Photovoltaic Energy Consultant - Peter Browne

Photovoltaics

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

PV panels generate electricity directly from sunlight

Light is transmitted in small particles called photons. A photovoltaic cell consists of two thin films of silicon which, when hit by photons of light, release electrons that flow from one film to the other. Silicon is a natural semi-conductor and it will only pass current one way, thus generating electricity.

The panels give maximum power in full summer sunshine, but will still generate useful amounts of electricity in cloudy weather. They require very little maintenance, and have a life expectancy of over forty years. We strongly recommend them as a serious form of microgeneration.

Grid Connected Systems

Use the National Grid as your battery. Several suppliers now buy electricity from you at the same price as you pay for it.

The power that you generate is fed from the panels into a Grid Tied Inverter and then directly into your house electrical system. The house uses what it needs with any extra being sold back to the grid. That money then offsets your normal bill.

What We Do

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

We specialise in Photovoltalics (PV) and Solar Hot Water sytems for private homes, schools and small to medium businesses (SMEs). These technologies have been found to be the most suitable and financially beneficial for the climate in the South East of England.

A practical step-by-step guide to how we proceed with an average Solar Hot Water or Photovoltaic installation;

Initial site visit to discuss options with client
Full detailed report on annual energy yields and financial benefits
Advice on grant funding and any planning issues
Arrange installation with our accredited installer
Project manage to final completion
Obtain Feed-In Tariff
On-going back-up and advice

Photovoltaic (PV)

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Photovoltaic panels are a fantastic technology, they generate electricity for your home or business directly from sunlight

PV panels give maximum power in full summer sunshine, but will still generate good amounts of electricity in cloudy weather. They require very little maintenance, and have a life expectancy of over forty years. We strongly recommend photovoltaic as a serious form of microgeneration.

Domestic Grants
£2500 per photovoltaic installation is available up until 1st April 2010.
The Feed-In Tariff becomes effective after 1st April. You will be paid 36.5p for every unit of electricity you generate, whether used by the house or not. This tariff is fixed for 25 years.
Non-profit Organisation Grants (schools, village halls etc)
50% of the capital cost is available up until April 2010, with the feed-in tariff thereafter.

Businesses
Tax incentives with the Feed-In Tariff after 1st April 2010

Finances
Average UK domestic electricity bill ( 5000 units @ 14p ) £ 700
Cost of a 10 panel system including the grant £ 7675
Saving by not taking from the grid @ 12p £ 194
Income from Feed-In Tariff @ 36.5p £ 590
Total financial benefit £ 784
Return on investment 10%
Payback time, under 10 years

Solar Hot Water

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

This is the heating of your domestic hot water using solar energy.

Definitely the first alternative technology you should install. It is very cost effective and solar panels will pay for themselves within a few years, you are also eligible for a government grant.

Domestic Grants
£400 per Solar Hot Water installation is available up until April 2011, after which you will receive the renewable heat incentive.

Non-profit Organisation Grants (schools, village halls etc)
50% of the capital cost is available up until April 2011, with the renewable heat incentive thereafter.
As a guide, one 20 tube solar panel will give two people free hot water in the summer and about 50% in the winter. I can assure you, to have a completely solar heated bath is wonderfully satisfying!

who we are

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Peter Browne BA (Hons) CONSULTANT
Peter has many years experience and is qualified in electronics and avionics. But his main area of expertise, and where he has gained a vast amount of knowledge, is in what could be termed as free energy - Solar Hot Water and Photovoltaic systems. He has spent a considerable amount of time researching all types of solar energy technology, and is now involved in various solar energy projects in the South of England.

Fiona Gilbert – PROJECT MANAGER
Fiona has been project managing for several years, always achieving required timescales and budgets for commercial and domestic clients. She has a background in the design world, and is very sensitive to the aesthetical side of our Photovoltaic and Solar Hot Water projects.