Solar PV systems for charity and community buildings

Solar PV systems on buildings such as village halls, charity offices or community centres are increasingly common. The reason – grant funded systems are providing a regular income and reducing electricity bills for cash strapped organisations while providing a visible statement, an inspiration to others and an effective way of reducing CO2 emissions.

The "Sundog Guide to Grants and Fundraising" gives details of a large range of grants and potential sources of funding and is available on request – contact us. Sundog Energy will provide customers with free guidance and assistance in applying for grants.

Solar PV and the feed in tariff

The Government’s new feed in tariff is due to start in April 2010. This cash back scheme will pay a premium rate for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar PV – fixed for up to 25 years. The feed in tariff means that the payback period for solar PV systems has dropped significantly and net income can now be predicted reliably.

Solar PV – a brilliant solution

Photovoltaic (PV) modules generate electricity from sunlight. Solar PV modules come in various forms and can be integrated directly into the fabric of a building: PV modules can be mounted on roofs or facades; PV roof tiles can directly replace conventional roofing materials; PV glazing laminates can replace ordinary glass in roofs, skylights and facades. Indeed solar PV panels can be incorporated into almost any building or structure. Once installed, a solar PV system generates free electricity with no carbon emissions. It has no moving parts and requires no maintenance.

• Solar PV systems are practicable for most buildings - new build or retro-fit - and result in no loss of usable building space.
• Every unit of PV generated electricity qualifies for payments under the feed in tariff
• Typical solar PV installations will save several tonnes of CO2 every year
• Solar PV systems are reliable, have a predictable performance (PV modules have performance guarantees of over 25 years) and an expected life of over 40 years

For more technical information see our solar PV pages.

Why choose Sundog Energy?

Sundog Energy has been supplying solar PV and wind systems since 1995 and has worked with numerous community organisations and charities. We have the technical expertise in design and installation and a successful track record with funding bodies that enable solar PV projects (or wind turbine systems) to progress smoothly from concept to reality.

Sundog Energy can assess your building for its suitability for a solar PV system and provide options and costings to show what could be achieved – for free - contact us