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Solar panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), capture solar energy and convert it into electricity that you can use in your home.
By installing solar panels, you can generate your own renewable electricity.
Solar PV panels consist of a number of cells made from layers of semiconductor material, most commonly silicon. When light shines on this material, an electric current is generated.
These cells do not need direct sunlight to work, and can even work on cloudy days. However, the stronger the sunlight, the more electricity is generated.
Solar Panels
A solar photovoltaic system consists of several panels, each of which generates approximately 355 W of energy in strong sunlight. A typical system contains around 10 panels and produces direct current (DC) electricity. As the electricity used by domestic appliances is alternating current (AC), the system is fitted with an inverter to convert the DC power into AC power. This electricity can be used throughout your home or exported to the grid.
Solar panels harness the energy produced by one of nature's most powerful but free resources: the sun. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic systems (PV systems), use semiconductor technology to convert the energy from the sun into electricity that can power your home.
On average, over 4,000 solar panels are installed in the UK each month. The growing popularity of solar panels means that prices have fallen by 60% in the last decade. The price of solar panels has steadily fallen over the last few years as new technologies are discovered that make solar modules more cost effective. Most importantly, solar panels can help you not only reduce your energy bills, but also help you make money from your excess electricity. The UK government has announced that VAT on energy efficiency measures will be abolished from April 2022.
Solar Panels
Year-round power - solar panels produce clean, emission-free electricity to power your home all year round, and their extra-long lifespan of over 25 years makes them a good investment for the long term.
Increase the market value of your property and make money from solar grants - Selling the surplus electricity generated by solar panels is another advantage that solar panels offer. Not only will you make money from the SEG, but you will also increase the market value of your home.
Reduce your carbon footprint - A solar home reduces your carbon footprint and helps to eliminate harmful emissions from your home.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are very effective in the UK. Although solar panels are more efficient on sunny days, they do not require direct sunlight to work. Solar panels can also generate a lot of electricity on cloudy days and in winter.
In fact, solar panels are better suited to cooler temperatures. In countries where the weather is very warm, solar panels can overheat. The British weather is therefore ideal for product efficiency for most of the year.
A phenomenon known as the "albedo effect" makes solar panels very effective even in snowy climates. The white colour of the snow actually reflects the sunlight and therefore generates more electricity - just as skiers and snowboarders can easily get sunburned on the piste. Naturally, the snow needs to be removed from the solar panels before the system can work properly. If your panels are covered with anything, it will reduce their efficiency.
Solar Panels
A typical commercial solar module has an efficiency rating of 15-20%. An important challenge for the photovoltaic industry is to improve module efficiency while reducing the cost per cell.
Naturally, there are many factors that can affect the efficiency of your system, from the type of solar panel to fishing and seasonality.
There is a common misconception that solar panels do not work well in winter. However, if you prepare and maintain them properly, solar panels can work even in winter.
