Sustainable Energy Consultant

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Sustainable energy sources are energy sources which are not expected to be depleted in a timeframe relevant to the human race, and which therefore contribute to the sustainability of all species.

Sustainable energy sources are most often regarded as including all renewable sources, such as solar power, wind power, wave power, geothermal power, tidal power and others.

PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY
Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert daylight into electricity without moving parts, making noise, or polluting. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity.

PV cells are wired together to form a panel, panels are wired together into an array, which can produce enough power to meet the electrical needs of your house or large commercial buildings.

PV panels are referred to in terms of the amount of energy they generate in full sunlight, know as kilowatt peak or kWp.

PV systems require very little maintenance and produce no greenhouse gases and each kWp can save approximately 455kg of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

For the average domestic system, costs can be around £5,000- £8,000 per kWp installed with most domestic systems usually between 1.5 and 3 kWp.

1kW array needs 8 sq m of roof and will provide 15 – 20 % of the electricity requirement of the average 3 bed home. 10kW array will be needed for most commercial buildings.

The BERR funded low carbon buildings programme provides grants to help with the costs of installing solar PV technologies.