A solar panel, or photo-voltaic (PV) module, is an assembly of photo-voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation. Solar panels use sunlight as a source of energy to generate direct current electricity. A collection of PV modules is called a PV panel, and a system of PV panels is called an array. Arrays of a photovoltaic system supply solar electricity to electrical equipment.
A photovoltaic system typically includes an array of photovoltaic modules, an inverter, interconnection wiring, circuit breakers, fuses, and disconnect switches. Other secondary equipment but not necessarily required could be, a battery pack for energy storage, charge controller, voltage meters, and optionally a solar tracking mechanism. Equipment is generally ‘carefully selected’ to optimize output, the conversion from direct current to alternating current , energy storage, and reduce power loss during power transmission.
Review of the attributes of the property in respect to the effectiveness of a solar energy generating system
According to literature, the aspect of a property to which a solar generating system is to be affixed, logically affects the output of the system given that the sun changes position over the course of a day relative to the property.
Irrespective of the location of a property, the sun will always rise in the east and set in the west. The United Kingdom (UK) being in the northern hemisphere establishes that the sun is above the equator and therefore south facing solar panels will be optimally aligned in terms generated energy output.
Logically, many properties do not have an appropriate south-facing roof, hence given the trajectory of the sun and the rotation of the earth, in order of optimal location the next best would be west-facing, and then east-facing. North-facing panels are the least effective and are impractical in the UK.
Further, the pitch of a roof on which an array of solar panels is to be affixed, has a bearing on the output of the solar generating system According to literature [3], ideally a fixed, roof-mounted solar energy system should be at an angle that is equal to the latitude of the location where installed. Pitch angles between 30 and 45 degrees are optimal.
Eur Ing Dr Robert Brown (Robert) is the Executive Director of Fraser George and Associates Limited and is a Consultant and Forensic Engineer in the fields Electrical Electronic and Control Engineering.
Robert is an accomplished professional Expert Witness having prepared and presented many court compliant reports and presented oral evidence within the High Court, Crown Courts and County Courts.
For further information please contact Robert via;
Email,…robert.brown@frasergeorge.com or robertbrown@robertbrown.uk.com
Tel Land: +44 (0)1777 709175
Tel Mobile: +44 (0) 7976250624
https://www.facebook.com/Fraser.George.Electrical.Expert
https://www.facebook.com/EurIngDrRobertBrown
https://www.linkedin.com/in/consultantrobertbrown/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/21539092/admin/