Solar PV

Photovoltaic technology harnesses solar energy and converts it into electricity using a conductor, which is usually silicon.

Photovoltaics are most cost-effective where other sources of energy are remote, as although the life of a PV system is around 25-30 years, it takes a while to recoup costs

Although PV cells are most effective in sunlight, they can still produce some power on cloudy days. In new builds, they can be integrated into the design as roof tiles. Retrofitting is also possible if the building will take the load, which will need to be ascertained via a structural survey. They are best installed in a southerly, unshaded area. Unless a building is listed, planning permission isn't normally required for small installations, although contacting a planner for advice is still the best thing to confirm what is required.

Renewable Energy Association website
www.r-p-a.org.uk/home.fcm

National Energy Foundation website
www.nef.org.uk/

EST (October 2006) Homeowner's guide to Solar PV
This guide shows you all you need to know about installing a solar electric system on your house.
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/download.cfm?p=12&pid=931

British Photovoltaic Association website
The website contains a guide to photovoltaic (PV) technology, a searchable database of members, reputable suppliers and installers, and a reference area containing answers to FAQs about buying, connecting and using PV in the UK environment.
www.pv-uk.org.uk

BERR Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP)
This link takes you through to the PV section of the LCBP website and includes information on installers, products, manufacturers and grant application forms for solar water heating.
http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/micro/solartherm/

Max Fordham & Partners In Association with Feilden Clegg Architects (Mar 1999) Photovoltaics in buildings: a design guide
A comprehensive document on the use of photovoltaics in building design. Section 3.6 'Forms and Systems' (p 21-27) provides a useful guide to the different applications available (with photos) and section 4 (p 47) introduces the calculations involved in sizing and costing systems. Cambridge Botanic Gardens provides the case study and there is a handy PV glossary on pages 62-64. (DTI ref. URN 99/1274).
www.dti.gov.uk/files/file16811.pdf
MCS 005 Solar photovoltaic scheme document

National House Building Council
The NHBC have produced two reports which review the opportunity for microgeneration and renewable technologies. The documents include guides to, technology overview, cost effectiveness and local impact.
http://www.nhbcfoundation.org/Portals/0/NF7%20-%20A%20Review http://www.nhbc.co.uk/NHBCpublications/LiteratureLibrary/