Simple and effective, Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity from the sun and could meet 30% of a household’s annual electricity needs.

There is a common misconception that Northern Ireland does not receive enough sunshine to make this technology viable. However, this is not the case. PV panels do not require direct sunlight, so normal daylight is sufficient to produce electricity. On bright days, more energy is produced.

Typically, an array covering 10 square metres generates 1.5 kilowatt peak for use around the house. In addition, with no moving parts, these panels are almost completely maintenance free, saving energy bills as well as hassle.

Before installing PV panels, it is important to assess your homes energy use from your electricity bills, preferably over the course of a year. This will help an installer determine the size of array for your home. The aim of installing PV is to provide your home with electricity generated from a natural resource, minimise the number of units you import from the electricity grid and reduce your electricity bill.

The average home in Northern Ireland uses between 4,000 and 7,000 units of electricity a year. With the current cost of one unit of electricity at 12.8pence, the average domestic bill is in the region of £500 - £900 per annum.

The ideal orientation for PV panels is south facing. It’s important that nothing casts a shadow over the area where the panels will be mounted. Panels can be installed on an existing roof or be integrated into the roof and do not generally require planning permission.

PV panels only generate electricity during daylight hours. For this reason it is important to consider when and how you use electricity at home. Electricity generated by PV is not normally stored so the PV is best suited to homes which have an electricity demand during daylight hours, when the energy can be used. Excess electricity may be traded back onto the grid and Northern Ireland Electricity will purchase these units of electricity. However it is always more economic to size a PV system appropriately so you use most of the units you produce.