Cost of PV Photovoltaic Solar Panels – Cheap 1, 2 & 4 KW Systems
A photovoltaic solar panel is a technology that harnesses the suns energy and turns it into electrical power. The technology has been around for quite a while. However it’s only in the last few years that PV solar panels have really become a viable, cost-efficient method of generating energy for the average homeowner. Government grants and cash-back schemes have incentivised many individuals to take the plunge and this increased demand has helped to streamline production costs.
PV Photovoltaic Solar Technology
In 2010 it is said that solar photovoltaic technology is generating electricity in more than 100 countries around the world. It’s also said to be the fastest growing power generating technology in the entire world.
The photovoltaic effect describes a process where the photons of light emitted by the sun knock into electrons within the panel. This reaction causes the electrons to enter into a higher state of energy, creating electricity. The photovoltaic cells are sensitive and require protection from the elements. They are usually encased tightly behind a glass sheet. The photovoltaic reaction produces a DC current which needs to be inverted into AC before it can be utilised around the home. A piece of equipment called an “inverter” is fitted to all domestic photovoltaic systems in order to convert the current from DC to AC.
On a larger scale, photovoltaic technology is used to generate vast amounts of electricity at PV power plants, of which Sarnia based in Canada is the largest. Constructed in 2009, Sarnia Photovoltaic Power Plant produces a DC peak power output of around 97 MW, this is around 50,000 times larger than a 2KW household size system.
The cost of PV solar panels
The cost of a PV solar panel system is based on the amount of electrical energy it is expected to be able to generate. Most systems are rated in kW. For grid-connected systems installed in the UK you can expect to pay around £5000 – £7000 + VAT per kW.
Installed you will find the cost to be roughly.
£5000 – £7000 for a 1KW system
£10,000 – £12000 for a 2KW system
£14,500 – £16,500 for a 4KW system
Of course it is worth bearing in mind the government’s “Clean energy cash-back scheme” also known as the “Feed In Tariff Sceme” (FITS). This scheme is currently in operation and open to all subscribers until 2013. Once signed up a member can benefit from up to 41.3p cashback per kWh generated. This amount is also pegged to inflation for the next 25 years to give a guaranteed long term return.
