Solar PV
Solar electricity panels, or solar PV (photovoltaics), are another sustainable and renewable form of energy. With this solution, panels are attached to the roof of the home to generate renewable electricity by harnessing the sun’s power. They do a great job at reducing carbon footprints and can result in huge energy savings.
In terms of commercial properties, a large number of these panels can be attached, thereby generating huge amounts of energy. This is not to say they’re not effective for homes. They will still offer significant savings depending on how many panels are installed.
If you were to look at a solar panel up close, you would see that it is made of many layers of a material that offers semiconducting properties. Silicon is a common material used on these panels.
What’s great about these panels is that you can still generate electricity on cloudy days. People are often under the impression that it has to be full sun to be effective, and that’s just not the case. The stronger the sun, the more electricity you generate, but even cloudy days will give you something.
One of the biggest considerations when looking into solar PV panels is how much space you have. The more room a roof has, the better. You also want to place the panels where they will get the most sun in the day. If the roof of a commercial property or house is shaded by a chimney, other buildings or large trees, look for ways to mitigate how much shade they produce.
These are all the issues we can address as we discuss your solar PV options. This can be a great way to cut down on energy usage and realise real savings. Contact us so we can have an in-depth discussion with you.
FAQs
This mainly depends on the size of a typical system. A roof that is well equipped with PV solar panels is capable of producing over 3,000kWh per year. Other factors that can impact how much energy is available to you include your current usage as well as the placement and angle of the panels.
Rising energy costs are encouraging countless home and commercial property owners to install PV solar panels. The average homeowner in the UK is managing to save around £350 a year on their energy bills. Over and above these savings, PV solar panels will help you reduce your carbon emissions. In most instances, you can expect to break even on your solar installation in 15 years. If you need further advice on whether solar panels are right for your property, our team of experts is ready to answer your questions.
Even though the average break-even point for solar systems is around 15 years, there are a few factors that can reduce this waiting period.
- Sunlight. Homes that receive more sun during the day and throughout the year have the potential to generate and store more energy.
- Giving back to the grid. Exporting energy to the national grid is another way that you can get money back and save.
- Solar battery systems. By storing any excess energy in a solar battery, you ensure you’re using all the electricity your panels generate instead of wasting it.
- Usage times. The more electricity you can use during daylight hours, the less reliant you will be on the national grid. Installing a solar battery system is what will allow you to use any excess energy during the evening too.
The only time a home or building wouldn’t be suited to PV solar panels is if the roof is north-facing. Solar panels that don’t receive enough sunlight aren’t a good investment. If your roof does tend to get a lot of shade, regardless of its direction, you can always consider power optimisers. The Eco Home Group team can gladly take you through your options upon evaluating your home or commercial space.
The current climate crisis and rising energy costs mean solar panels can increase the value of your home. These low-maintenance energy solutions can boost your Energy Performance Certificate rating by up to two grades, which is attractive to potential buyers.
