at 10 degree and 50 degree tilts from the horizontal.
Myth 9: PV is unreliable, and its value will diminish over time:
With no moving parts PV does not require any routine maintenance. Its ‘fit and forget’ nature is one of its main appeals. A visual inspection of the panels and the inverter is recommended every year and after 15 years the inverter may need to be replaced but this is only 5% of the system price.
PV is a very low risk technology, with no ongoing engineering costs associated with servicing unlike all other renewable technologies. The longevity and reliability of PV is one of its key strengths as a renewable energy source. PV comes with a 20 to 25 year warranty to produce at least 80% of its optimal production. Manufacturers claim it has at least a 60 year life-span, the very first Sharp module installation in Japan in 1963 is still working today, over 40 years later.
URBAN ENERGY
Our mission: “To provide and install, sustainable, world class, clean energy products with the highest level of service and care.
"Urban Energy is an innovative organisation specialising in the financing, design and installation of economic and environmentally sound solar powered energy systems for commercial property (private and public) and domestic dwellings. Our expertise in the field of Government sponsored funding programmes and solar power products will provide individuals and organisations with an excellent opportunity to overcome capital cost barriers, save money on energy bills, increase profit margins, increase the value of their property and reduce their carbon footprint.
Urban Energy employ the very best engineers in this field, all of which are fully qualified, MCS certified and Government approved to carry out this task, complying with strict guidelines and are members of the Solar Trade Association.
For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
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