By Chris Chambers
Proudhouse Property and Wigglies - Electrical Services are very interested in the potential of PV systems. PV systems are now fairly common - the advantages, at first glance, seem to be very enticing: free electricity; reduced energy bills, and feed-in-tariffs paying the owner money! And of course, this renewable source of electricity is contributing to energy within the National Grid. But it is not as simple as that... is it?
- The systems do not normally utilise the charging of batteries so electricity cannot be stored, which is not very convenient for when electricity is needed most, ie; evenings when the lights/TV/computers/kitchen appliances are all being used.
- The systems are fixed (to the roof normally) - the sun of course is moving constantly in both elevation and azimuth so the PV panels are rarely (if at all) receiving optimal insolation (see here for definition of insolation).
- "Feeding-in" surplus electricity into the National Grid is doing the energy companies a huge favour and promoting the continued maintenance of a large-scale inherently inefficient national-grid system (remember, electricity generation in traditional power stations is only about 30% efficient due, mainly, to losses in transmission). Small scale systems and microgeneration are a far better idea for efficiency and redundancy - think of the chaos that occurs when the Nationl Grid infrastructure suffers major damage due to weather (or even a terrorist attack!!).
- The PV panels do little for the aesthetics of the property they're sited on - which is a bit disappointing for the properties that possibly have the most to gain fom energy efficiency such as old, historic, period properties (which are often enjoyed for their beauty).
We reckon PV could be better - we've got some ideas but would love to hear from people that actually use it! So please comment.
Chris Chambers is the owner of Proudhouse Property - providing innovative and energy efficient homes in the South West, UK.
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