The Role of Photovoltaics in Reducing Carbon Emissions in Domestic Properties

The paper reports on the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems which were installed on 23 new build properties at Henley Rise in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK. A total of 17 properties were fitted with 3.02 kiloWatt peak (kWp) photovoltaic systems designed to supply up to 2400 kiloWatt hours (kWh) of solar energy per annum whereas the remaining six systems were 3.75 kWp systems providing up to 3000 kWh per annum. The photovoltaic panels were integrated into the roofs of all properties. Datum readings were taken at the time of commissioning in the Summer of 2007 with subsequent readings taken during Winter 2008/09. The results show that there is a significant difference in performance across the 23 PV systems. Variables which may have had an influence on the performance included system capacity, roof pitch and effect of shading on the panels. The paper also investigates the impact of air temperature, solar irradiance. cracked cells and shunt resistance that has been shown to influence the performance of PV systems. Comparisons are made with the performance of PV systems elsewhere in the World. An estimate in annual reduction of carbon emissions from a typical installation is also made and related to the Government's 2050 carbon reduction targets.