Midsummer Heat

Published Categorised as Case Studies

Two days to go until the sun reaches its highest point in the mid-day sky and its most intense on midsummer’s day at noon. Whilst other factors can influence PV system output a clear blue sky on mid summers day can theoretically be the annual peak for performance, not so this year in central Scotland – heavy rain for most!

Between scattered clouds today the energy from the sun was intence on the rooftop where Lothian Renewables were installing, “as if a furnace door had been opened” commented our roofer!. There are few places where you can appreciate the magnitude of the suns energy, a grey slate roof is one, the heat on a dark surface on say a car interior is a second best. With all the concerns and debate surrounding our fossil fuel stocks, the politics of supply etc etc it is comforting to know that at some time in the future, when these alternatives have been exhausted, the power from our sun will easily accommodate our energy requirements.

The picture shows a six panel system utilising the Hyundia 250W black framed panel, chosen both to maximise output from the limited roof space and also to facilatate gaining both planning and Historic Scotland approval for the installation.