Solar Panels for Home – Everything you Need to Know!

Solar Panels for Home – Our Complete Guide

What are Solar Panels and How do they Work?

Solar panels capture the sun’s energy via solar PV (photovoltaic) cells, direct sunlight is not required for this to happen allowing homes across the UK to generate their own renewable electricity. The energy from the solar cells is then converted into usable electricity by a Solar inverter.

There are two main types of solar panels for home use, PV and CSP. Both work by generating energy by converting rays from the sun, however they do so in different ways:

Solar Panels for Home: PV or photovoltaic Solar panels

PV Solar Panels are the most popular type of solar panels for home use and are used for installation on the majority of domestic properties.

They work by collecting the sun’s energy via Photovoltaic cells and turn them into electricity using an inverter. The process is known as the photoelectric effect as it creates an electric field which then generates electricity.

Solar Panels for Home: Concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP)

CSP or concentrating solar-thermal power is most often used commercially and for business.

They work by using large, mirrored arrangements to focus the sun’s power on a single point. The solar energy harnessed then either becomes electricity or instead heats water to power steam turbines and produce power.

Solar Panels for Home – Are Solar panels right for me?

Solar energy is the fastest growing renewable energy solution allowing more independence from the Electricity grid, more control over how and when your energy is used all whilst positively impacting the environment.

Solar panels for home use typically generate a saving of between 60%- 80% per year* on your energy bills and with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) you can also earn money back for exporting excess solar energy generated by your solar panel system into the grid

Solar Panels for Home – Is my Property right for Solar panels?

In the majority of instances, the installation of solar panels is covered by the General Permitted Development Order and therefore does not require planning permission. However there are other factors that you need to consider to ensure the efficiency of Solar panels for home use:

Solar Panels for Home: Roof Space – how much is needed?

In simple terms, the size of your roof will dictate how may solar panels you can install and in turn how much solar power you can generate. The type of roof you have and its orientation will also influence the space your system requires. For example a south-facing sloped roof will need fewer panels than a south-facing pitched roof to generate the same amount of energy as the positioning of the panels will make them more efficient in harnessing solar energy.

Solar Panels for Home: Shade- how will this impact?

For optimum efficiency of your solar panels for home use you want as much direct sunlight for the maximum amount of time each day so any shading on your roof will negatively impact this.

Having a slight amount of shade for part of the day will not have a great impact on your systems efficiency however if your roof is heavily shaded by trees or other buildings for long periods throughout the day than this may become and issue. An assessment of your roof will be undertaken at the design stage of your Solar project and the most suitable placement for your panels calculated using specialist software.

Solar Panels for Home: Roof Orientation- which is best?

The orientation of your roof can affect impact your systems efficiency and how many panels your may need. Ideally a south-facing roof will optimise your systems efficiency however anything other than a north-facing roof will be able to accommodate a home Solar PV System.

The best type of roof for solar panels is generally a large sloped square roof south- facing and without any obstructions. However most roof types will accomodate a solar panel installation, although complexities around the design and layout of your panels can arise if your roof has any ridges, chimneys, or other fixtures or fittings.

Solar Panels for Home: How are Solar panels Installed?

Solar panels for home use are generally mounted on a rail system that is fixed to your roof. Solar PV systems are designed to maintain the strength and integrity of your roof, whilst remaining watertight. The typical installation of a 6-10 panel system can usually be completed in 1 working day by professionally qualified Solar PV Installation Specialists.

How can E-Verve Energy help?

E-Verve Energy have over 10 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry and are widely recognised as one of the UK’s most trusted installers. We are fully OZEV and MCS accredited, TrustMark approved and proud members of both RECC and CPA (consumer protection organisations that regulates and guarantees that all our work and customer service is carried out to the highest standard). This means that all projects are fully protected and completed by our accredited tradesmen. To find out more about how E-Verve Energy can help you with your solar panels for home visit our dedicated Solar PV Page for your FREE design and quotation!