Photovoltaics (PV)

IT Power has unrivalled knowledge of the world PV market and has been active in the sector for more than 26 years with world wide experience.  Our expertise in photovoltaics covers all aspects of the technology and including extensive work with grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems.  Past projects include implementation and demonstration projects, project management of installations, testing, technical assistance, system monitoring, system simulation, system design, research and development, technical due diligence, feasibility studies and market studies.

IT Power can offer independent experts, without affiliation to any project developers or equipment suppliers.  We are equipped to provide expert technical consultancy to private and institutional clients.

IT Power were partners in the UK’s first building integrated grid connected PV installation (The Robert Hill Façade at the University of Northumbria) and have been advisors to the DTI/UK Government on various studies and strategies on the UK grid connected (and stand alone markets) and were advisors to the UK’s Chief Scientists Group when the UK Government was still considering whether to support PV or not.

IT Power was a founder member of the British Photovoltaic Industries Association (PV-UK) and is now a member of the Renewable Energy Association PV Resource Group.  IT Power has represented the UK on the International Energy Agency’s PV Power Systems Programme since it was founded in 1989.  Currently IT Power represents the UK within Task 1 of this programme, which includes an annual review of the UK PV market and contribution to the International Trends Report. Through this IT Power has close contact with PV experts in all 21 of the participating countries – which include the key European PV markets.

IT Power staff have an in-depth understanding of PV system design, PV markets and incentives programmes and financing mechanisms.  IT Power has direct experience of installing domestic and commercial PV systems.

IT Power’s experience in PV falls into the following categories: 

• Energy policy and government action plans

• Due diligence

• Development of standards

• Market studies

• Feasibility studies, project identification and appraisal

• Engineering consultancy

• Project Management and monitoring

• Research and Development

• Training and Technology transfer

• Technical due diligence

• Technical Assistance

Case Studies

• Over the last two years IT Power has conducted due diligence studies on three high profile Chinese solar PV cell and module manufacturers which have since listed on the international stock exchange.  The three studies were for three different clients and provided clear concise information on PV world markets, SWOT analyses of the companies’ products and competitiveness of the companies.  As part of each study IT Power visited the PV company, reviewed the manufacturing facilities and met with the management team to discuss the company’s future plans for expansion and diversification.  A review of raw material supply was also provided in each case.  IT Power’s clients were extremely pleased with the work produced in each case. 
• IT Power has also been transaction advisor to the World Bank on various renewable energy investments and is co-manager of the GEF-IFC USD 25m Photovoltaic Market Transformation Initiative (PVMTI) in which we undertake due diligence on investments in Kenya, Morocco and India. 
• In 2006 IT Power carried out a site assessment and feasibility study to assess the potential for solar energy at the Nokia site in Farnborough.  IT Power provided guidance on how best to incorporate PV on the office building.  The works included cost and energy out put estimates from a system.

• In 2005 IT Power developed and successfully implemented a nationally recognised City & Guilds grid connected photovoltaic installer’s course.  The project involved the creation of training material, development of test rig specifications and assessment questions.

• In 2004 IT Power installed a 20 kWp PV array (integrated using Conergy system with Solar Fabrik laminates) on block of new-build flats for Presentation Social Investment Agency (formerly Presentation Housing Association) in south London.

• In 2002 IT Power installed 21 photovoltaic systems under the DTI PV Domestic Field Trial 2.  IT Power also designed, commissioned and monitored a 25 kWp glass/glass atria at the London Insolvency service. 

• IT Power is involved in the International Energy Agency's Task on PV for Developing Countries and is responsible for the development of guidance on photovoltaic system implementation for developing countries.  This examines appropriate methods of implementing off-grid systems and there financing.     

IT Power has a subsidiary company, Sustainable Energy Installations which is a fully accredited installer of grid-connected PV systems under the current grant scheme in the UK. 

IT Power also developed the City & Guilds course to train electricians to installation of PV systems.  Our work inlcuded course development, training teachers, technical assistance to a number of colleges across the UK, and the development of an accreditation framework.