Solar PV Panel Installation

What Are Solar PV Panels?

When people talk about solar panels, they are almost always referring to Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels. It is important to distinguish these from solar thermal panels, which are designed solely to heat water. Solar PV panels are far more versatile because they generate electricity that can power everything from your kettle and TV to your electric vehicle charger and office computers. PV solar panels are comprised of many smaller units called photovoltaic cells, which are commonly made from semi-conducting materials like silicon. When light shines on these cells, a physical reaction creates an electric field. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced, though modern high-efficiency panels can still generate energy on cloudy days – a crucial feature for our British weather! By installing a robust solar PV array, you essentially turn your roof into a mini power station. This reduces your reliance on external energy suppliers and shrinks your carbon footprint, making your home or business greener and more sustainable.

How do solar PV panels work?

Solar PV panels are becoming an increasingly popular choice for powering homes and businesses. They work by generating electricity from sunlight, which is then used to power appliances and electrical devices.

The process begins with the installation of the panels. Typically, our solar panel installer installs these panels on the roof of your building, where they’ll receive the most sunlight. Once installed, they start generating electricity as soon as they’re exposed to sunlight.

The electricity produced is in DC form, which most appliances can’t use directly. To make it usable, it’s converted to AC using an inverter. We usually install the inverter near your electrical panel, where it converts the electricity into a form your building can use.

Once converted, the AC electricity is sent to your electrical panel and distributed throughout your property. If your solar PV panels generate more electricity than you’re using, the excess can be exported back to the grid for others to use.

Depending on your energy provider, you may receive a credit on your bill for any surplus power exported.

How Do They Generate Electricity?

The science behind solar energy is fascinating, yet the process can be broken down into a few simple steps. It is a seamless journey from the sun’s rays to the socket in your wall. First, daylight hits the photovoltaic cells on your roof. This sunlight energises the electrons within the silicon cells, causing them to move and create a flow of direct current (DC) electricity. However, the appliances in your home and the main grid operate on alternating current (AC) electricity. This is where the inverter comes in. Your solar panel installation will include an inverter, which acts as a gateway. It takes that raw DC electricity and converts it into AC electricity. This usable power is then fed directly into your building’s fuse box (consumer unit). Once there, the energy is used automatically by your lights and appliances. If you are generating more power than you need, the surplus can either be stored in a battery for later use or exported back to the grid. This entire process happens silently and instantly, requiring no manual intervention from you.

Advantages of solar PV panels

One of the main advantages of solar PV panels is that they don’t produce any greenhouse gases or pollutants during operation. This makes them a clean, environmentally friendly energy source. They also require very little maintenance, with no moving parts and strong resistance to harsh weather.

Another key benefit is the potential to reduce your energy bills. By generating your own electricity, you’re less dependent on the grid and insulated from fossil fuel price fluctuations. Over time, this can lead to long-term savings, especially in areas with high electricity costs.

Maximise on Savings

Installing PV solar panels is an investment, but it is one that pays dividends. The most immediate benefit is the reduction in your electricity bills. Every unit of electricity you generate is one less unit you have to buy from your energy supplier. Over the lifespan of a system – which can be 25 years or more – these savings can amount to thousands of pounds. However, to truly get the most out of your solar panel system, you need to look beyond just the daily generation. Here are a few ways to ensure you are maximising your return on investment:

• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): In the UK, you can get paid for the electricity you don’t use. Under the Smart Export Guarantee, energy suppliers pay you for every kilowatt-hour of surplus energy you send back to the National Grid.
• Battery Storage: By adding a battery to your installation, you can store the energy generated during the day to use in the evening when rates are typically higher. This increases your self-consumption and reduces reliance on the grid even further.
• Load Shifting: You can adjust your habits to use energy when your panels are most active. For example, setting washing machines or dishwashers to run at midday when the sun is strongest ensures you are using “free” energy.
• Property Value: Research suggests that homes with solar installations often have a higher resale value and a better Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, making them more attractive to eco-conscious buyers in the East Midlands.

Solar PV panels installation

Our professional solar panel installer follows a clear, structured process to ensure your system is installed safely and efficiently. Here’s what to expect:

• Site evaluation: We start by assessing your property’s suitability for solar. This includes reviewing roof orientation, pitch, shading, available space, and your existing electrical system.
• Design and proposal: Once we’ve evaluated the site, we’ll design a tailored solar PV system that fits your energy needs and budget. You’ll receive a clear proposal outlining the recommended panels, inverter, and all required components.
• Installation: We mount the panels using a racking system secured to your roof. The panels are then wired together and connected to the inverter and other system parts.
• Activation: Once installed, we connect the system to your electrical panel and activate the inverter. We’ll guide you through the handover and show you how to monitor your system’s performance.

Are These Suitable For Homes and Businesses?

A common misconception is that solar is only for those with south-facing, massive roofs. The reality is that solar PV panel installation has become incredibly adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of properties across the East Midlands. Whether you are a homeowner looking to cut costs or a business owner aiming to improve your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) credentials, solar is a viable option. Modern mounting systems allow panels to be fitted to various roof types, including flat roofs, slate, and tile. Here is why solar is a strong contender for both residential and commercial sectors:

• Orientation Flexibility: While south-facing roofs generate the most peak power, east and west-facing roofs are also excellent. They produce energy earlier in the morning and later in the evening, which often matches the usage patterns of working families better than a south-facing system.
• Scalability: Systems can be sized to fit your needs. A small terraced house might need a modest 3kW system, while a large warehouse in Derby or Nottingham could accommodate a 150kW array to power heavy machinery.
• Permitted Development: In most cases, installing solar panels on residential properties falls under “Permitted Development” rights, meaning you likely won’t need full planning permission, speeding up the installation process.
• Energy Security for Businesses: For commercial entities, fixing your energy costs is vital for forecasting. Solar provides a hedge against volatile energy market fluctuations, securing your bottom line.

Take Control of Your Energy Future

The transition to renewable energy is no longer just a trend; it is a practical financial strategy for residents and businesses across the East Midlands. By choosing a solar panel installation, you are protecting yourself against rising costs, contributing to a cleaner environment, and increasing the value of your property. At Radiant Renewables, we specialise in designing bespoke solar solutions tailored to your specific energy needs and property characteristics. Don’t let another sunny day go to waste. Contact our team today to discuss how we can help you turn your roof into an asset and start generating your own clean power.