BRE FB60 PDF

Introduction

Do solar panels work at northern latitudes? This is a question we have been asked on many occasions, especially in relation to he UK. Public interest in climate change, and how to mitigate it has been transformed from being slightly "alternative" subject for those of a certain political learning into a concern recognized by international leaders as one of the biggest challenges mankind has ever faced, and one that requires a rapid, coordinated global response.

Most people have experience of photovoltaic (PV) technology in one form or another, eg solar-powered calculators, solar-powered watches, but it becomes much more of a personal statement when installed on "my house" or incorporated into ‘my building design'. Amongst the general public, opinions on PV seem to range from outright dismissal as expensive ‘green wash' symbols, at one end of the scale, to hopelessly optimistic expectations of performance at the other end. For example, one conversation with an enquirer.