Solar panel performance

[David H]

Despite the huge numbers of related sites, I am unable to learn how many standard £8-10,000 panels it will take to provide enough for typical 3 bedroomed semi.

I need to know:

1) How much power does such a family house need a day/year
2) How much power does the usual 1.5-2kw unit produce a day in actual usage.

The figures I can start off with are the average generation is 4-6 hours per day, ie 20% of the total maximum if in constant sunlight. So I have a couple of the steps in place but need the others to complete the equation, and can then both see how much of the daily requirement a typical panel produces, and then the number required to provide it all (in theory, as of course even a whole roof full won't work at night).

[David H]

I have just seen an ad in today's paper that says a 4kw system at just under £11,000 will save you a whole £260 a year off your electricity bill!

Mine is about four times that from memory, an average size house, so for £11,000 they claim (no guarantee, it is the sun you know) you can save about 20% of your total electricity. If you're lucky.

That would make a payback period of over 42 years, were it not for the massive subsidies we pay out of our own bills to make it worthwhile. What a total con. All power generation should be sold on its own merits and if it doesn't work then shouldn't be encouraged to waste everyone's money.