Solar PV Panels
Solar PV panels or photovoltaic modules are devices which are constructed from a number of solar cells which combine to achieve a particular watt rating. A solar PV panel will produce a specific maximum power output when exposed to enough sunlight and can even generate electricity on cloudy days although, particularly in the UK, the sunnier the better. Solar electricity is totally free to produce and the cleanest form of renewable energy available to mankind. This has led to a huge interest and investment by consumers, businesses and community centres that need to find ways of cutting energy costs at a time when the price of electricity is constantly increasing. A typical cost of a solar PV Panel system for a community centre would be between £13,000 and £16,000 in the UK but savings can be enjoyed instantly with a potential to save more than £250 every year on electricity bills. This is in addition to the cash payments from Feed in Tariffs or FITs for all energy that is produced using solar power. Of course, the larger the solar PV panel system installed, the greater the energy savings and earnings from FITs.
Solar PV Community Centres
Community centres offer a unique service to communities but are often underfunded and consequently, understaffed. Any successful measure to reduce running costs could help community centres to continue caring for the social needs of the young, old, underprivileged or deprived in terms of quality social interaction. Tea groups, sporting activities, computer learning and community social events all require power to run and solar PV panels have now become a serious consideration for many community centres struggling to keep energy costs down. Solar PV panels, once installed, begin to generate a substantial amount of electricity that can be used to power low energy lighting throughout the community centre, computer equipment and televisions that are used to display learning videos.
Feed in Tariffs for Community Centres
The UK government, in April 2010, introduced Feed in Tariffs for renewable energy that will pay up to 43.3p per kWh for every 4kw solar system. Community centres would earn this amount for all energy that they consume on their daily operations and any excess energy will be automatically exported to the national grid under the Export Tariff scheme. The exported electricity attracts a higher rate of payment which will be an additional 3.1p p/kWh. Thousands of pounds yearly can be earned by community centres using solar PV panels which can significantly contribute to their much needed services.
Sustainable Energy Funding
The E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund is available to community centres that can prove that a solar project will be of benefit to the environment. There are a number of government grants that are also available to community centres interested in cutting their costs and generating free solar energy for their already stretched services. Finding the best solar PV panel system for a particular community as well as the most cost effective financing solution can easily done by using the free comparison and review services available on this website. The most reputable government certified solar PV panel suppliers that are allowed to install Feed in Tariff eligible solar panels for community centres can easily be compared as well as their pricing.
