The main factor for the performance of a P/V system is the sunshine duration in the area in which it is to be installed. However, the following factors regarding the installation site also play a very important role:

Orientation, incline and any shadows. Specifically:

1. P/V panel orientation. Ideally, the panels need to be oriented to the south, for maximum exploitation of the sunlight during the whole day.
2. P/V panel incline. For optimum exploitation of sunlight, the P/V panels need to have an incline of 25ο – 30ο depending on the latitude of the site.   
3. Shadows on the installation site. Even if they cover a very tiny portion of a P/V panel, shadows can have a significant effect on system performance. Areas overshadowed by obstacles such as chimneys, trees and adjacent buildings, should be avoided. The existence of obstacles and shadows at the installation site may have a significant impact on the useful surface.

In roof installations, the orientation and incline of the photovoltaic panels depend on the orientation and incline of the roof. Thus, the construction characteristics of the roof have a direct effect on the installation method and on system performance. This does not apply to flat roofs, where it is possible to choose the orientation and incline of the panels.
Any divergence from the ideal installation conditions brings reduces the performance of the P/V system. Taking into consideration all the factors that can affect the system, HELIOSRES engineers can advise you and suggest the optimum solution for your project, from a technical and financial point of view.

And how can I join the Domestic P/V programme?
The following conditions must be met for someone to join the domestic P/V programme:

1. The investor must be a private individual or a very small enterprise;
2. They must have full ownership or usufruct of the site on which the system is to be installed;
3. There must be an electricity (PPC) meter in the investor’s name;
4. Part of the building’s hot water requirements must be met by renewable energy sources (e.g. solar heater). This condition does not apply for small enterprises.

It is important to note that the owner of the P/V system, the owner of the site and the person in whose name the electricity meter is registered, must be the same person.

Moreover, the site where the P/V system is to be installed must be legal and in accordance with the plans submitted to the town-planning authority.