energy

Solar systems
&
how to install them
Smart Electrician takes a look at
installation equipment & techniques
The greatly increased use solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels has been a great success
in the UK over recent years, and even though this is now threatened by the present
Government’s big cut-backs, the technology still represents business opportunities for
enterprising electrical installers.
Solar PV panels can be ground-, roof-, or-mast
mounted, but the angle, direction and being
unobstructed are crucially important, as is the choice
of associated installation equipment. This article looks
at these issues and the equipment itself.
Note, firstly, that solar PV and wind power can be
combined to form a hybrid system, though installation
will be a little more complex. Whichever type is
selected, it has to be carefully fitted out with suitable
electrical and other equipment to function optimally.
What is required?
cells adding up (and sometimes many panels too) the
danger is there - so, a safety reminder: solar PV panels
produce electricity all the time they are exposed to
light, so working with them can be hazardous.
Also, remember that solar PV modules are designed
to have working lives of typically 25 to 30 years, so
some components will have to work reliably outdoors
for this period, unaffected by extremes of weather -
and even attacks by rodents.
What’s in a solar PV kit?
Secondly, it might be thought that solar PV is safe,
low-voltage equipment. However, with many solar
Typically, a domestic solar PV kit for smaller homes
includes 0.5 -1kW solar modules, suitable ►
2016 | ISSUE 03 Smart Electrician 25