Following the reduction of the Feed-in Tarrif (FIT) on March 3rd 2012, Bob Mills Sales Manager at SCHOTT Solar comments on how it is even more important than ever that installers and contractors recommend the most appropriate module solutions to customers and not base this solely on initial purchase price. Energy yield and performance over time are the main priorities, as this will clearly offer the most value to the customer in the long term.
Bob comments: “The introduction of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) has certainly had a remarkable effect in the number of solar PV installations over the last two years – approximately 250,000 domestic installations alone, the industry as a whole has undoubtedly made great strides forward.
“With this has come a significant reduction in module prices and the shear number of installers, distributors and wholesalers have also driven the total installation costs down, due to increased competition.
“However, it’s highly important now that contractors and installers focus on the full life performance of systems rather than just the initial purchase price. This will give increasing importance to module properties like durability and build quality as well as making yield a highly important factor.
“Yet what’s becoming glaringly obvious of late is the lack of understanding by those in the industry of yield compared to efficiency. I would estimate that around 70% of installers still have not had the difference highlighted to them. This lack of clarity is leading to scores of installations unnecessarily using ultra high efficiency modules that come with a much higher purchase price, than is necessary to achieve the overall system size (<4kWp). Efficiency is only measured against the physical dimensions of the module, whereas the yield is the actual energy or output produced by the array of modules. Whilst efficiency is certainly important, particularly if the roof is small, the output of a module in kilowatt hours (kWh's) is a more important factor.
“The yield of a module is a true performance indicator, which can be seen by the more the system can generate in kWh's, the more value(£) it will give back to the property owner.
“However, understanding the exact measurement of yield from a module can be a tricky one. Module data sheets alone will not paint an accurate picture due to the many external factors that play a part in an installation, such as location and microclimates. The only real indicators for installers and contractors are independent tests on manufacturer’s products, which are carried out in strict, on-site conditions, with the same variables in place – such as the precision measurement test Energy Yield by TÜV Rheinland, Germany, where SCHOTT Solar PERFORM™ POLY 225 module achieved the highest result compared to 12 other module manufactures from May 2010 to April 2011.
“Going forward, whilst the proposed changes to FITs are severe, the financial and environmental benefits are still clear, meaning solar PV will remain a valuable and profitable addition to the services offered by many contractors and electricians, but the focus will have to shift to long-term energy usage and conservation. It will be even more important with this reduced tariff, to consider and utilise products with a proven and high yield performance to ensure the end user is generating optimum output. Alongside this, is the guarantee and assurance from system providers that products can prove long-term performance, durability and yield.”
For more information on SCHOTT Solar please visit www.schott.com