Solar PV (Photovoltaic)
Production of electricity via solar collectors. This product qualifies for the Feed in Tariff payments (FiT).
Solar PV is made up of modules, typically around 1m x 1.5m. Arrays can be designed to accommodate virtually any size and shape of roof as they can be mounted vertically and horizontally.
Ideally they should face south at a pitched angle of between 30° and 50° from the horizontal to give the best overall annual performance. Installations facing anywhere to the south of due east and due west are feasible, although outputs will be reduced. Installation is not recommended on roofs facing north.
Seasonal Performance—the winter months generate significantly less electricity compared to the summer months. Solar electricity does not require direct sunlight and can still generate electricity on cloudy days.
You will generate approximately 1/3 of the energy on a cloudy day as on a sunny day at the same time of year.
Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) and exporting electricity.
You can get paid for the electricity you generate with your solar PV array. The scheme guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity generated by the system (generation tariff), as well as an additional payment for the electricity exported to the grid (export tariff).
These payments are in addition to the bill savings made by using the electricity generated on-site. The amount of energy generated will be measured by an approved generation meter. Currently export payments through FiTs will be deemed at 50% regardless of how much you do actually export (until Smart Meters are introduced).