Solar PV

What is Solar PV?

Solar PV is short for Solar Photovoltaic. Photovoltaic (photo = light, volt = unit of electrical voltage) is the specialist term for electricity produced using solar energy. Photovoltaics concerns the direct conversion of sunlight into electric current using solar cells.

EH Smith and Schüco

After a lot of research, EH Smith have partnered with one of the world's leading manufacturers of Solar PV systems, German based Schüco International KG. Schüco have more than 10 years experience in the Solar Energy market, and as Germany is the most advanced user of Solar Technology, they are at the forefront of research and development in this sector. Schüco are already well known in glazing and curtain walling systems and their brand is synonymous with innovation, quality, reliability and durability.

Is the United Kingdom sufficiently sunny?

Yes. Solar PV and Solar Thermal systems work due to solar radiation and although solar radiation is stronger in direct sunlight it is still possible to generate enough energy on a cloudy day to heat your water for the day. Every year the Earth receives 10,000 times as much solar energy as the human race currently needs. In Germany alone, which has a similar climate and latitude to the UK, an annual total of 300 billion kilowatt hours of solar energy is available. There is an average of 1,000 W of direct and indirect solar radiation per square metre.

How much money and energy can I really save?

As a rule of thumb, at our latitudes the energy yield per year and per system is between 750 and 850 kWh per kWp of installed output. This means that a 2kWp photovoltaic system roughly 20 square meters in size produces approximately 1.500 - 1.700 kWh of electricity per annum. Currently grant funding exisits to fund up to 50% of Solar PV installations depending on the criteria of the project. When the Feed in Tariff is introduced in April 2010, users will be paid for each kWh generated. Please click here for more information on the Feed-in Tariff.

Do you need planning permission to install a system?

No planning permission is required to install a Solar PV system. However, if a building is listed then the relevant authority will have to decide.

Commercial Applications

One of the benefits of the Schüco system is that it can integrate both Solar Thermal and Solar PV into one system.

There are the following installation types:

On-roof installation
Flat-roof installation
Integrated/complete roof installation system
Canopy installation
Façade installation

Please click on the image on the left to see more of the commercial applications for Solar PV.

Residential Applications

Many householders are looking at ways to cut their energy bills. Solar PV offers an option to be paid for generating your own electricity! The most common types of application for residential developments are:

On-roof installation, for retro-fit
Integrated Installation, for new-build
Flat roof installation

Please click on the image to the left for more information on residential Solar PV systems.

If you have any queries regarding Solar PV systems, please contact us