Photovoltaics

The information on this page refers to photovoltaic collectors, which produce electricity directly from solar radiation (sunlight). They are entirely different technology from our solar thermal collectors, which heat water.

Eco-nomical is a reseller for Sharp photovoltaic collectors. We believe we are the lowest cost supplier of these collectors in the UK.

Why should you consider PV?

Once installed, PV supplies clean, silent, maintenance free electricity for decades.

Why choose Sharp collectors?

These collectors are beautifully made, just as you might expect from a Japanese product. Sharp is one of the largest and oldest producers of PV, and as such can offer its long term warranty with confidence.

PV is expensive, but the cost is offset by a number of factors. For domestic installations a £2500 government grant is available to offset the installation cost, subject to conditions. For grid tied systems (where an import/export meter is fitted, and electricity is exported to the grid as available) the electricity company will buy the electricity at a premium. The best price at the time of writing is offered by Southern Electricity, which will pay 28p/unit including the ROC (Renewable Obligation Certificate (also consider Good Energy, which has a tariff which pays 16p/unit for all electricity generated even where it is used by the consumer and not exported to the grid). ROC's are certificates which must be obtained by power generating companies to meet government requirements for renewable power generation. They can meet the requirement by generating renewable power, or by buying ROC's from those who do, including from households with PV installations). There is a strong possibility this type of subsidy will be increased in the future to make PV more attractive, as is done in many countries in continental Europe, most notably Germany and Spain.

Sharp NU 180 E1 180 Wp Solar panel (aka NU SOE3E*).

Product features

155.55 mm x 155.55 mm monocrystalline solar cell
48 cells in series
2,400 N/m2 mechanical load-bearing capacity (245 kg/m2)
1,000V DC maximum system voltage
CE tested
High performance photovoltaic modules made of monocrystalline (155.55 mm2) silicon solar cells with module efficiency of up to 14.1%.
Bypass diodes to minimise power loss with shading.
Textured cell surface for especially high current yields.
BSF structure (Black Surface Field) for optimising cell efficiency.
Use of annealed glass, EVA plastic and weather-protection foil, as well as an anodised aluminium frame with water drainage holes for
prolonged use.
Output: 2 connection cables with water-protected MC-3 plug connectors.

Mechanical Data

Dimensions 1.318 x 994 x 46 mm (1.31 m2)
Weight 16 kg
Connection Cable with plug connector (MC-3)
Storage humidity up to 90 %
Operating temperature (cell) –40 to +90 °C
Storage temperature –40 to +90 °C
Maximum system voltage 1,000 V DC
Maximum mechanical load 2,400 N/m2

Electrical Data

Rated Power 180 Wp
Open Circuit Voltage Voc 30.0 V
Short Circuit Current Isc 8.37 A
Voltage at maximum power 23.7 V
Current at maximum power 7.6 A
Temperature coefficient - open circuit voltage -104 mV / °C
Temperature coefficient - short circuit current +0.053 %/ °C
Temperature coefficient - power -0.485 %/ °C

Suitable for:

Grid-coupled PV systems
Grid-independent systems
On-roof PV systems (roof parallel)
On-roof PV systems (on stilts)
Open air PV systems

Prices:

1-9
£477.00 + VAT (£560.48)

10+
£459.00 + VAT (£539.33)

PV cost is often expressed in £/Wp. Our prices are £2.65 and £2.55/Wp + VAT respectively.

* The NU SOE3E is identical to the NU 180 E1, differing only in that they are produced at different Sharp factories. Either may be supplied according to stock.

Applications

Send mail to SW@eco-nomical.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 05-06-09

Send mail to SW@eco-nomical.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 05-06-09