www.littlewenlock.org

Little Wenlock C Red

Little Wenlock Carbon Reduction Action Group Newsletter
(Aiming to reduce our carbon emissions)

Newsletter 23

Solar Panels - Have you got the Power?

Little Wenlock & New Works now have 3 sets of solar electricity panels, generating between 1 (Feb) and 20 (April) kWhrs a day each, depending on how many panels and how bright the day – some power is even generated by a full moon! (1kWh=a single bar fire for an hour, 10kWh is average house use for a day)

How Much Electricity?

Solar Electric (Photo Voltaic) panels vary in size and generating capacity and will perform best when on a south facing roof.

So the 21 panels systems which face south east and are both expected to generate around 2700kWhr per year, but if south facing may generate up to 3000kWh.

(The 6 panel set may generate 900kWh) All the electricity generated is fed into the consumer unit, any that is not used at that time is fed into the grid.

What are the Costs?

Can PV go on Any Roof?

Roofs facing between south east and south west without any roof windows or shading from trees or higher buildings are best. They do not need direct sunshine all the time and will generate some power from light skies.

Do I need Planning Permission or Buildings Regulation Approval?

Planning permission is not required unless your property is a listed building, and building regs are only concerned with problem roofs:- speak to John Cole 501702

How Much is Paid for Electricity?

Power Companies pay you 41.3p (rising to 43p end April) for every unit of electricity produced, (up to max 4000kW systems) plus 3p for 50% produced (assumed exported to grid). This is known as the Feed in Tariff, you just need to let them know that you will be having a system installed.

All power companies pay the same and there should therefore be no problem changing companies once you have a system installed. This tariff is index linked and guaranteed for 25 years but due to be reduced to new applicants in April 2012.

Savings will also be made by reducing the amount of electricity you buy from them by around 50%. So the two 21 panel systems hope to each earn & save £1200 - £1400 a year, the 6 panel around £600 (Scope for retired men to do the washing and ironing in the middle of the day for free!)

Which Company to Use?

To receive the Feed in Tariff you will need to use one of the government approved installers and panels. See www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk . All installers should quote your expected generation using the same government standard assessment. Never sign under pressure, always get at least 3 quotes.

More Information

Howard Betts is compiling a record of actual power generated from a SE facing roof in real Little Wenlock weather for anyone interested. Call him on 505547, or John Cole on 501702.

Next meeting: to be announced when we have a pub!