"Promoting the better use and supply
                  of energy to counter climate change"

The main advantage with PV is its flexibility in terms of design and relatively easy and quick installation. In addition, most buildings have a significant demand of electricity and therefore once the basic energy efficiency measures to reduce electricity needs have been implemented, PV offers a straight forward solution.

A large development of community solar PV plant may have medium visual impact and need a local planning permission. A survey of the PV site, especially the construction of the roof will also be required. Costs are the biggest issue for the technology but with the latest Feed in Tariffs (FiT), this technology can be financially viable.

The lifecycle cost analysis of a 400m² PV system for a community building, demonstrated as follows, has indicated more than £110,000 Net Present Value (NPV) investment return in 25 years lifetime.

To learn more about community PV project and lifecycle cost analysis, please contact us.

This website contains additional guidance on some of the practical issues surrounding the siting, installation and maintenance of photovoltaic panels, that was developed as part of the EurActive Roofer project:

• Background to Photovoltaics
• Types of Photovoltaic Roofs
• Types of Solar Cells
• Wind loading
• Rain & wind driven rain
• Condensation
• Snow & Ice Load

For a list of local installers, please contact the Solar Trade Association.