Guernsey’s first Solar Century solar slate array.

We are two thirds way through Guernsey’s first Solar Century solar slate array. The largest slate array installed in Guernsey so far (none in Jersey! So the largest in the Channel Islands). Each slate panel is rated 52 watts, with 54 slates in total that’s a 2808W peak. We will be plugging into the grid next week and generating electricity whilst the rest of the build continues, offsetting energy cost of build throughout the rest of the works.

C21 solar slates manufactured and supplied by Solarcentury.

Each ‘unit’, or slate has an output of 47 watts each, and each system has 1 x ‘Inverter’ that ALL units plug into to make ONE system.In this case we have a maximum spread constrained by the installation method across all the useable South West roof areas.The aim is to integrate into the building structure the system such that it is normally NOT noticeable, and becomes PART of the building itself, not an external feature.

Chief Renewable Energy Engineer Craig installing solar slates.

One Day, all roofs will be like this and there will be no requirement for a planning application.It will be natural and encouraged by government. It will likely be law to install.

The finished product.

Guernsey Electricity pays the homeowner a ‘Feed in Tariff’ or FiTof a value equal to the cost of GE’s generating or purchasing electricity.

This is approx 6p a unit at this date, and varies monthly.

Why are solar photovoltaics important to both the local and global economy?
 
•4 Times less energy than conventional electric systems is used by heat pumps.
 
•This makes it possible for solar photovoltaics on homes to displace electricity used for heating.
 
•Meanwhile, energy costs will rise, whatever we do, oil more-so, contributing to higher running costs for society and continued recession.
 
•We have to all invest ‘above the bottom line’ in Renewables to reduce the cost of energy to society to enable a robust economy.


http://www.solarcentury.co.uk/
http://twitter.com/solarcentury
http://www.e-si.com
http://twitter.com/E_Si_projects

The latest hybrid Air Source Heat Pump install by E-Si.

Renewable Energy Engineer Jamie, was responsible for leading the team and handling customer liaison. The system comprises of Mitsubishi Ecodan Air Source Heat Pump; integrated with back up oil boiler (customer says however "I never want to burn another drop of oil after this"); Central heating rads; Geminox 300 litre hot water tank; Geminox 300L solar preheat tank; Swimming pool and hot water can be heated by solar, ASHP or oil boiler; all controlled by Dataterm intelligent heating controllers, looking after ASHP or Oil Boiler needs; solar HW tank has a unique thermo control which says:

solar heat tank to high temp; solar heat tank to med temp'; solar heat HW tank not at all and heat all my pool.

The latest most sophisticated hybrid ASHP install achieved yet by E-Si.

Every time we install there's an evolution, a forward step into new ways of connecting stuff.

Glimpse the cleverly disguised solar system dwelling behind the lamp post, sitting between pitched roofs. A few days ago the solar water heated went to a nice 50C (end of February).