Are you looking at ways to further reduce your carbon footprint in the new year? Solar panels can help you do just that.
But are solar panels right for you? In this article we’ll outline home suitability, rewards and drawbacks allowing you to better understand solar panels and how they work.
How do solar panels work?
Before considering solar panels any further, it’s important you understand exactly how they work. There are two main types of solar panels:
- Photovoltaic (PV) panels that produce electricity.
- Solar thermal panels that are used to produce heat.
Photovoltaic panels put simply, convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar panels are commonly constructed using silicon or other semiconductor materials, which are housed within a metal panel frame and protected by a glass casing. When these materials come into contact with sunlight photons, they release electrons and generate an electric charge. This electric charge, known as PV charge, gives rise to a direct current (DC) that is harnessed by the wiring within the solar panels. Subsequently, an inverter converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC). AC is the type of electrical current utilised when connecting appliances to standard wall sockets.
Solar thermal technology is a slightly less complicated method that involves harnessing the sun's energy to directly heat water or other fluids. In homes, solar thermal panels are typically mounted on sun-facing rooftops, effectively heating water stored in a hot water cylinder and supplying both hot water and heating.
Are solar panels worth the investment?
Solar panels, if installed correctly and looked after can bring many rewards – some you may not have even considered! Here are just some of the benefits a solar PV system could bring you:
- Reduced energy bills
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Little maintenance costs
- As long as we have the sun, you’ll always have energy!
Are there any drawbacks?
As with anything, solar panels will not be suitable for all homes, unfortunately this is one of the biggest drawbacks. Another con is the initial investment, solar panels are not cheap and therefore not everyone’s budget can accommodate. A big misconception is that solar panels won’t work without sun. Now although, they do work best in sunny climates, solar panels can still be efficient in cloudy weather – lucky for us who live in the UK! 😊
Is my home suitable?
Your home can accommodate solar panels if:
- You have a south facing roof.
- You have a roof fully exposed to the sun with little to no shading.
- Your roof is in good condition with sufficient space – they are heavy!!
Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?
Generally speaking, homeowners do not need to gain planning permission. Thankfully, solar panels typically fall into the permitted development rights. There are some exceptions, but your installer will advise you on this if necessary.
Installing solar panels in Bristol
Are you a Bristol homeowner? Are you looking to install solar panels before the summer kicks in? Allied Electrical are here to help you. Our professional team of installers are fully qualified and certified to install solar panels sized both large and small. Get in touch with Allied Electrical today – your local Bristol based solar panel installers.
