Solar power from schools and homes

Abstract

Abstract Solar installations are becoming commonplace in the UK as our nation forges a path towards Zero Carbon. A brief description is given of installations at two schools in Irlam, Manchester, UK, and a more detailed discussion is given of a domestic photovoltaic array on the author’s home. This domestic array, specified with a peak capacity of 4 kW, was purchased in 2011 and erected on a south—facing roof in the suburbs of Manchester, UK. The Irlam installations were more recent (2017). In bright sunlight the domestic array has consistently generated an output of 3.6 kW peak and this power is exported to the National Grid. The Irlam arrays have maintained 28.6 kW and 29.6 kW, peak, over the past five years. Similar installations exist in many schools and homes around the country so providing a significant carbon saving to the nation.