Introducing solar PV panels for your new build
Did you know that the earth receives enough energy in one hour to power the world’s population for a year?
Solar electric power systems use photovoltaic (PV) cells to capture this massive natural energy resource and convert it into electricity to run your new home.
Contrary to popular belief, solar PV panels don’t need direct sunlight all year round and actually work better in lower temperatures, so they are ideal for the UK climate and can generate electricity all year round.
Features of solar PV systems:
- Solar PV panels reduce your carbon footprint, typically saving around 1,000 kg per year of harmful CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere
- Solar power systems typically cut your electricity bills by around 50%, or more if you install a larger system
- They are easy to maintain all year round
- You earn money for every unit of solar electricity you generate
- You earn additional money if you sell excess solar electricity back to the grid through the Feed-in Tariff
- Solar PV systems allow you to store excess electricity for future use in batteries, if you are not connected to the national grid
Savings and income from solar PV installations
The following examples show the estimated financial returns of a small and large solar PV panel installation:
Example 1 – Small solar PV installation
Solar system size = 2.1 kWp (x10 panels)
Total estimated cost, including VAT = £9,450.00
Annual solar electricity generation = 1,890 kWh
Annual income from Feed-in Tariff = £818.00
Annual income from electricity export = £29.00
Annual fuel bill saving = £118.00
Total annual income and savings = £966.00
Lifetime benefit over 25 years = £24,145
Example 2 – Large solar PV installation
Solar system size = 3.64 kWp (x16 panels)
Total estimated cost, including VAT = £13,440.00
Annual solar electricity generation = 2,960 kWh
Annual income from Feed-in Tariff = £1,282.00
Annual income from electricity export = £46.00
Annual fuel bill saving = £185.00
Total annual income and savings = £1,513.00
Lifetime benefit over 25 years = £37,814
Figures are calculated using the Energy Saving Trust’s Cashback Calculator.
Solar PV panels for your new build
Solar PV panels are by far the most popular form of renewable energy systems. Technology advances in recent years mean they now perform well in ambient light and actually perform better in lower temperatures.
The strength of a PV cell is measured in kilowatt peak (kWp), which is the amount of energy the cell generates in full sunlight. To produce the 4 kWp required to gain the full benefit of the Feed-in Tariff, you’ll need approximately 26m2 of PV solar panels.
How do PV solar panels work?
PV solar panels attach to roofs or walls and consist of photovoltaic cells, which are made from one or two layers of semiconducting material, such as silicon. When sunlight shines on the cells, it creates an electric field across the layers, which is converted into solar electricity for your new home.
Solar photovoltaic systems have a life expectancy of 30 years and require little maintenance during this time, you’ll just need to keep the panels relatively clean and make sure trees do not overshadow them.
Requirements for solar PV panel installations
All solar PV panel installations require a sunny roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees of the south. The position should be not be obscured by trees or objects and the roof or wall should be strong enough to take the weight of the panels.
Not Just Solar
Lewingtons as a company isn’t just a Solar company we also do Heating & Gas, if your new build also requires central heating or any other plumbing or heating installations, Lewingtons can incorporate this all into our work. With a new build project managing is a very difficult task having all your work completed by one company simplifies the managing, we can complete the work at the same time to quicken the building process without cutting corners. If this prospect interests you please visit our other website at www.lewington-heating.co.uk or speak to our office on 01858 433333.
Find out more about solar PV installations
Lewington Solar Installation specialises in solar PV installations in the Market Harborough, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire areas. We are MCS accredited solar installers and also do solar PV installations across various other locations in the Midlands region, including Foxton, Kibworth, Lubenham, Uppingham, Oakham, Uppingham, Oakham, Rutland, Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.
