Solar photovoltaics (PV) is a technology that is leading the renewables revolution. Mark Krull, from Logic4training, explains the market-drivers which mean all electricians should be installing PV (and looking to help their customers save even more with the addition of battery storage).
50,700 households installed solar PV between January and March 2023 – the highest figure since 2015 when significant subsidies were available under Feed in Tariffs (FiTs). Unlike air source heat pumps, there are currently no cross-the-board funding steams for PV, yet more of us than ever before are getting electricity generating solar panels.
A combination of escalating power bills and a reduction in the price of PV equipment has made making the switch a no-brainer for many homeowners who can now relatively quickly recoup the cost of ‘going green’. It seems we don’t need incentives anymore; most people understand the benefits of home energy generation and view it as mainstream technology.
Where possible, PV systems should ideally be installed with Electrical Energy Storage (EES) to get the best returns, allowing end users to benefit from increased self-sufficiency – more than doubling self-consumption compared with PV alone – further reducing reliance on the grid. Solar aside, there is also the option to charge the battery when kWh’s are at their cheapest, known as ‘load shifting’; an electricity management technique that optimises energy usage for peak savings.
While less widespread than PV on its own, EESS are fast becoming an essential part of the self-sufficiency mix.
Shifts in policy
Another interesting development has been a recent shift in policy from Octopus, by-far and away the leading energy provider when it comes to attractive electricity tariffs designed to further incentivise consumers to choose low carbon building services and electric vehicles. They have recently removed the requirement for solar PV systems to be MCS certified in order to access their Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
I’m very much of the opinion that we still need schemes like MCS to ensure quality and consumer protection and am not entirely convinced by Octopus’ stance. I’d advise any PV/battery storage installer to still go through the MCS route; at the moment it’s only Octopus that have made this move. MCS is making changes next year that should hopefully iron-out some of the administrative stumbling blocks to gaining accreditation.
Established technology
What’s clear from all of these factors is that PV is now a well-established part of the electrical fabric of our buildings. If you haven’t yet upskilled to include it in your offering, then you really should. The roofs of UK homes are leading the renewables revolution, a great opportunity for electricians.
Train and save!
For a limited time only, Logic4training is offering 50% off its electrical energy storage systems (EESS) course when you booked in conjunction with solar photovoltaic training. These courses are designed for experienced electricians, but if you are missing some of the necessary pre-requisite qualifications, Logic4training is also offering a 25% discount on 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and Initial Verification and Inspection training.
Find out more about Logic4training here
