Renewable Energy News

Many people wonder about how quickly wind turbines pay back.

Obviously it is crucial that the position is good and doesn't suffer from turbulant air. Once this is sorted one question people ask is "How big should I go?".

In very general terms, the larger the turbine the faster the payback. Normally speaking the output increases significantly with the larger output turbines but the £ per kW cost is quite linear.

We offer three sizes of turbine, 2.5kW, 6kW and 15kW. The 6kW turbine will delivery around 3 times more power than the 2.5kw system. and in turn the 15kW turbine will delivery around 3 times more power than the 6kW.

So the more you spend the faster your return should be.

Labels: Wind-Turbines

Off Grid On Grid - What does it all mean?

The first thing worth saying is that we are talking about solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and not solar water heating panels.

The term grid refers to the national electricity grid. On grid means that your solar electricity system is connected to the national grid. Off grid means that the national electricity grid is not connected to your solar panel system.

Most people, both commerical and domestic, would talk primerily about on grid applications. The grid is a wonderful thing and there is not usually any sense in disconnecing yourself from it.

However in some cases the grid is not available. This is usually a remote location such as a field with a building in it. In many cases the cost of running the cable from the nearest grid transformer is enormous and the power requirements can be met with an off grid solar photovoltaic electricity system.

This system comprises a set of solar panels, battery conditioner, battery bank and invertor. The batteries give you power when the sun is not shining and the invertor gives you 240V mains electricity.

Labels: Solar-PhotoVoltaic-Electricity-Panels

Solar Electricity Panels

Solar Electricity (or PhotoVoltaic) panels generate electricity for domestic and commercial use. Panels come in a variety of different shapes and sizes but one question that people have to decide is whether to have the panels mounted on the roof or in the roof.

On Roof Solar Panels

The easier way of retrofitting solar panels is to mount them on top of the existing roof covering. this means that the existing tiles remain in place and the panels sits directly on top. The panels are fixed to the roof joists via special brackets.

Roof integrated Panels (In Roof)

As an alternative to on roof panels the existing tiles can be removed and the panel can be fitted into the roof structure. This leaves the panels almost flush with the existing tiles.

When making a decision as to which is best there are a number of factors to consider. On roof solar panels are easier and quicker to fit. Hence the installation costs are less. However, on roof panels will add additional loading to the roof structure.

Roof integrated panels require the existing roof covering to be removed, this may raise questions with the condition of the felt and battens beneath the tiles, if it is poor it will need rectifying. In roof panels also require expensive flashing sets to make the roof water tight. However, in roof panels aesthetically look better than on roof systems.

Of course if you have a house that has not yet had the roof fitted (new build or new extension) then roof integrated panels are almost certainly the way to go. You will also save some money as less tiles will need to purchased.

Labels: Solar-PhotoVoltaic-Electricity-Panels

Many people believe that solar panels can only be positioned facing south. This isn't true.

Which direction is best?

South facing at an angle of 35degrees will maximise the output from a solar panel and give all year round best performance.
If the system is to optimised for winter performance then a steeper angle of upto 75 degrees will improve performance. This is because the sun is lower in the sky during winter.

What if I don't have a south facing roof?

If your roof faces roughly south, anywhere between South West to South East at between 30-40 degree will reduce output by a maximum of 10%.

My roof faces East-West?

A 35 degree roof that faces east or west can be utilises but with a couple of system modifications. This type of roof will normally have a reduced output of about 20%, with this knowledge we can oversize the panels to compensate for this reduction in performance.

If roof space is lmited then panels can be fitted on both the east and west roofs. This needs a more sophisticaled pumping station but can have an output similar to a south facing roof without a massive increase in installation cost.

Labels: Solar-PhotoVoltaic-Electricity-Panels, Solar-Water-Heating-Panels