DYSON E S We s e t E R t h e N E R G V I C E Y S s t a n d a r d s Everything you wanted to know (in simple language) about Solar Energy but were too afraid to ask This is your perfect little ray of sunshine to inform, explain and put to rest all those questions you ever had about Solar PV, Solar Thermal, the real benefits, the Government s Feed In Tariff scheme and the potential savings.
What is Solar Energy and how can the sun make toast? More and more solar energy is becoming part of everyday life and as you would expect, Dyson Energy Services has been proud to be at the forefront of developing possibly the finest photovoltaic panels to store, convert and deliver the sun s power as clean and super-efficient electrical energy. But how do they work? The Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun s natural light into electrical power using a thin layer of semi-conducting material, usually silicone, encased between a sheet of glass and a polymer resin. When exposed to the daylight (not necessarily full sunshine) the electrons in the semi-conducting material become energised and create a Direct electrical current (DC). This current in turn is sent through an inverter to convert the Direct Current into an Alternating Current (AC) the type needed to power our lights, televisions, computers and toasters.
Solar PV and Solar Thermal what s the difference? Solar PV is a technology that uses the power of the sun to create electricity. Solar Thermal is a technology that uses the power of the sun to heat water. OK so what s the difference? Well, the only difference is the apparatus used to collect the energy. We now know how a PV unit works, but a Thermal unit works differently whereby a solar thermal collector (flat plate panels or evacuated tube panels) is installed on the roof of your house. Inside the collector a non-toxic freeze proof solar fluid is heated by the sun then pumped through a pipe coiling inside the hot water tank, which heats up the water in the tank. Hot water is then available for you to use in the house and the solar fluid is then pumped back up to the collector, where it is once again heated by the sun. Simples! kwp, kwh-at does it all mean? The kilowatt is a unit of energy equal to 1000 watts & is the unit used to rate electrical equipment. The p stands for peak and the h stands for hours. Right, now we re getting somewhere. So, kilowatts peak or kwp is the rate in which your panels generate energy at peak performance; like at noon on a sunny day for example. The kilowatt hour (kwh) is most commonly known as a billing unit for energy delivered to consumers by electricity suppliers. A Solar PV systems total amount of electricity actually generated in a year, is measured in kilowatt hours or kwh. For example if a Solar PV system rated at 1000 watts (1 kilowatt), operated for one hour this generates one kilowatt hour of electricity i.e. 1 x kwh. This is of course subject to the system specification & design etc but the principle is the same positioning your panels for optimum daylight is essential. It all adds up to a better return on investment. OK on the k?
It doesn t have to be sunny, to save you money! It is photons in natural daylight that are converted by solar panel cells to produce the energy. Heat has no effect on the production of electricity. True, it works more efficiently if the light is unobstructed, but it doesn t need full-on sunshine to produce the energy your home needs and the savings your budget will appreciate. Over the course of a year, a solar photovoltaic system will save you money by reducing electricity bills, and could earn at least 14.9p for every unit of electricity generated (14.9p rate applies to systems of less than 4kWpk. Over a 20-year period this can amount to a massive return on investment. For example, a typical residential house with a 3.54kWp solar PV system over a 20-year period could generate around 20,257.74 of income (tax-free and RPI-linked). Investment Performance Table Note: These figures are based on the following assumptions; system degrades at 0.8% per yr 85% of solar PV systemgenerated electricity is used and 15% is exported /sold back to the national grid at 0.046 per kwh, and that national gridprovided electricity is charged at 9p per kwh. Saving on electricity bills should increase due to increasing energy prices in line with previous 10 year average (7 % per year). Annual Feed-In Tariff income is RPI-linked and therefore FIT runs at an average of (2% per year). Total annual return for individual customers is subject to change if these parameters do not comply.
Getting FIT to give you the power to save FITs or the Government s Feed-in Tariffs scheme pays you for the electricity you generate & export from your Solar PV system. It guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity generated by the system as well as an additional payment for electricity exported to the grid. What s more, these payments are on top of those savings made on your energy bills, are index linked and guaranteed for 20 years. Renewable technology installations save you on average 60-80% on usage (subject to system size and specification). Buy now, replace in 20 years! Nearly quarter of a century! That s the life expectancy of your new solar panels. Give or take, a solar panel s angle, position and maintenance regime will determine its example will have the additional benefit of being cleaned by rainfall. And if carried out as we recommend, your maintenance checks should see a happy, healthy panel operating for as long as it takes for the kids to move out. Is it safe? As with anything that uses electricity, there will always be an element of danger attached if it s not treated with care. Since photovoltaic solar panels are primarily made of silicon, there is no danger of leaking toxins or fumes. However, because there are electrical components involved we would recommend that you exercise caution as you would around any type of electricity. Rest assured, a professionally installed system from Dyson Energy Services has all its live wires concealed in conduit or inside of walls where it is completely safe and secure. efficiency and longevity. Modules that are tilted at 15º for
A Quality Management System conforming to BS EN ISO9009 together with a team of Quality Control Officers ensures that your installation is of the highest possible standards. And to continue this philosophy before your order s even processed, our technical team have the expertise to assess your brief to pin-point exactly the final, most practical solution and install a system that fits your house, your pocket and your lifestyle. So why invest in Solar Energy? Enjoy a return on your investment by year 7. Earn more than 23,000 tax free on your intial investment. Save money, make money. Help the environment. Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a new government scheme to be introduced in Spring 2014, to encourage households, businesses and communities to consider low carbon and renewable heat technologies through the provision of financial incentives. In addition to the RHI, there will be a one off grant payment called Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) which will help householders with the cost of installing domestic renewable heat technology this is only available until March 2014. Note: Households applying now must have a Green Deal Assessment carried out before submitting a claim for RHPP. For further information on investing in Solar Energy, the range of panels available for both domestic and commercial properties, information on RHI or RHPP, or to arrange a FREE no obligation survey, call us FREE on 0800 833 018.