Where should solar panels be placed

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

P.S. __ [because it’s quicker than the loop-time for editing my previous post]
.

There were good reasons why I specified integrated panels, but they are of no relevance here. … My original request was for the Marley system, but the company actually quoted for something simpler/cheaper [!]

MichaelG.

 

[Roderick JenkinsParticipant @roderickjenkins93242]

Bazyle,

As I understand it, the largest PV array that can be installed without advance permission from the grid is 4kW (16A) so this tends be the standard installation for a modest domestic dwelling, which ours is.  Michael and I are probably comparing like with like.

Rod

[David JuppParticipant @davidjupp51506]

Larger arrays are not necessarily a problem (will depend on local distribution network), but some installers simply want to avoid any hassle so will specify smaller inverters to avoid having to apply for permission (and potentially hit problems).

I had a 6.64kW array installed in August – for similar sized systems some installers wanted to fit a 4kW inverter (or slightly larger, but limit grid output to 4kW), the system we actually had installed has a 6kW inverter with no limits on grid output – but yes there was an application to the distribution network operator for permission (no drama).

A locally based installer is perhaps more likely to understand any limitations of the local distribution network, and will advise accordingly.

Just for asking (based on slight differences of panel specs between quotes from different suppliers) I got 415W panels at no extra cost over 400W panels – every little helps.

[Bazyle]

On Bazyle Said:

Thanks for the information MG and RJ especially the graph showing relative generation by month but one HUGE factor missing. Mentioning 5, ten, fifty panels is meaningless as they might be 5W each or 500W per panel.
What would be useful is actual output per rated kW per day or week over the year and for different practical angles. …

The output is quantified just under the graph, Bazyle

and the next bit you are wanting is probably covered by the ’SAM calculations’

[ not exactly sure what those are, but they appear to be a standard within the industry ]

Incidentally, the panels for which I was quoted are surprisingly cheap as ‘raw’ items for the trade: … I will leave you to search for a ‘trade’ source, but they do advertise on the internet.

.

.

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

‘ere we go: https://sam.nrel.gov/

MichaelG.

[SamsarandaParticipant @samsaranda]

I have 4Kw of solar generating on our roof, facing South-South East and I live on the South Coast, so pretty near perfect for alignment, max output occurs at 11.0 am every day. Also have 12 kWh of storage batteries installed soon after the panels were, this was some 5 years ago and I have been pleased that the output and payback certainly exceeded my expectations based on the installers calculations. I am 77 years of age and certainly hope that I will achieve the  payback point and live a fair distance beyond. In the summer months the most productive are June, July and August when we are in effect self supporting on the energy that we generate, the most annoying factor is that we pay a 48pence a day standing charge on the electric supply tariff even on days when we draw nothing from the grid, I know it isn’t dependent on usage but a blanket charge covering the maintenance of the supply network.

The cost of my solar panels was £6250, I didn’t pick the cheapest estimate but chose the panels that have individual microinverters fitted on each panel, the cost of the batteries was £800 per battery and we have 5 in total giving 12Kwh of battery storage so a total of £4000. Our costs were considerably less than those Michael was quoted, I did get a number of estimates and the costs varied widely so you need to shop around, my only regret about the whole process is that I should have taken the plunge years earlier but certainly glad I did it before the energy price hikes.   Dave W

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Just for clarity, Dave [although I said I didn’t consider it relevant to the present discussion] … My starting point was a desire to use the Marley system of very neatly integrated panels:

https://www.marley.co.uk/solar-roof-tiles/solartile

These are claimed to be cost-effective when building a new roof, but I was looking at retro-fitting them to an existing roof … which inevitably incurs a significant extra cost!

The supplier [although I was pointed to them by Marley] actually chose to specify different panels, which would probably not have matched my specification anyway.

I am happy to accept that an electrically similar system could be obtained for about half what I was quoted … but even then, the sums would not work for me.

On my present consumption and tariff, I could ‘save’ less than £2 per day and even an £8k installation would therefore not be amortised within the typical warranty period of components and workmanship.

MichaelG.

 

[SamsarandaParticipant @samsaranda]

Michael, I see where you are coming from, it depends how much energy you consume in a day, my situation is that energy wise I am running two large ponds with pumps, air pumps and UV units on both ponds, these run 24 hours a day so our household does use a lot of energy every day. If you are using minimal energy then the financial equation regarding solar doesn’t work out cost effective.  Dave W

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thanks, Dave … we’re on the same page

Although it does seem that some of the sales-pitches are from a different book !

MichaelG.

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Carpark solar panels can also be used for rain water collection and with filtration etc used by shop / factory etc.

[Mark RandParticipant @markrand96270]

The SolFiT BIPV system is another ‘build-in’ integrated roof option.

[Russell EberhardtParticipant @russelleberhardt48058]

The Super U chain of supermarkets in France is installing solar panels over car parking spaces. Our nearest branch had them installed a couple of years ago covering over 150 parking spaces. Eight of the spaces are electric car charging spaces.

Our local airport (Perpignan – Rivesalts) has almost the whole of it’s car park covered. However we do get a bit more sun than the UK and the shade for the cars is popular!

Russell

[Author]

Posts