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Solar Panels

Harness the power of the sun with our high-efficiency solar panels. Save on energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy reliable, sustainable energy for your home or business.

How do solar panels work

Solar panels operate by harnessing the power of the sun through photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are key components in converting sunlight into electricity. These PV cells are composed of layers of semiconductor materials, commonly silicon, which have been chemically treated to establish an electric field. This electric field is crucial for the movement of electrons within the semiconductor.

When sunlight strikes a solar panel, the energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the semiconductor material. This absorption excites the electrons, causing them to move freely. The movement of these electrons generates an electric current. This current is then directed through conductive wires, which channel the electricity for immediate use or store it in batteries for later use.

Solar panels provide a sustainable and renewable source of energy, making them an excellent choice for reducing energy costs and minimizing environmental impact for homes, businesses, and other buildings.

What are the benefits of using solar panels?

Reduce your electricity bills

  • Solar panels harness sunlight to generate free, low-carbon electricity, significantly lowering your bills. By producing your own energy, you rely less on suppliers and avoid price hikes. This free energy can power your home, charge your electric car, and even provide hot water.

Environmentally friendly

  • Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Choosing solar power is a key step toward a sustainable future and lowering your carbon footprint.

Quick and easy installation

  • Solar panels come in various types and can be quickly installed on your roof or integrated within the roofline. They require minimal maintenance and are often permitted even in conservation areas.

Maximize your solar power potential

  • Adding a battery to your solar PV system increases its effectiveness by nearly 40%, allowing you to store and use more solar energy when you need it most.

Earn money by generating and exporting electricity

  • The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for the renewable and low-carbon electricity you supply to the grid, allowing you to earn money while supporting clean energy.

Take advantage of 0% VAT

  • Solar panel installations now benefit from 0% VAT, making investing in renewable energy more affordable and providing a great opportunity to go solar.

Solar batteries

Integrating a solar battery into your solar panel system ensures you maximise the use of all the energy you produce while also providing the option to sell excess energy back to the grid.

Find out how solar batteries can complement your solar panel system.

Best ways to use solar panels

 Solar panels and batteries

  • Photovoltaic solar panels generate electricity during the day, often when we're not at home or using much power. By installing a solar battery system, you can store this energy for later use, ensuring you have power when you need it most. Additionally, you can even sell excess energy back to the grid!

Solar panels and heat pumps

  • Combining heat pumps with solar panels can be a sustainable way to heat or cool homes and buildings. Solar panels can supply the electricity needed to run the heat pump's compressor and fans, which are the primary components requiring power.

Solar panels and electric vehicles

  • If you want to charge your electric vehicle during the day, you can power it directly from your solar panel system. However, since most people prefer to charge their EV overnight, a solar battery system is essential, allowing you to use stored power to charge your vehicle during the night.
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FAQs

  • Yes, solar panels can be installed on a flat roof. Special mounting systems are used to position the panels at the optimal angle to capture sunlight, ensuring maximum efficiency and energy production.

  • Absolutely, you can install solar panels in your garden. Ground-mounted solar panels are a great option if your roof isn't suitable or if you have ample space in your garden. They offer flexibility in placement and can be adjusted for optimal sun exposure.

  • Yes, solar panels work all year round. While their efficiency is higher in sunny conditions, they can still generate electricity on cloudy days and during winter months. Advances in solar technology ensure that panels continue to produce energy even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

  • Yes, you can add a battery storage system to your solar panel setup. This is a fantastic way to maximize the benefits of your solar panels By storing excess energy generated by your solar panels, you can use it later when needed, enhancing your energy efficiency and independence.

  • To determine if you have enough space for solar panels, consider the size and layout of your roof or the available ground area. Solar panels require a clear, unobstructed surface to capture sunlight effectively. Generally, a typical residential solar panel system requires about 200 to 400 square feet of roof space. Additionally, ground-mounted systems can be an alternative if your roof space is limited.

  • Ideally, solar panels should face south in the Northern Hemisphere to capture the most sunlight throughout the day. However, east or west-facing roofs can still work effectively, though with slightly reduced efficiency. Your roofs orientation can be assessed for optimal energy production.

  • For solar panels to be effective, your roof should receive ample sunlight without significant shading from trees, buildings, or other obstructions. Solar panels perform best in direct sunlight, so it's essential to evaluate any potential shading issues. A solar assessment can help determine if your roof gets sufficient sunlight throughout the year.

  • In many cases, solar panel installations on residential properties do not require planning permission, especially if the panels are installed flush with the roof. However, if you live in a conservation area, a listed building, or plan to install a ground-mounted system, you might need to seek permission. It's always best to check with your local planning authority to ensure compliance with any regulations.

How can we help?

Visit the showrooms

Visit us at our showrooms in Huddersfield and Swindon or catch us at exhibitions around the UK.

Request a quote

Tell us about your project, and we'll make sure you get a no-obligation quote from us.

Get in touch

Our friendly and responsive team will be happy to deal with your enquiry.

Take a step towards a more energy efficient home today

It all starts with finding out your exact requirements. Request a quote and one of our team will help you every step of the way.

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