Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Cumbria

Talk to Logic about getting Solar PV in Cumbria, the most affordable renewable energy generating system. It uses photovoltaic modules on the roof of a building to convert light into electricity.

Fitting a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system gives a domestic or commercial building its very own roof-top power station, simultaneously reducing electricity bills and carbon emissions!

How does PV work?

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems use energy from sunlight and convert it to zero carbon electricity. Most systems comprise two main components:

Solar PV Panels (also know as PV modules) are the fundamental elements of a solar PV system. These panels contain a series of photovoltaic cells made from an efficient semi-conductor material (usually silicon based) which convert light into electricity. To yield a desired electrical power output (measured in Watts) a number of panels are connected together to form a PV ‘array’.

The DC/AC Inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that you can directly use as it matches the building's mains electrical grid supply. If the building is not grid connected, the inverter is usually substituted with a battery bank to store the solar electricity generated.

The power produced by a Solar PV system contributes directly to the electrical demand of the building and in grid-connected installations substitutes electricity that would otherwise have been drawn from the National Grid.

If at any point more electricity is being generated than the building is using, the excess will be exported to the grid and payment can be received for this. In instances where the building is not grid connected, surplus electricity is stored in batteries.

The size of a solar PV system is defined in terms of power output in full sunlight (known as its kilowatt peak - kWp), and this is usually governed by the available roof area and budget. For example, a typical 2 kWp system, occupying around 20m2 of roof space, will generate between 1500-1800 kWh of electricity per annum (the equivalent of up to 50% of the consumption of an average household).

A solar PV system generating 1650 kWh of electricity reduces CO2 emissions by around 710kg per year.

A typical 2 kWp solar PV system will generate about 50% of the electricity consumed by an average household*

*National average household consumption for electricity estimated at 3300kWp per annum.

Will a PV system suit my requirements?

Deciding upon whether a solar PV system is appropriate for you is contingent upon a number of factors:

  • Specific energy or carbon reduction goals
  • Available roof space
  • Orientation & shading
  • Mains electrical connection
  • Local planning issues
  • Budget

Unlike many other renewable energy devices, solar PV systems have no moving parts and therefore require minimum maintenance.

Which solar PV System?

There is a wide choice of available solar PV systems, with variations in many system components. Logic will always specify a high quality system tailored individually to meet your specific contextual requirements.

Solar PV Panels

Solar PV panels consist of a series of photovoltaic cells made from one of three different types of semi-conductor material. The majority of solar panels contain cells made from polycrystalline or monocrystalline silicon as these are the most cost effective. However, where the available space for a PV array is limited, we can specify high efficiency panels containing ‘hybrid cells’ to maximise power output.

Roof Mounting System

On pitched roofs, solar PV panels can either be mounted above the roof or integrated within the tiles. In ‘above’ roof mounting systems (typically used when retro-fitting properties) rails are fixed over the roof tiles and anchored to the structure beneath. In ‘roof integrated mounting systems’ with a sleeker look, like on a new build, the solar panels are fixed directly to the structure flush with the roof tiles. On flat roofs, the solar panels are mounted on pitched frames which are either fixed to the roof structure or suitably weighted. In cases where there is not a suitable roof, the solar panels can be fitted to ground mounted frames.

Logic will be happy to advise your selection of Solar PV Panel type and Roof Mounting system based on pertinent factors:

  • Roof Type - whether a flat or pitched roof mounting system should be used for your building
  • Aesthetic considerations - roof integrated mounting systems are generally considered to look better
  • Local site conditions - limited roof space may dictate the use of hybrid solar panels to obtain a required output
  • New build or retrofit - roof integrated solar panels are easier to fit on new build properties but could be integrated in re-roofing
  • Integrated with solar thermal - some roof integrated solar panels can be integrated with solar thermal collectors
  • Local planning issues - in some areas only roof integrated systems will be allowed
  • Budget - above roof mounting is usually cheaper than roof integrated