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Green Building Bible, Fourth Edition
Green Building Bible, fourth edition (both books)
These two books are the perfect starting place to help you get to grips with one of the most vitally important aspects of our society - our homes and living environment.

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General: Smaller Sized Solar (PV) Panels

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorBenM
    • CommentTimeNov 16th 2021
     
    Since having our solar thermal installed, really keen to add to this with some solar PV.

    We have quite a large south facing roofscape, but it is quite an awkward design, with a dormer and other architectural aspects which means it is not a large blank surface.

    This makes it difficult to get many standard sized panel (370-400w 1.7m2) across the roof.

    I've tried to find smaller panels, to fit in and around the awkward roof shape, but I'm struggling to find any.

    I'm guessing it just not efficient to have panels of a smaller size, but maybe I'm just missing them.

    Has anyone got any knowledge or experience of smaller panels? Any info or assistance would be much appreciated.
  2.  
    When considering PV around architectural features don't forget that shading can have a very detrimental effect on the PV string output. Consider micro inverters on each panel.
    Good luck with finding non-standard size panels.
    •  
      CommentAuthordjh
    • CommentTimeNov 16th 2021
     
    Posted By: BenMHas anyone got any knowledge or experience of smaller panels?

    There are lots of smaller panels around, intended for applications on boats & cars, or just by hikers. They tend to be more expensive per watt than the standardish domestic panels though and some are not as efficient.

    There are some systems that use 'solar tiles' intended in place of normal roofing tiles. They might be more suitable but I don't know much about them.

    Don't forget PiH's point either.
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTimeNov 16th 2021 edited
     
    https://www.bimblesolar.com/about_us
    Especially if you know the technicalities, many bargains to be had.
    • CommentAuthortychwarel
    • CommentTimeNov 17th 2021
     
    Many of the solar farms are upgrading from 200-250 Watt panels to 350+ and are selling off the older ones very cheaply, If you don't mind panels a couple of years old, its a good route to go down. The only issue I have come across is getting MCS approval on second hand kit and therefore export tariff.
    • CommentAuthorbhommels
    • CommentTimeNov 17th 2021
     
    Our house just has a small roof area and I went for the Panasonic (then Sanyo) HIT panels. These are smaller, more efficient and unfortunately carry a higher price tag. With the FiT tariffs at the time it made sense to maximise generation, not sure if that is still the case.
    • CommentAuthorrevor
    • CommentTimeNov 17th 2021
     
    Posted By: tychwarelgetting MCS approval on second hand kit and therefore export tariff.


    I paid £420 extra for MCS in order to be able to export. It will take me a long time to get payback on it as I tend to use most of what I produce via a battery. If you do a DIY job and include a battery I think it makes more sense to do it that way and the 2nd hand panels make it more worthwhile.

    Posted By: fostertomhttps://www.bimblesolar.com/about_us" rel="nofollow" >https://www.bimblesolar.com/about_us
    Especially if you know the technicalities, many bargains to be had.


    I have had a quick look at this site and impressed with the range they do. I am thinking of a small 1 or 2 kw wind trubine and have a good range so can see another project awaits me.
    • CommentAuthorrevor
    • CommentTimeNov 24th 2021
     
    Posted By: tychwarelMany of the solar farms are upgrading from 200-250 Watt panels to 350+ and are selling off the older ones very cheaply, If you don't mind panels a couple of years old, its a good route to go down. The only issue I have come across is getting MCS approval on second hand kit and therefore export tariff.


    Beware of stolen ones

    https://www.farminguk.com/news/thieves-steal-220-solar-panels-from-lincs-farm_59385.html

    This theft was worth in region of £70000. Would have been some undertaking to remove 220 panels without being seen.

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