PV solar panels produce environmentally clean, safe electricity in the form of Direct Current (DC) electricity similar to that released by batteries. In fact most solar powered equipment uses a battery and the solar panels are simply there as a battery charger, exploding the myth that solar powered torches do not work in the dark. This means that solar panels can be used to power battery chargers, lights, mobile phones, radios, torches, everything and anything that requires electricity. PV Solar panels have no moving parts, and are therefore, silent and reliable.
Why Should You Install Solar?
- Cut your carbon footprint. Solar electricity is green renewable energy and doesn’t release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants.
For more information please see the Energy Saving Trust website.
Save on hot water bills with Solar iBoost+
Another benefit of solar panels if that you can save money on heating your hot water. Using a Solar iBoost+ connected to an immersion heater on your hot water tank any extra electricity that you generate will be automatically used to keep your hot water piping hot. You can read more information about Solar iBoost+ here and in general about Solar Water Heating on the Energy Saving Trust website.
Solar Panels, can they be used in the UK?
Yes – Solar works from light, so as long as there is light a solar panel will be generating energy – it will of course produce more energy on a clear day when light is not being broken by clouds.
Systems will vary in the UK from those used closer to the equator and prices will vary also. The main difference is the amount of surface area required every system will have a different efficiency rating and this too will effect how many panels you will need.
Will it work when the Sun isn’t shining?
Solar panels can produce electricity whether its is cloudy or sunny just not at night. However, the more sunlight there is, the more electricity a solar panel can produce. The length of day will also effect how much electricity a solar panel can produce, meaning that Summer months with longer days are a better time for charging the all important MP3 player.
How does it work?
The Sun produces a range of energy which we can only see a small part of as visible white light. Solar panels turn another part, or wavelength, of the light into electricity that can be harnessed. A photovoltaic cell (PV Cell) produces electricity on the principle that electricity will be produced when two semiconductors are exposed to a particular wavelength of light. Groups of PV Cells are linked together to form panels, the bigger the panel and the more cells, the greater the amount of electricity can be produced.
Photovoltaic Solar Panels in the Home?
PV Solar Panels are connected in parallel with the existing electricity supply. Your electricity is primarily supplied by the solar but should they not be able to provide (at Night) then your normal supply will be used. If an over supply is being generated then this will get sold back to the grid.
Servicing and Maintenance
Servicing and maintenance schemed offered, either on an individual basis or as an annual contract. Inverter replacements and fault finding on Solar PV. Please contact Alistair to discuss your requirements.