Solar and Photovoltaic Energy
Solar panels trap the energy of the sun by converting the light falling on them to heat (solar water heating) or electricity (Photovoltaic or PV for short). These panels and modules come in a range of styles and construction techniques for different types of applications.
Power from the Sun in Scotland?
Solar power is mostly associated with sunny climes. As anyone who has holidayed abroad will attest, solar panels are a feature of nearly every modern home in Spain, Cyprus and throughout the Mediterranean. Due to advances in this technology even through grey overcast skies solar panels or modules can still produce useful power. Scientists at the University of Strathcylde's Energy Systems Research Unit (ESRU) have calculated that each south facing roof in Scotland receives between 700-1100 kWh per sq metre each year. Given that almost 70% of domestic energy consumption goes to heating water solar water heating, if widely adopted, could dramatically decrease the CO2 emissions from oil, gas and electricity production by displacing a significant proportion of these fuels.
Solar Power Systems
There are two main types of system deployed in Argyll. Most domestic users have roof mounted south facing solar panels which heat water inconjuction with the existing heating system thus reducing the consumers power bill. This is the traditional use of solar power and still the most common. The other system which is beginning to spring up in Scotland is photovoltaic systems (PV). These convert sunlight (photons) to electricity by means of semi-conductors (usually silicon) embedded within the modules. When first introduced onto the market they where used in conjunction with batteries to store the power when no sunlight was available but this was a weak point in the system as the batteries required careful attention. Today the best solution is to have them grid connected within your home or business with an inverter, to convert the DC output to AC, and a metering system. When the modules are producing power they save you money on your electricity bill by substitution. If they are producing more power than you require then they can also produce an income stream by passing this excess onto the power company.
 |
| Photovoltaic Solar Roof Tiles |
This is the type of PV roof which was installed during the construction of the £1.8m Gaelic College on Islay. At the time of its opening, in August 2002, Ionad Chaluim Chille Ile's PV roof at 20kW was then the largest photovoltaic installation in Scotland. AIE assisted the total building project with a £200,000 grant part of which went towards the solar PV roof.
As with nearly all renewable energy solutions the initial capital outlay is high but the advantages are free fuel from then on (the Sun), no pollution and no noise. Their operation is completely silent and produce no carbon emissions.
Grants and Incentives
Grants are available from the Energy Savings Trust (EST) for householders and businesses and the Scottish Community and Household Renewables Initiative (SCHRI) for householders and community groups. The EST have a web site dedicated to this grant scheme, see right hand side panel, and further information on the SCHRI can be obtained from their web site (link in side panel) or by contacting ALIenergy in Oban who administer the scheme in the Argyll and the Islands area.
Businesses can also benefit from the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme and could also get interest free loans for this type of investment from Loan Action Scotland.
