Choosing the right Solar system

  • There are hundreds of Solar PV panels currently on the market. How do you select the right one for your needs?
  • Panels differ in size, power and cost and thus choosing the right panel depends largely on three factors:
    • How much roof space you have?
    • How much are you willing to spend?
    • How much energy you need/want to produce?
  • Some clients will be more limited by the amount of roof space, and thus will be focused on the highest power panel that will fit in a certain area. Others will be more concerned about cost and will therefore look towards the cheaper, less powerful panels. Those with unlimited space will be more concerned with using the most powerful panel on a cost efficiency basis. Cernunnos considers all these factors when selecting the right panel for a client. We work with over 100 panels and select the best on a cost/performance ratio. We work out the cost per panel per Watt per meter squared – giving us the best efficiency panels on the market. Helping you get the right panel for your needs.

Additionally, there will be certain system sizes that are just a no-go. Because the tariff rate is lowered for systems over 4kW and then again for systems over 10kW, it is only advisable to go over these system sizes if the financial reward is advantageous. For example, a 3.99kW system will earn more than a 4.01kW system as the latter falls under a reduced tariff rate of 16.8p (versus 21p for systems under 4kW). As you increase the system from 4kW you will eventually find that it becomes advantageous financially. Generally, we say that systems between 4kW and 6kW are not advisable and similarly for systems between 10kW and 12kW. The following chart shows the Annual ROI plotted against the system size (kW):

annual-roi

There is no point in going over 4kW and installing 5kW or 6kW systems as the tariff change causes diminishing returns!

Other pages in this section:

  • What is Solar Photovoltaic?
  • How much Energy Does it Produce?
  • Am I suitable for Solar PV?
  • Choosing the right system
  • Components of a Solar PV Systems
  • Solar PV Monitors
  • A Word on shading and inverters
  • Planning Permission & Building Regulations
  • The Feed In Tariff
  • Calculating Investment Returns
  • How Important is Inflation Linked?
  • Installation and Maintenance
  • Manufacturers Guarantees
  • The Cernunnos Installation Guarantee
  • Testimonials
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