Q&A
- What Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are comprised of numerous solar cells made from semiconductor materials (like silicon) that absorb photons from sunlight and initiate an electrical current. This electricity can then be used to power electrical loads, stored, or fed back into the power grid.
- What are the benefits of solar?
- l Reduced electricity bills:
- l Lower carbon emissions:
- l No running costs:
- l Low maintenance, 25 years + life expectancy
- l Charge an electric car for free: reduce your fueling costs if you have an electric vehicle.
- l Less dependence on the grid
- l Off grid battery backup for power cuts
- l Generating fewer air pollutants than fossil fuels like sulphur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems
- Types of Solar Panels
Solar panels come in several types, each with its own set of characteristics and efficiency rates:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels: Made from single-crystal silicon, these panels are known for their high efficiency and longevity. They are typically more expensive but are a great option for areas with limited space.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Constructed from fragments of silicon crystals melted together, these panels are less efficient and cheaper than monocrystalline panels. They are easily recognizable by their blue, speckled appearance.
- Thin-Film Solar Panels: These panels are made by layering thin films of photovoltaic material onto a substrate. They are less efficient than crystalline silicon panels but offer more flexibility in applications and are lighter in weight.
- Concentrated PV Cell (CPV) Panels: CPV panels use optical devices to concentrate a large amount of sunlight onto small, high-efficiency solar cells. They are used primarily in solar power plants rather than in residential or commercial solar projects.
- How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels work by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels are typically installed on rooftops or other areas with direct sunlight and connected to an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity. This AC electricity can then be used to power a home or business.
- What are the benefits of solar?
- Reduced electricity bills:
- Lower carbon emissions:
- No running costs:
- Low maintenance, 25 years + life expectancy
- Charge an electric car for free: reduce your fuelingcosts if you have an electric vehicle.
- Less dependence on the grid
- Off grid battery backup for power cuts
- Generating fewer air pollutants than fossil fuels like Sulphurdioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems
- How much CO2 does a Solar Panel save?
1kw solar system will produce around 850 kwh a year which will save around 1.6 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
- What savings should we expect?
The value of solar comes from the savings that you make from not using your grid electricity… so for every unit (Kwh) generated and used you can save 30p + on your electricity usage, you can realistically expect to use between 50% – 100% of your electricity generation depending on your property’s electricity usage.
- Do I need a south-facing roof for Solar Panels?
Solar Panels work well on any roof facing South, East or West. Although your Solar Panels will perform better and produce more electricity if they are South facing, they will still perform at 86% (compared to South facing) either facing due East or West.
- How much roof space do I need for Solar Panels?
Solar Panels can be fitted to your roof or on your land. Generally, a 6-panel Solar PV system would be the smallest we would recommend.
Area 1.8m x 6 = 10.8m2
- Do I need constant sunshine for my Solar Panels to work?
No, solar panels work in all daylight conditions but work better the brighter the sunshine. So you need install energy storage bank at night to save the power.
- How long will my Solar Panel PV system last for?
Solar PV panels will last 30 years+ and come with a 12-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 30-year output guarantee The inverter comes with a standard 5-year warranty which can be increased to 10 years. Battery warranty 5 years
- Why are battery storage systems useful?
BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) consist of groups of batteries connected both to a power generation plant and to the distribution or transmission grid. They are, in essence, “reservoirs” in which electricity is stored when it is produced and then fed into the grid at another time.
- When and how is the electricity stored in BESS used?
Electricity stored in BESS can be used in a number of situations. First and foremost, to balance demand fluctuations and synchronize them with intermittent generation from renewable sources. In this function, they are also useful for regulating electricity costs: storing energy at times when the kWh cost is highest and releasing it when it is lowest incentivizes use during times when tariffs are cheapest, resulting in substantial savings for consumers.
The benefits also affect the energy market and supply chain, whereby consumption is distributed more evenly throughout the day, avoiding overloading plants and the grid. This is known as “arbitrage” in the energy market.
Furthermore, storage systems are useful as backup solutions in the event of outages or to restart production in the event of a blackout. They can also be used to stabilize the frequency and voltage of the grid when distribution anomalies or imbalances occur.
