Alva Northern - Product Information

If you want to install a solar PV system onto your existing roof, Alva Northern can design a system for you that will provide the ideal solution. To find out how a Solar PV system actually works, please read on:

There are three main components of a Alva Renewables Solar PV system

1.) Photovoltaic (PV) panels

Photovoltaic panels are mounted onto your roof using a discreet framing system. The number of panels will depend on the size of your roof, how much electricity you want to generate, and how much you wish to spend. The layout of the panels is also flexible and can be laid out in either a portrait or landscape configuration. Sun Switch panels require no maintenance or servicing.

Alva Northern Solar PV systems can use Sharp, Phono Solar & Schotts PV panels that use monocrystaline/polycrystaline  solar cells. The panels have an extended 5 year product guarantee. In fact, the guarantee on performance values is considerably longer – after 25 years a Schuco panel will still provide at least 80% of its rated output.

Inverter

To convert the direct current produced by the solar panels into the alternating current accepted by your lights and appliances (and the National Grid for any electricity you export), Alva Northern Solar PV systems use a SMA Sunny Boy inverter. SMA is the world’s largest producer of inverters, and their Sunny Boy range have been purpose-designed for use in small and mid-range systems.

Please note: Due to a worldwide shortage of inverters, it might be necessary to substitute the SMA inverter with another manufacturer. Your System Designer will discuss this with you.

 A real time display (RTD)

A real time display unit means that you can constantly keep up to date with the status of your Alva Northern Solar PV system and enjoy the thrill of seeing your savings and income mount up.

This particular RTD is known as a Sunny Beam and receives a wireless signal from the Sunny Boy inverter. You can carry it around the house with you, or put it in the middle of your dining table to impress all your family and friends! It even has a rechargeable battery, powered by its own PV cell.