Solar PV is a renewable energy system which uses cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The PV cells consist of thin layers of a semi-conducting material, usually silicon, which generates an electric charge when exposed to direct sunlight (rather than heat). The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity.

Solar panels are simple to install and there are many different options available to suit your requirements.

Cables attached to the cells are connected to an inverter which converts the DC (Direct Current) electricity produced to usable AC (Alternating Current) electricity which can be used as power.

The electricity produced by MAP environmental's Solar PV can be used to drive any appliance that is powered by electricity.

The benefits of choosing Solar PV:

• Significantly reduces electricity bills.
• A sound and guaranteed financial investment that is likely to increase the value of your home as it will marginally be affected by increasing fuel prices, therefore making it an extremely attractive option to potential buyers.
• Excess electricity is sold back to the utility supplier, therefore providing you with an additional income.
• Energy from the sun is free.
• Solar electricity is clean, emits no pollutants, creates no waste and uses no fuel. Therefore it is a VERY green energy solution.
• Helps the environment by reducing your energy consumption, thereby preventing greenhouse gases (CO2 emissions) from entering the atmosphere - a perfect and simple way to meet building energy efficiency standards.
• PV cells operate not just with direct sunlight but diffused sunlight and will even work on cloudy days and therefore is available throughout the year, notjust the summer!
• PV products are meticulously engineered for a long service life, delivering power for many years to come.
• Planning permission is no longer required on most domestic houses.*

*Unless the property is listed or in an area of 'outstanding' natural beauty (subject to change).

How does Solar PV work?

Electricity requirements vary depending on the size of your property and how energy efficient the building and appliances are. The power produced by a MAP environmental Solar PV system contributes directly to the electrical demand of the building and in most installations substitutes electricity that would otherwise have been drawn from the National Grid. If at any point more electricity is being generated than the building is using, the excess will be exported back to the grid.

The Sun -
Free energy from the sun is converted by... PV Modules - An array of solar cells transforms solar energy into electricity and sends it to an inverter.

Inverter - The inverter converts the DC electricity generated by the PV module into AC electricity and automatically controls the entire system, ensuring that the PV modules are functioning optimally.

Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) -
The consumer unit delivers appropriate loads to household electrical appliances.

Watt-Hour Meter - The amount of excess electricity sold and purchased is calculated from the respective watt-hour meter. The size of a solar PV system is referred to in terms of its power output in full sunlight known as its kilowatt peak (kWp) and is usually governed by the available roof area and budget.

Location of PV Modules

The location of PV modules is very important. The ideal site is one that faces south as they must receive the maximum amount of daylight possible. However, other orientations such as south east or south west can be viable with relatively little drop in performance (4 - 10%). See table below.

The above efficiency table was determined using the a table from SAP 2005

Any shade, such as from trees or neighbouring buildings, can make a large impact on the performance of a PV system. To work effectively, the whole PV module needs to be free from shade for most of the day.