What are they?
Photovoltaic (PV) or solar electric panels convert sunlight to electricity. They are typically panels of about 1-2m2, but there are many sizes and models available.
What do they do?
PV panels generate electricity from sunlight. The amount generated varies from property to property depending on how many panels, age of the panels, size of the panels.
How do they work?
A PV panel is made of layers of semi-conducting material. Sunlight causes electrons to jump between these layers, generating electricity. The electricity needs to be treated in an inverter before it can be used in conventional machines or exported to the grid. They should work well for at least 25 years.
What is an Invertor?
A solar inverter is the component in your solar panel system which changes the direct current electricity captured by the solar panels, into alternating current. Alternating current is the standard flow of electricity required to power your home appliances and connect to the National Grid. Simply without a solar inverter in your system, you would be unable to power your home safely from your solar energy.
Where do they go?
PV panels generate more electricity the more sunlight they receive. The sun’s position changes throughout the day. To get the maximum electricity generated, the panels should be south facing, on your roof.
How do I know if they are producing electricity?
- Check your invertor. These are usually located in the attic. If it displays a green light they are fine and working as they should. An orange light means a potential issue has been detected and a red flashing light indicates there is a problem with the system and you should contact us.
- Check your electric meter during a bright, sunny day. If your panels should be supplying most or all the power that your home needs, but the electric meter still shows that you’re drawing power from the grid, there’s likely an issue with your solar installation.
- Review and compare electricity bills over a period of time 3-6 months.
When will I get solar panels at my home?
We are starting with a fabric first approach which means that the fabric of your home has to be up to standard before we install any solar pv. We have to make sure your home is well insulated with Cavity Wall Insulation, Attic Insulation and External Wall Insulation.