Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Solar PV system work?
Solar panels generate electricity using energy from the sun. Because the panels produce energy from daylight and not sunlight they still produce energy on cloudy days. The direct current produced by the panels is converted by the inverter to alternating current for use in the building. The electricity produced is either consumed directly by appliances in the building or if more power than required is generated it is exported to the grid. At night or when the system is not producing enough energy, power is supplied by the grid in the normal way.
Who owns my roof ?
Nobody is personally tied into an agreement for 25 years. The current homeowner simply grants us a lease of the airspace above their roof – the lease itself is with the property for 25 years, not with the homeowner. It’s similar to how SKY works with their satellite dishes. When someone buys a property with our free panels, they buy it with the lease and our panels already in place. All they have to do is enjoy the FREE Electricity, there are no additional agreements to be signed.
Do the PV panels need direct sunlight to work?
Solar PV works from daylight and not direct sunlight, but more power is produced on a sunny day as a opposed to an overcast or cloudy one.
What are the effects of shade?
Shading is critical. Minor shading can result in significant loss of energy because the cell with the lowest illumination determines the operating current of the series string in which it is connected.
What happens if there is a power cut?
Our PV systems are entirely connected. If there is a power cut the system is automatically switched off as a safety measure to ensure power does not leak on to the grid in order to protect personnel working to restore the power supply. There will be no power to the building during the power cut.
What happens at night?
PV panels do not produce energy in the dark and so electricity is drawn from the grid in the normal way.
Are there different types of solar systems?
There are two distinct solar systems:
Solar thermal – for hot water production
Solar PV-for the production of electricity
Do you have a sunny place to put solar panels?
You’ll need around five square metres of roof space which faces east to west through south and receives direct sunlight for the main part of the day.
Do you have space for a larger, or an extra, hot water cylinder?
If a dedicated solar cylinder is not already installed then you will usually need to replace the existing cylinder, or add a dedicated cylinder with a solar heating coil.
Is your current boiler compatible with solar water heating?
Most conventional boiler and hot water cylinder systems are compatible with solar water heating. But if your boiler is a combination boiler (combi) and you don’t currently have a hot water tank, a solar hot water system may not be compatible.
A competent accredited installer will be able to assess your home and help you choose the best setup to meet your needs.
A video from the Energy Saving Trust. This short debunks the myths surrounding microgeneration technologies, primarily solar panels. Those who have installed solar panels are interviewed.
This video can be watched directly on youtube.
More information can be found on the official Energy Saving Trust Website.
