Dartmoor Off Grid

We have been commencing an installation of a large off grid system in Dartmoor on the high moor. With temperatures in the winter plunging to -17C on occasion and a wild variation of weather conditions that are always prevalent on the Moor, this dwelling needs as much backup and self suffiency as possible. There is no mains electricity or water available, so we are taking part in implementing a complete infrastructure for the customer.
From Solar PV through control electronics, backup generator and house wiring, we will be providing a complete self reliant system for the customer.

The picture here shows the partly completed array being installed.

More to be posted on this project as systems are installed.

Off Grid in Dorset

We completed the installation of a Solar PV off gid system in Dorset last week.
Assisted by the customer, this installation was a joy to work on, being mounted on a house of cedar in such a tranquil (but remote) location.
The PV modules are capable of charging the 1500Ah battery bank at almost 30amps in bright sunlight if required.
Power usage is low, with low energy lamps and a few low wattage appliances.

The system will be upgraded soon with a larger sine inverter to run a possible larger range of appliances.

Mounting system

We use almost exclusively the K2 roof mounting system for our solar PV installations. I thought I'd take a few pictures on an installation this week to let you see a close up of how it works. So many people ask how the system gets put on the roof!

You can see the horizontal rail against the Redland tiles on the left. On the right you can see the PV module being clamped down by a corrosion proof alloy bracket and stainless bolt & fitting.

This system has worked well for us, is guaranteed 10 years for corrosion and structure integrity.


On the left you'll see the complete 1.44kWp array. This system will generate over 1300kWh of power for our customer every 12 months wich under the new Feed In Tariff scheme commencing next April, will earn them at least £598, and maybe more depending on the electricity deal they have!

For the more fiscally minded, if you have a grant supported system similar to this size installed this year, financial payback time will get reduced from 16 years to 8 years.. Cool!

Feed In Tariff rates announced

The proposed Feed In Tariff rates have been announced this week by the Government and I've just had more details published by the Renewable Energy Association.

Right at the moment is the best time ever to get a Renewable Energy system installed! You will benefit from both the Microgeneration grant now, then reap the rewards of anything up to 40p a unit payback from next April!

As an example. I have just completed a quote for a 3.24kWp system, which after the current grant has been taken off will cost the customer £14,500. Then every year will earn the customer £1017 in Feed In Tariff!
And of course thats before taking into account all that FREE renewable power available for use in the house.

We are now just realising why Solar Power is so popular in Germany and other European countries.

Go to www.chrisrudge.co.uk to check on more updates as they occur

Feed in Tariff

Today, the media is making news of the upcoming 'Feed in' tariff which is commencing in April 2010.

Although there are areas still shrouded in mystery about the scheme, mainly the question over how much will we be paid to generate green power from our homes & businesses!

See todays story at: BBC News Sunday 12th July

It is widely considered in the renewable energy industry that once the feed in tariff commences, capital grants, such as the existing Low Carbon grant for domestic premises, currently offering £2500 per household, will cease, as subsidies will be transferred over to funding the Feed In Tariff.

I'll post any updates here..

Home installation

After having various test installations at home, I have finally got around to install a permanant roof mounted system. At last!

We have installed a 1.26kWp system based around the Sharp monocrystalline modules and a Sunny Boy inverter with a wireless remote display. Although we have previously installed Fronius inverters, I was impressed with the customer interface capabilities of the 'Sunny Beam' wireless display over the Fronius digit only display.

So far, the output is right on track, far exceeding calculated output, as we are situated on the South Devon coast and using Monocrystalline modules. It is proving again that using Government SAP calculations are so underrated in this part of the UK. Like everyone else who's had a PV system installed, I'm looking forward to really low power bills!

As can be seen from the photo, left, (that includes the beehives), there is still plenty of room on the roof for later expansion for more PV and a Solar Thermal system.

A wet weather installation

Completed the electrical installation of a 1.4kWp system on Friday.
Using the Sharp NU180 monocrystalline modules, made in Wales, the customer will enjoy around 1300kWh of annual power generation to offset their already reduced power consumption, after installing low energy appliances and lamps.

Shown in the photo's are installation in progress and almost complete inverter installation in the loft, just awaiting the PV cables to complete and switch on!