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Photovoltaic (PV) Solar panels.
PV panels are a way of absorbing the sun’s energy to create electricity. They are ideally placed in a south facing location, often a roof, but they could be on a wall or even at ground level for example in-between your veggies.
PV panels are available which replace some types of roof-tile. Planning permission would be needed if you need to site them more than 200mm from the roof-line. They need to point vaguely South.
Photovoltaic cells work whenever it is light - it doesn’t have to be a hot day. They are relatively expensive at present and a small set-up is not likely to pay for itself within its 20-30 year predicted life-span at todays energy prices. However the cost of the panels will probably fall, the cost of energy will rise and you will be producing carbon neutral electricity.
The costs could be reduced and so the option made more attractive by installing a larger operation and any excess could be sold back to the grid. To do so and to operate equipment at normal mains voltages 220-240V an inverted is also required.
Corbel have the contacts to purchase and install the panels and control equipment at a cost which could make this a very attractive way to reduce your carbon footprint and electricity costs.
Micro-hydro / small scale hydro-electricity:
Hydro-electricity is tried and tested technology. For anyone with even a relatively small amount of water flowing over their land, there is potential for harnessing the energy from it. We would need to measure the volumetric flow and the height that the water drops to establish feasibility, but it may be possible to install power generation and again sell the excess electricity back to the grid.
This carbon neutral source of electricity generally carries on 24/7 all year round.
Installation costs are high, but for the entrepreneurial type this could well be an income aswell as reducing your own bills.
Corbel will advise and project manage the feasibility study and installation.
Wind generators:
Great source of power if you are in the right location. For most people that is not the case and the installation costs are high for a big enough generator to make it worthwhile.
Having said that, its definitely viable if you are remote and need off-grid electricity or if you are in a place where at the height of a reasonable pole you can a reasonable amount of wind.
We would arrange a feasibility study for you and advise on, or supply and install the right equipment. |
