BY HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE SUN WE ARE ABLE TO PRODUCE HOT WATER AND ELECTRICITY FROM AN INEXHAUSTIBLE SOURCE WITHOUT ADDING TO THE CARBON LEVELS

Transcription

1 SOLAR

2 BY HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE SUN WE ARE ABLE TO PRODUCE HOT WATER AND ELECTRICITY FROM AN INEXHAUSTIBLE SOURCE WITHOUT ADDING TO THE CARBON LEVELS IN THE ATMOSPHERE.

3 SOLAR PANELS (PV) A typical solar panel (PV) household system in action. Solar panel electricity systems, also known as solar photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun s energy using photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. Some materials exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect causing them to absorb photons of light and release electrons. When these free electrons are captured, an electric current is produced, referred to as a direct current (DC). An inverter is then used to convert the DC current generated into a current our household appliances use, known as an alternating current (AC). The Solar Cell Anti-Reflective Coating Front Contact P-type Silicon (Positive) Almost all PV cells are constructed from two layers of semi-conductors (silicon wafers). One plate has a positive charge the other a negative charge. When light falls across these plates it causes electrons to release and electricity to be generated. Electricity can be generated even on a dull day but bright sunny days produce the most electricity. Glass Cover N-type Silicon (Negative) 3 Easy to install. 3 Eligible measure under the Green Deal. 3 Cuts electricity bills, sunlight is free, so once the initial installation is paid for, electricity costs will reduce. 3 Get paid for the electricity you generate, the government s Feed-In Tariffs pay you for any electricity you generate, even if you use it typically at 14.9p per kwh hour. 3 Sell electricity back to the grid, if your system is producing more electricity than needed, the surplus can be sold back to the grid typically at 4.64p per kwh hour. 3 Cut your carbon footprint, solar electricity is green energy and doesn t release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants. A typical home solar PV system could save over a tonne of carbon dioxide per year that s more than 30 tonnes over its lifetime. DID YOU KNOW? A 4kWp system can generate around 3,700 kwh of electricity. This is a whole household s electricity for a full year! Solar PV needs a little maintenance. In the UK, solar panels tilted at 15 or more have the additional benefit of being cleaned by rainfall ensuring optimal performance. This technology should last 25 years or more, but the inverter is likely to need replacing some time during this period. Back Contact SIMPLE TO INSTALL

4 SOLAR TILES & SLATES SOLAR TILES AND SLATES ARE DESIGNED TO BE USED IN PLACE OF ORDINARY ROOF TILES FOR A DISCREET AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING APPEARANCE Solar tile systems are not normally as cost-effective as panel systems but are considered where panels are not deemed to be appropriate for aesthetic or planning reasons. 3 A universal product, used for both domestic and commercial buildings. 3 Discreet installation, with interlocking tiles blending as part of the roof. 3 Works with any roof tile or slate, regardless of profile or manufacturer. 3 Reduces electricity costs. 3 Financially rewarding, eligible for RHI scheme. More about the Feed-in Tariff scheme If you generate your own electricity your energy supplier might pay you money. This is called a Feed-In Tariff (FIT). You ll get a set amount for each unit of electricity you generate. The rates vary depending on: Size of the system What type of technology is installed When the technology is installed Who fitted the technology To find a certified installer speak to a member of the MKM team. DID YOU KNOW? If your system is eligible for the Feed-In Tariff scheme it could generate savings and an income of around 770 a year The power of a PV cell is measured in kilowatts peak (kwp), this is the rate it generates energy at peak performance in full direct sunlight during the summer. PV cells can come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the space you have. Groups of cells are mounted together in panels or modules, ready to be fitted on to a roof.

5 SOLAR WATER HEATING SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS USE THE SUN TO HEAT DOMESTIC HOT WATER To heat the water further a boiler or immersion heater can be used as a back-up. It works by controlling the outlet temperature of stored hot water produced by a solar thermal system, directing the flow either straight to the hot water outlet, or via the combi boiler to the same outlet with a seamless change over. There are minimal temperature fluctuations at the taps. 3 Hot water all year round, heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during winter months. 3 Cut your bills, sunlight is free, so once the initial installation is paid hot water costs will reduce save at least 60 per annum. So how does it work? Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called collectors. Fitted onto your roof, these collect heat from the sun by pumping a water and glycol (anti-freeze) mixture through, this then heats up water stored in a hot water cylinder. There are two types of solar water heating panel, evacuated tubes and flat plate collectors, these fix on roof tiles or are integrated into the roof. Evacuated Tubes A system where combi boiler is NOT used for hot water COMBI BOILER CWS 3 Cut your carbon footprint, solar water heating is green and renewable, reducing your carbon dioxide emissions. 3 Eligible measure under the Green Deal. 3 Qualifies for Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), from April 2014 at the rate of 19.2 per kwh for 7 years. REDUCING YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT When replacing gas, typical carbon savings are around 230kg per year and when electric immersion heating is replaced they are up to 500kg per year. Flat Plate Collector A system where combi boiler is used for hot water COMBI BOILER CWS SAVINGS: PER YEAR When replacing gas heating PER YEAR When replacing electric heating Please note: Savings will vary user to user.

6 SUN TUNNELS How should we use sun tunnels in the home? Using Sun Tunnels improves dull spaces in the home. Bringing natural light into even the darkest and most isolated spaces through a specially designed tunnel fitted from roof to ceiling. Sun Tunnels have an exterior flat glass window-like appearance, complete with a special coating to keep the glass cleaner for longer. The flexible tunnel has a super-reflective tube, meaning almost all incoming sunlight will be transferred into the property. Equally spreading light throughout the room, the discreet ceiling diffuser unit has a double-glazed acrylic pane. Designed to provide daylight into areas such as corridors, stairwells, bathrooms, cupboards, where installation of a roof window is not possible. 3 No monthly cost, once fitted experience light during daylight hours for FREE. 3 Save on energy, never use energy again during daylight hours to light a dark and isolated space. 3 Double-glazed ceiling diffuser. 3 Easy and quick installation. 3 Pitched and flat-roof options. Can be installed in tiled roofs with a maximum profile of 120mm or slated roofs (Roof pitch ) Flexi Tunnel Rigid Tunnel DID YOU KNOW? Heat reduction window films reduce heat build-up in summer months! Solar Reduction Window Film For reducing the build-up of heat caused by sunlight hitting windows or glass, a specially formulated Solar Reducing Window Film can be applied. Masking these areas it ensures a more moderate and comfortable temperature. 3 Reduce heat build-up in summer months. 3 Less need for air conditioning units. 3 Work and live comfortably. 3 Used in domestic and commercial environments, with large areas of glass like offices or conservatories. 3 Reduce glare on computers and TVs etc... 3 Filter harmful UV rays.

7 Find your nearest branch visit mkmbs.co.uk or call For more information on all things green, talk to a specialist today. Click: thegreenroom@mkmbs.co.uk For more information on green technologies visit energysavingtrust.org.uk Printed on recycled paper