Photovoltaic panels use the suns light energy to produce electricity, they are made from silicon which has the ability to convert light into electricity.

Photovoltaics

Most PV installations in the UK are of the 'On-grid' Variety (although there are some off grid installations that include batteries to store the generated electricity) and so they are connected in parallel to the grid with excess electricity flowing back to the grid and any shortfall is made up from the grid.

A typical 1kW array will supply approximately 800 kWh/year (depending on location and position), require a roof area of between 8m2 and 12m2 and cost between £4,500 and £7,000 (dependant on type).

Energy council have been invloved in a number of developments where PV has been installed to meet local planning policy or to achieve BREEAM and Code for Sustainable homes ratings.

The recent introduction of 'Feed in Tariffs'in the UK is likely to make PV more feasible in the future.