Solar Photovoltaic Electricity Systems

Solarbase specialises in the design and installation of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.

This is the time to invest in Solar PV systems, check out the new government legislation on Feed-in Tariff’s due from April 2010.

Solarbase electricity systems capture the sun’s energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells. Solar photovoltaics (PVs) are arrays of cells containing a material that converts solar radiation into direct current electricity which can be used to run household appliances and lighting.

Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, the manufacture of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced dramatically in recent years. Our aim to provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions for your home. Installing a home solar PV energy system secures your energy supply, lowers your carbon footprint and contributes to a greener future. It is a sound financial investment that delivers savings you can see each month when your electricity bill arrives.

Solarbase offers a variety of solar PV systems that can be configured to meet your home’s needs. We can assist you in choosing and installing the right system for you.

How do photovoltaic (PV) cells work?

PV cells are panels you can attach to your roof or walls. Each cell is made from one or two layers of semiconducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced.
PV cells come in a variety of shapes including "solar tiles" that look like roof tiles to panels and transparent cells that you can use on conservatories and glass.
The strength of a PV cell is measured in kilowatt peak (kWp) – that’s the amount of energy the cell generates in full sunlight.

As Solarbase are government accredited, the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system is applicable for a government grant of £2,500 towards the cost of the installation.

What are the benefits?

• Environmentally friendly
• Immediately available
• No barriers to installation
• Fit and forget technology
• Minimal maintenance
• Flexible
• Cost effective
• Reduces energy bills

HOW MUCH ENERGY CAN MY SOLAR PV SYSTEM GENERATE?

An average gas heated semi-detached house with four person occupancy will use around 3,300 kWh of electrical energy per year.

In an average year, a south facing 1kWp solar system will generate around 800 kWh.

In order to achieve carbon neutrality in electricity this therefore would require a 4 kWp solar system and a slight change in lifestyle.

For a standard domestic household as described above a 2kWp system is likely to secure at least half the home electricity demand for free for at least twenty years, and perhaps more as appliances become increasingly energy efficient.