What is a 'peak-shift' Solar System?

It faces west to capture the afternoon sun. “This approach to energy generation is a practical example of ‘peak-shift’,” Dr Wilson said. “It’s where we orientate the building and solar array so the peak time of solar energy collection is shifted from, say, a midday maximum to a mid-afternoon maximum.

Is Newcastle Energy Centre a 'peak-shift' Solar System?

The façade of the Newcastle Energy Centre is a PV array featuring 22 kW of thin-film solar panels. It faces west to capture the afternoon sun. “This approach to energy generation is a practical example of ‘peak-shift’,” Dr Wilson said.

Can solar photovoltaics be exported to the grid?

For solar photovoltaics where any excess energy that cannot be stored can be exported to the grid, the sizing considerations differ.

Why do we have west-facing solar panels on the main building?

If you visit our Energy Centre, you’ll see west-facing solar panels on the main building, to maximise the solar energy captured in the afternoon. Why do we do this? The façade of the Newcastle Energy Centre is a PV array featuring 22 kW of thin-film solar panels. It faces west to capture the afternoon sun.

When do solar panels turn 'on'?

A similar effect can be seen with the Energy Centre solar system, a 22 kW thin-film solar panel array, which turns ‘on’ later in the day, peaking mid-afternoon in winter and even later in summer. “The array continues to generate electricity late in the afternoon, after 7pm around the summer solstice.

Do solar energy systems work in winter?

One consideration for solar energy systems is the seasonal nature of the availability of light. Changes in the hours of darkness throughout the year and prevailing weather conditions act to limit the light levels in winter compared to summer, at least in locations that are away from the equator.