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Commonly known as Solar Energy, photovoltaic (PV) processes convert sunlight into electricity. Solar systems have no moving parts and so require little maintenance.  As a bonus electricity is generated with no emissions and no noise.

Generally Photovoltaic cells consist of two or more thin layers of silicon. An abundant, naturally occurring material, Silicon acts as a semi-conductor. When a photovoltaic cell is exposed to light, electrical charges are generated and this can be conducted away by metal contacts as DC or direct current. However as a single cell produces a small electrical output cells are linked together to form a panel. Cells connected in this way are sandwiched by glass sheets to form a weatherproof unit. By following the same linking process multiple units are connected together in order to provide sufficient power for domestic or commercial purposes

During the last couple of decades, with an increase in the uptake of solar systems, the cost of Photo Voltaic modules has dropped significantly, roughly a quarter of what they cost. While it is undeniable that Solar PV is still a more expensive technology than most other forms of renewable energy, it has many advantages over other systems.

Nothing lasts forever, but the average lifespan of a Solar Panel will be more than 20 years. Certain manufacturers now give 25 year warranties on their product. True, after this time the power output may be reduced by 10 or 20 percent, but the by their very nature panels can be replaced.

Sunlight produces power!. It is a given that Solar Panels will generate more electricity on bright days than overcast days. This has an element of truth but photovoltaics do not need to be in direct sunlight all the time to generate electricity. Even under cloud panels will produce some power.

In the United Kingdom we receive 60% of the sunlight available at the equator. This means there is still a lot of potential energy coming from our skies. In fact PV has been used in the UK over the last twenty years for many applications, and in remote areas where access to the grid is difficult or impractical, like weather monitoring stations, marine navigation aids, plus others. Over recent years PV technology has been introduced into urban areas by roof mounting solar arrays, as well as in offices and factories. And it does not take a large sized domestic system to generate a substantial amount of a household’s electricity needs for over 6 months of the year. Commercial buildings are particularly suitable, meeting the daytime demands of an office, for example. In fact in excess of 1.5 MW of building integrated PV is already installed in the United Kingdom.

And finally: is planning permission required for a domestic solar installation?
Since a change in legislation in April 2008, the installation of solar panels has been deemed ‘permitted development’ and therefore planning permission IS NOT required, unless the building is listed, or in a conservation area. Being in a conservation area does not in itself stop you from an installation, and it is a simple process to double check what rights you have.