Introduction
Solar electric systems are also commonly referred to as ‘solar photovoltaic’ or ‘solar PV’. These systems use solar panels to generate electricity, and thus are distinct from solar thermal systems, which are typically used to heat water.
Photovoltaic technology on a small scale is probably familiar to most people in the UK. It is used to power calculators, road signs, toys and phone chargers. Taking light from the sun, it uses it to run the appliance. Solar panels for electricity work on the same principle, just at a larger scale.
Sunlight is all you need to get electricity from the panels. Although more electricity is produced on sunny days they work well on overcast days too.
There are lots of benefits of a solar PV system. It is easy to install, needs virtually no maintenance and is will last up to 40 years.
How it Works
- Photovoltaic solar systems use cells, consisting of one or two layers of semi-conducting material, to convert solar radiation into electricity. The semi-conducting material is generally silicon, which is the second most abundant element on earth after oxygen.
- Light shines on the cell creating an electric field across the layers
- This causes electrons to flow creating electricity
- On its own each cell only creates a tiny bit of electricity, but connected together to form panels, which are linked together to form a system, they create useful amounts
- Panels are mounted on the roof or on a frame
- An inverter converts the direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC – or mains equivalent) electricity which is suitable for running appliances
- Grid connected systems can export electricity they don’t use to the grid, and import it from the grid when there is not enough sunlight
Requirements
There are three main requirements when considering the suitability of a solar PV system.
- Roof Strength – the roof must be strong enough to bear the weight of the panels.
- Roof pitch and orientation – as a guideline the optimum roof pitch as at an angle of 30 degrees, and the roof should face within 90 degrees of South.
- External obstacles – the roof should not be overshadowed by trees or other buildings as this will reduce the sunlight hitting the panels and thus the generation.
We would be able to assess the suitability of your property as part of a free, no-obligation site survey that one of our experienced technicians would carry out. And we’ll always be honest with you if we don’t think your roof is suitable.
