East facing pv system

Simpsod1 · Apr 21, 2012

Hi all
I've been avidly reading this forum for the last couple of days.
I'm serious considering a solar pv install 2.9kw 12 panel on a due east facing roof with no shading and a 33 degree pitch.
I am currently awaiting quotes but from the initial surveys and info gathered I believe the cost to be around £7k all in.
Is there anyone on here who has a similar east facing set up and if so would you be able to share your experiences in terms of generation figures?
many thanks in advance
Dave

danesol · Apr 21, 2012

You should find this system very profitable between the hrs of 6am and early afternoon, where your potential system will be most efficient, after that it will be very minimal. Worth it given you get a well designed system and the more favourable weather you have the more you will gain.

If no-one comes forward with specific examples, can I suggest you do a search for similar systems on http://www.pvoutput.org

Earthstore · Apr 21, 2012

Dansol is correct, the performance would be down around 15% from a south facing if the system is well designed, of course due to the the amount of daylight that we get for different seasons, your winter production would be compromised,
Is it possible to install any on the west facing roof also, as an East/West split can produce an even power curve throughout the whole day?
I hope this helps.

wstevew · Apr 21, 2012

Your SAP generation figures would be around 2064kWh per year for a 2.9kWp system 90 degree azimuth 33 degree pitch. Possibly a bit less if in Scotland.

If possible put 4kWp split east west (this is what I have). You will generate more and over a longer time each day. If you go for a split system then make sure you get a dual tracker inverter like the SMA3600TL or Power one 3.6 OUTD.

Most systems exceed SAP but probably best to base your calculations on SAP and treat any extra as a bonus.

I'm not convinced the 21p tariff makes financial sense for anything other than south facing systems but that depends on what you pay for the system. And if you are going to stay at your property long enough to get the benefit of the returns. But definitely better for the planet.

2064 X 0.21 = £433.43 + £32 export + savings on your electricity bill.

4kWp will have a SAP estimate around 850kWh per year more than a 2.9kWp system

digital48 · Apr 21, 2012

Go to PV potential estimation utility and play around with different scenarios. It should give a you a good idea of what to expect.

TJLinks · Apr 21, 2012

Where abouts are you? We could easily beat £7k for a 12 panel array if close enough to our base

Simpsod1 · Apr 21, 2012

I'm in kingswinford near Dudley

danesol · Apr 21, 2012

TJLinks said:
Where abouts are you? We could easily beat £7k for a 12 panel array if close enough to our base

What system would you propose in general for that ???

TJLinks · Apr 21, 2012

Upsolar + Power one or Fronius, K2 roof brackets NOT bolts, proper roofer on the roof & 10yr warranty

Simpsod1 · Apr 22, 2012

Earthstore said:
Dansol is correct, the performance would be down around 15% from a south facing if the system is well designed, of course due to the the amount of daylight that we get for different seasons, your winter production would be compromised,
Is it possible to install any on the west facing roof also, as an East/West split can produce an even power curve throughout the whole day?
I hope this helps.

Many thanks for the responses.

I don't believe a E-W install is possible due to the roof design and shading issues from trees to the west (I've attached a photo of our roof from google earth with a roof plot of where the install would go.

Just got to find a reputable established company from the midlands now

Thanks

Dave