solar panels installation in London

How Do Solar Panels Work?

As shown in the picture below, a solar panel (or module) is a group of cells connected electronically and grouped into a frame. Many modules are put together to form a solar array and many arrays connected together form a solar system. You can find basic information about solar panels 

Solar cells, or photovoltaic (PV) cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar cells are connected electronically and packed together in a frame, commonly known as a solar panel. Solar cells are made of semiconductors such as silicon, which absorb the sunlight and convert it into electricity.

The electrical conductors are attached to positive and negative terminals, thus forming an electrical circuit. From there the electrons can be captured in the form of an electric current (electricity). This current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce.

There are stand-alone PV systems and grid-connected PV systems. What makes them different is that in the first case solar energy is stored for personal use, whilst in a grid-connected solar system you can sell your surplus of electricity back to the grid.

What might be surprising is that solar panels do not need direct sunlight to work. Although efficiency is boosted on sunny days, solar panels also produce a considerable amount of electricity on cloudy days and during the winter season. The chart below shows how much energy is gathered by solar panels throughout the year (with solar panels facing south and a 3kWp system). The power of PV solar panels is measured in kilowatts peak (kWp).

A typical commercial solar module has an efficiency of 16.5%, meaning that over one-sixth of the sunlight hitting the module is converted into electricity. One important challenge of the PV industry is to improve solar module efficiency, and at the same time, keep down the cost per cell.

Solar panels in the UK are an increasingly popular renewable energy technology. Based on national statistics by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, in 2016 the UK generated 3.07% of its total electricity using solar power (you can find this figure by comparing the solar figure (in table with the overall generation figure 

Besides being environmentally friendly, solar cells provide significant savings on your electricity bill. And whilst there are a few disadvantages, the long-term benefits of investing in solar panels far outweigh the cons.

If you are looking for a solar energy solution for heating, is an affordable solution. Another option is ,which are more expensive but can supply 90% or more of the domestic hot water needs.

Below is a list of the main advantages and disadvantages of this renewable source of energy:

ADVANTAGES

Cuts Electricity Bills

Energy bills have in the past years increased by at least 7% per annum. You can protect yourself from the rising utility bills by incorporating solar panels into your energy mix. This will reduce your electricity bills significantly. So whilst utility costs continue to peak each year, having solar panels can help to reduce the impact. Also, keep in mind that the electricity generated from the solar panels is free.

Earn Money Back

With the, you can make money by selling surplus energy back to the grid. The SEG requires that all suppliers with over 150,000 customers must offer an export tariff for electricity sold back to the grid. To date, the way the tariff is set up is up to the individual suppliers. This means that small-scale solar PV generators will be able to earn money back from their investment. 

Thus, apart from cutting down utility bills, your investment in solar panels gives you a warranty for a state-backed income for the next 20 years.

However, only new installations can fall under the SEG, while those already registered under the now closed Feed-in Tariff will remain under those conditions.

Cuts your Carbon Footprint

Switching to solar energy cuts your carbon footprint, as it is a green, renewable source of energy. Unlike traditional electricity generators, solar power does not release any harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants. Estimates also show that solar panels for homes could save around one tonne of CO2 per year, which comes to approximately 25 tonnes over its lifetime.

All-Year Round Efficiency
Solar panels work all year round. Their full potential is released during the sunny months, but they also produce a considerable amount of electricity during the winter, as well as on cloudy days.

No Maintenance Required
Do solar panels need servicing? Not really, PV systems almost no maintenance; the inverter might need to be changed every 10-15 years, but apart from that, you can enjoy the solar benefits under normal conditions. You may even ask: how long do solar panels last? And you would receive the surprising answer that many panels actually get 20 years of warranty and some are even expected work for up to 40 years.

Do solar panels need cleaning? Yes, once the panels are installed, you need to keep them clean and check whether any trees begin to overshadow the solar PV array. Keeping the installation clean can be even easier when solar panels are installed on the roof are tilted, since rainfall can help clean dust off of the system.

With ground solar panels, maintenance may be more problematic, as the installation can accumulate dust, debris, snow, or bird droppings. Any dirt can be removed from the solar panels with the use of hot water, a brush, and possibly some washing-up liquid.

Independent of Grid

Solar panels are ideal in remote areas where extending power lines to connect with electrical power grid would be too expensive. They are an affordable and effective solution for isolated homes in the rural areas of the country.

Do you really save money with solar panels? As you can become completely grid independent, you would basically eliminate your electricity bill altogether, a £600 saving per year or more.

There is also the possibility of integrating batteries in solar cell systems, and this can be used as an energy storage. Batteries store energy gathered by solar cells, saving it for rainy days or for use throughout the night. are not low, ranging typically between £1,800and £8000 depending on the size and capacity. However, technological developments are leading to new solutions and will eventually come up with a great solution for solar energy at night.

A typical commercial solar module has an efficiency of 16.5%, meaning that over one-sixth of the sunlight hitting the module is converted into electricity. One important challenge of the PV industry is to improve solar module efficiency, and at the same time, keep down the cost per cell.

What Are the Benefits of Solar Panels in the UK?

Solar panels in the UK are an increasingly popular renewable energy technology. Based on national statistics by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, in 2016 the UK generated 3.07% of its total electricity using solar power (you can find this figure by comparing the solar figure (in table with the overall generation figure 

Besides being environmentally friendly, solar cells provide significant savings on your electricity bill. And whilst there are a few disadvantages, the long-term benefits of investing in solar panels far outweigh the cons.

If you are looking for a solar energy solution for heating, is an affordable solution. Another option is which are more expensive but can supply 90% or more of the domestic hot water needs.

Below is a list of the main advantages and disadvantages of this renewable source of energy:

Cuts Electricity Bills

Energy bills have in the past years increased by at least 7% per annum. You can protect yourself from the rising utility bills by incorporating solar panels into your energy mix. This will reduce your electricity bills significantly. So whilst utility costs continue to peak each year, having solar panels can help to reduce the impact. Also, keep in mind that the electricity generated from the solar panels is free.

Earn Money Back

With the  you can make money by selling surplus back to the grid. The SEG requires that all suppliers with over 150,000 customers must offer an export tariff for electricity sold back to the grid. To date, the way the tariff is set up is up to the individual suppliers. This means that small-scale solar PV generators will be able to earn money back from their investment. 

Thus, apart from cutting down utility bills, your investment in solar panels gives you a warranty for a state-backed income for the next 20 years.

However, only new installations can fall under the SEG, while those already registered under the now closed Feed-in Tariff will remain under those conditions.

Cuts your Carbon Footprint

Switching to solar energy cuts your carbon footprint, as it is a green, renewable source of energy. Unlike traditional electricity generators, solar power does not release any harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants. Estimates also show that solar panels for homes could save around one tonne of CO2 per year, which comes to approximately 25 tonnes over its lifetime.

All-Year Round Efficiency
Solar panels work all year round. Their full potential is released during the sunny months, but they also produce a considerable amount of electricity during the winter, as well as on cloudy days.

No Maintenance Required
Do solar panels need servicing? Not really, PV systems almost no maintenance; the inverter might need to be changed every 10-15 years, but apart from that, you can enjoy the solar benefits under normal conditions. You may even ask: how long do solar panels last? And you would receive the surprising answer that many panels actually get 20 years of warranty and some are even expected work for up to 40 years.

Do solar panels need cleaning? Yes, once the panels are installed, you need to keep them clean and check whether any trees begin to overshadow the solar PV array. Keeping the installation clean can be even easier when solar panels are installed on the roof are tilted, since rainfall can help clean dust off of the system.

With ground solar panels, maintenance may be more problematic, as the installation can accumulate dust, debris, snow, or bird droppings. Any dirt can be removed from the solar panels with the use of hot water, a brush, and possibly some washing-up liquid.

Independent of Grid

Solar panels are ideal in remote areas where extending power lines to connect with electrical power grid would be too expensive. They are an affordable and effective solution for isolated homes in the rural areas of the country.

Do you really save money with solar panels? As you can become completely grid independent, you would basically eliminate your electricity bill altogether, a £600 saving per year or more.

There is also the possibility of integrating batteries in solar cell systems, and this can be used as an energy storage. Batteries store energy gathered by solar cells, saving it for rainy days or for use throughout the night. are not low, ranging typically between £1800 and £8000 depending on the size and capacity. However, technological developments are leading to new solutions and will eventually come up with a great solution for solar energy at night.

Is the system located so that solar cells can capture sunlight, at least from 9 am to 3 pm? Systems like solar cells fitted on the roof are heavily dependent on a good location. Other systems that track the sun throughout the day may be more efficient even if there is no direct sunlight on the roof during peak hours.

• Roof suitability

When installing the solar cell system on older buildings, it is important to take into consideration whether the roof will be able to support the weight of the solar system.