Is the British climate suitable for PV?
The amount of electricity generated by a Solar PV panel or array depends on the intensity of the sunlight to which it is exposed. A solar cell will generate more electricity on bright summer days when the sun is stronger than on sunny winter days. In the south of Britain the sun’s power, or irradiation, available at the surface of the earth averages around 950 watts per square meter. With typical solar cell efficiencies of around 14-16%, this will generate about 140-160W per square meter of panel, providing they are placed south facing into the sun and inclined between 30º to 50º from horizontal. PV cells do not need to be in direct sunlight to work and will generate electricity even on overcast days and so can be used all year round. In the UK electricity generation will decrease during the winter months when the sun is lower and the days are shorter and darker but energy requirements can be supplemented by the National Grid.
