Solar Photovoltaic

Different type of installations

These panels are fitted to any property as part of the roof, in place of tiles. The panels are fitted flush with the surrounding roof and are also responsible for waterproofing. The panels are more expensive and less efficient than retro-fit panels, but suit some aesthetic requirements. For new builds, or extensions, the price of installation can be reduced by not requiring roof tiles for the surface area of the installation. Air gaps are required behind the panels for cooling, to maintain efficient energy production.

Retro-fit

These are the panels that most of us visualize when thinking of Solar panels. They are the most efficient panels and can be fitted to any property which already has a finished roof.

This is the most efficient static installation and maximizes energyproduction and FIT payments.

Roof anchors are fitted to the wooden rafters and rails are then bolted to the roof anchors, with the panels being bolted to the rails.

This type of installation is the most prominent display of your green credentials.

Flat Roof

The existence of only a flat roof to install panels on is catered for by using a mounting system to install conventional retro-fit panels at the optimum angle for the latitude location of installation.

Ground Mounted – Static

Where roof-based installations are not possible or desirable, ground mounted installations are possible. These installations are fitted with vandal & theft proof mountings and an installation base with sufficient ballast below ground to resist calculated wind loads.

Ground Mounted – Tracker System

Like the static ground mounted system in many ways, the tracker system can be installed where roof-based installations are not possible or desirable but these systems have one key difference.
As solar cell efficiencies are maximized when the light hits the panel at 90 degrees, these Tracker based installations seek out and maintain a 90 degree angle between the sun and the panel, through the day and also throughout summer and winter when the relative height of the sun changes.