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 the 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 home appliances and connect to the National Grid. Simply without a solar inverter in the 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 the roof.
How do we know if they are producing electricity?
- Check the 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 contract holders should contact us.
- Check the electric meter during a bright, sunny day. If the panels should be supplying most or all the power that a home needs, but the electric meter still shows that it’s drawing power from the grid, there’s likely an issue with the solar installation.
- Review and compare electricity bills over a period of time 3-6 months.
When will contract holders get solar panels at their home?
We are starting with a fabric first approach which means that the fabric of a home has to be up to standard before we install any solar pv. We have to make sure the home is well insulated with Cavity Wall Insulation, Attic Insulation and External Wall Insulation.
Top tips for maximising savings from your solar PV system:
- If possible, use an appliance during the day
when the solar PV is generating power rather than
in the evening or overnight. - Greater savings are possible by using
high-power electric appliances at times when the
solar panels are generating most. This will
typically be in the middle of the day when it is
sunny. - Use larger appliances one at a time to minimise
the electricity coming from the grid - Run washing machine and dishwasher cycles at
a lower temperature - If it is safe, use timers on appliances which can
run while you are out during the day - Consider getting a smart meter and use the
in-home display which comes with it to monitor the
electricity you are purchasing from the grid - Consider cooking your evening meal during the
day using a slow cooker on low power rather than
by using the hob or oven in the evening.