From an environmental point of view, the use of PV as a replacement for fossil fuel-based electricity generation has environmental benefits in the UK, offering a significant potential for energy savings and CO2 mitigation. Although the energy payback time and the CO2 emissions for present-day systems are still relatively high, the EPBT is lower than their expected lifetime, ranging from 4 to 9 years. It is important, however, that manufacturers claim to be able to optimise PV module energy requirements, making possible a future decrease in the Energy Payback Time for grid-connected PV systems to around 2 years.

• Energy savings

A small home system can typically provide 25% of the homes electricity needs, and in certain cases a lot more, particularly if installed along with other energy saving technologies. Some properties can generate 100% of their energy needs.

Solar systems help safeguard against future rises in fuel prices, providing-inflation proof electricity for 30 years and more.

• Carbon savings

PV systems generate electricity without producing emissions of greenhouse or any other gases, and are virtually silent.

A typical small scale installation will help alleviate global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to ¾ of a tonne per year.