Solar PV
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), generate electricity by capturing arrays from the sun. The solar panels will generate electricity during the day and this electricity is then converted from DC to AC by an inverter for you to be able to use it within your home.
What are the Benefits of Solar Panels?
- Generate your own electricity instead of relying on the grid
- Reduction in your electricity bills by using the electricity generated
- Help the environment by becoming more self sufficient
- Receive payments from electricity providers for electricity sent to the grid
FAQs
These are the questions we are most frequently asked about solar panels.
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How much do solar panels cost?
The cost of the solar panels for your home will depend on the size of the system you have. According to the Energy Saving Trust, in 2023, the average domestic solar PV system is 3.5kWp which could cost around £7,000.
There are several variables to consider which can affect the overall price of your system, including whether you are having solar panels or solar tiles, and whether the panels are to be installed on your roof or ground-mounted.
Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance?
Unless you live in a particularly dusty area or perhaps by the beach, the solar panels should need little maintenance, however, it is best to check periodically for any dirt or debris that may collect on them as this will affect the system’s performance.
If your panels do require cleaning it is advised to use purified water rather than tap water.
How much could I earn from my solar panel installation?
The savings/earnings you may receive from having solar panels will depend on how much electricity your system generates. Generally, the bigger the system the more chance you have of increasing your savings or earnings.
You will have three main streams of savings or income if you are installing a solar system:
- Savings from your electricity bills
- Income generated from exporting the electricity generated to the electricity provider, under the Smart Export Guarantee
- Income from any solar electricity which feeds into your energy storage device and then later is sold to the grid
What is the solar panel installation process?
- Surveying: once your have signed the contract a surveyor should come out and check that everything is in place for the installation.
- Scaffolding: most properties will require scaffolding if the panels are to be installed on the roof. Its erected to provide a safe platform for installers.
- Roof anchors and mounting frame: the roof anchors are screwed directly on the roof rafters and bars are connected to the anchors to create a frame.
- Panel installation: the solar panels are housed in the frame.
- Inverter connection: The wiring from the panels is then connected to the inverter.
- Connecting inverter to supply: the inverter will need to be connected to the electricity supply along with a generation and/or export meter.
- Commissioning: once everything is complete the installer can power up the system and check it’s working.
How do you calculate the performance of a solar system?
The main factors to consider when estimating how much electricity your solar system will produce are as follows:
- Size of the system – the more panels you have the more electricity you should generate. The most common size of a solar system, within a home, is 3.5kWp.
- House direction – solar panels are most effective when they face South. This is because they will be facing the sun the longest time, conversely if solar panels are facing North then they will be less efficient.
- Slope of the roof – for your solar panels to maximise efficiency they should be tilted to capture the sun more. If your roof is angled between 25 and 45 degrees, then this will be fine to house your panels. If you have a flat roof, then the panels will need to be angled at least 15 degrees.
- Shading – if you have anything that’s causing obstruction between the sun and panels, then this will reduce how much electricity is generated. Obstructions can be a neighbouring property, trees, lamp posts etc. To check the impact, stand outside your house in the afternoon, facing the sun and see if there are any objects shading the roof where the panels will be installed.
- Degradation – the performance of your solar panels will reduce over the years. Generally, panels will lose 0.5% efficiency each year.
Are you looking for a Solar Panel Installer?
By choosing a Flexi-Orb Certified Installer you can be confident in the knowledge that your installation will be carried out by a qualified and experienced professional who has undergone rigorous training and assessment to meet our exacting standards.
Plus, all our certified installers are reviewed regularly and have appropriate insurance and warranties in place to protect you and ensure peace of mind.
Don’t settle for less… choose a Flexi-Orb Certified Installer!
