Solar in the UK

When we think about capturing energy from the sun, we immediately think of the heat and power provided by the sun – then we look up and see the all too familiar cloudy skies above the UK. Surprisingly, even on the cloudiest days we receive enough energy from indirect sunlight (diffuse solar radiation) to generate electricity.

 

In fact, we get so much diffuse solar radiation from our cloudy skies in the UK that we receive around 60% of the solar radiation found at the equator! By harnessing the energy available in daylight, properties in the UK can generate a significant proportion, if not all, of their daily energy requirements.

 

Solar Electric PV Systems in UK

Solar Electric PV Systems work extremely well in the UK. Their performance increases significantly in cooler conditions, with efficiencies dropping markedly in hot countries.

Modern PV systems perform well in cloudy conditions, absorbing Ultra Violet light from the sky. A PV System fitted on a flat roof will generate 90% of the energy generated by an ideally located system that is South facing and angled at 30º.