Since the start of the Feed-in tariff (FIT) subsidy system in April 2010, UK residential installations have grown rapidly and Sanyo has been receiving higher month-on-month enquiries thanks to the reputation of its HIT solar modules whose high conversion efficiency provides more power per square metre, making them the ideal choice for maximising the benefit from the FIT system, especially in the UK where rooftops are comparatively smaller in size.
The installation uses Sanyos HIT N-Series N235SE10 modules, which have a cell conversion efficiency of 21.1 percent and a module conversion efficiency of 18.6 percent, recently received MCS accreditation, making them eligible for FIT subsidies.
The owners of this new system, the Rodwells of South London, are a very eco-conscious family and keen to play their part in reducing carbon emissions. Mr. Rodwell commented: We have limited space for the installation so looked for a system with proven reliability and the possibility to generate as much electricity as possible. With the system up and running now, its great to know that well be getting paid for the electricity, rather than paying out for it and reducing our carbon footprint at the same time.
The system was installed by the market leading solar installation company Engensa, who pride themselves in having a photovoltaics expert onboard who ensures that all systems are designed to suit the homeowners unique needs, rather than simply offering a one-size-fits-all solution. Chief Technology Officer at Engensa Toby Ferenczi commented: Its not true that all solar panels are the same. Sanyo have a unique technology that means their latest panels are 25 to 30 percent more efficient than standard mono-crystalline silicon technology. This extra efficiency is very beneficial when you have a limited amount of roof space, as so many homes in the UK do.
Speaking from Sanyo, Chief of Business Development for the UK, Julien Chirol stated: The introduction of the residential retrofit FIT system in the UK has been a great support for homeowners wishing to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle and install high efficiency PV systems. Not only do Sanyos HIT modules have the top level energy conversion efficiency, Sanyo also offers a performance guarantee of 80 percent after 25 years. This is critical for the homeowner since the UK FIT system also lasts 25 years. Furthermore, companies like Engensa, with their strong in-house technical expertise, are able to provide homeowners with the right options to maximize electricity generation and system performance.
Sanyos N-Series modules are produced at the recently expanded Sanyo factory in Dorog City, Hungary, which has a production capacity of 315 megawatts.
