Micro renewables - Photovoltaics
Solar photovoltaic (PV) uses solar energy to generate electricity for appliances and lighting. PV systems use solar cells, made up of one or two layers of semi-conducting material. As light falls on the solar cells, an electric field is created causing electricity to flow. Whilst higher levels of sunlight will result in more electricity being generated, the system does not rely on sunshine to function – daylight is sufficient.
Solar PV requires south-east to south-west orientation. They can be stand alone (i.e. positioned away from the building), and either mounted or integrated on either the roof or the wall. For example, PV tiles can be fitted instead of roof tiles. This section provides more detailed information about solar photovoltaic systems.
- Government Documents
- Other Documents
- Other Resources
- Organisations
- Resource Classification
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- Photovoltaics in buildings: A design guide
- Ref:
- 0180-GovC
- Author:
- Max Fordham and Partners, in association with Feilden Clegg Architects, January 1999
- Type:
- External PDF File
- Link:
- www.berr.gov.uk/files/file16811.pdf
- This is a comprehensive document on the use of photovoltaics in building design. Section 3.6 'Forms and Systems' (p 21-27) provides a useful guide to the different applications available (with photos) and section 4 (p 47) introduces the calculations involved in sizing and costing systems. Cambridge Botanic Gardens provides the case study and there is a handy PV glossary on pages 62-64. (DTI ref. URN 99/1274).v show details
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- Active solar heating system performance and data review
- Ref:
- 0171-GovN
- Author:
- IT Power for ETSU, January 1999
- Type:
- External PDF File
- Link:
- www.berr.gov.uk/files/file16518.pdf
- A review of active solar heating systems installed in Northern European countries. Section 3.4.6 (p 23) considers the relevance of this data to the UK and Annex 1 (p 28) provides a useful list of parameters for measurement when monitoring an active solar system. (DTI ref. URN 00/1673).v show details
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- Analysis of performance data from four active solar water heating installations (interim report)
- Ref:
- 0172-GovN
- Author:
- The Energy Monitoring Company Ltd, January 2001
- Type:
- External PDF File
- Link:
- www.berr.gov.uk/files/file16522.pdf
- This document includes the results and analysis from a two year (1998-1999) performance study of 4 active solar water heating installations. Outputs of the study include data on quality of collector performance, information on hot water usage and delivery temperature, output from collectors and proportion of household hot water requirement met by installation. Comprehensive data is presented which may be of use when assessing the suitability of solar thermal installations for a property/ies. (DTI ref. URN 01/781)v show details
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- Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) design study
- Ref:
- 0179-GovN
- Author:
- School of the Built Environment, University of Nottingham , January 2000
- Type:
- External PDF File
- Link:
- www.berr.gov.uk/files/file16526.pdf
- Study documenting design process and system performance of two solar photovoltaic installations. Useful for looking at design considerations in relation to actual buildings. (DTI ref. URN 00/1573).v show details
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