Exactly how successful property owners will be in maximising the benefits of solar power will largely depend on decisions made during the installation process. The gulf between a good and a bad installation is vast, and can dramatically affect the efficiency of the panels, and as a result how much power is generated. In this article, we will discuss some practical ways to ensure that a PV installation is optimised, as well as how to avoid some of the potential pitfalls encountered in the installation process.
2011 was a watershed year for the PV installation market. Analyst house IMS research found that despite a relatively weak start to the year, global installations rose by 24 per cent from 2010 – up to 24 GW from 19 GW. For the UK, much of this growth was caused by a surge in demand brought about by proposed governmental cuts to feed-in tariffs, with home owners wanting to capitalise before the higher rates threatened to tail off in December. With the future of feed-in tariffs increasingly uncertain, it’s more important than ever that PV installations deliver the maximum benefit. Only by producing the best possible yield will the solar industry ensure a bright future, whatever happens with solar subsidies moving forward.
Choosing the right installer
There are three components that need to be considered before embarking on a PV installation: the modules, the inverter and the installation. If any one of these three areas does not come up to scratch, it will have a negative impact on the end result.
But perhaps the first place to start is to make sure the installer is up to scratch. The installer will be responsible for providing advice and guidance on all the key areas of the project: which panels and inverter to use as well as the size of the installation and where to place it for best effect. It naturally follows that if the installer does not have a sufficient knowledge of his or her subject area, then a weak installation is far more likely.
It’s here that certification plays a key role. All credible installers should be MCS certified. The MCS is an internationally recognised quality assurance scheme which proves that an installer has met rigorous training standards. The certification was designed in association with representatives from product manufacturers and installers themselves, and works as a mark of competency that the installer can deliver a PV project to the highest of standards.
Quality vs. cost
The next consideration lies in which PV panels to use. Performance statistics on the various panels available will help to ensure as many KW hours as possible for your money. This will be key to maximising financial return on the investment. When the difference in yield can be as much as 25 per cent between two panels of the same KW, the importance of fully researching the product is clear.
