Your Road to Solar

How does Solar PV Work?

Solar PV systems are modular and scalable. This allows us to fit the correct size system for your needs, without adding to the cost.

Solar-Techs purpose is to design, supply and install high quality solar PV systems that meet the energy use needs and habits of the customer. A solar PV system offering no savings to your energy bills is of no use to anyone. This is why we have perfected our process to ensure we approach each project the right way. We are MCS certified and comply with industry leading consumer codes to ensure your road to solar is as simple as 1 2 3.

Welcome to the world of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, where the radiant energy of the sun is transformed into clean, renewable electricity.

Sunlight Collection

The process begins with the most abundant source of energy in our solar system: the sun.

Solar panels, made up of multiple photovoltaic cells, are strategically placed on your roof to capture the most sunlight. These cells are typically composed of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, that have unique properties allowing them to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar PV cells don't require direct sunlight to generate electricity and can even work on a cloudy day. However, the stronger the sunshines, the more electricity is generated.

Photon Absorption

When sunlight, which is composed of tiny packets of energy called photons, strikes the solar panels, a fascinating interaction occurs. The photons are absorbed by the semiconductor material within the solar cells, causing electrons to become energised and freeing them from their usual positions.

Electron Movement

The energised electrons, now in motion, create an electrical current. This movement of electrons generates direct current (DC) electricity. However, most of our electrical appliances and the grid itself use alternating current (AC) electricity. To make the electricity compatible, an inverter is employed.

Conversion to AC

The inverter, a critical component of any solar PV system, transforms the DC electricity into the AC electricity commonly used in our homes. This conversion process ensures that the electricity generated by your solar panels can seamlessly power your appliances and be integrated with the grid.

Electricity Utilisation

The AC electricity produced by your solar PV system can be used to power your home in real-time. Any excess electricity generated is typically fed back into the grid, depending on the specifics of your solar system setup. To maximise efficiency and cost savings an added battery storage system can be used to store this surplus energy for use later in the day or during an evening.

Solar Generation Infographic

24 hours of Solar Power

The power of the sun, now available at night.
Science fact, not fiction.

A modern solar panel and battery system offers a completely different set of benefits to traditional solar panel only installations. Designed to provide homeowners with cheap electricity when it is most needed, solar and battery installations are transforming personal energy generation.

Take your solar PV further with battery storage

Storage batteries work just the same as any other battery, just on a much larger scale. The excess energy your solar panels generate is used to charge your solar battery, keeping it so that when your solar panels are no longer producing energy, you have electricity readily available. You'll take what you've stored in the middle of the day, when only the fridge is humming away, and use it at night when your home is at its busiest with TV's, Consoles, and the lights someone keeps leaving on are all running.

Storage batteries don't just end there. They allow you to capitalise on the fact that in a lot of cases, your solar PV and battery system will produce more energy than your home needs. This excess energy can be sold back to your energy provider!

From sun, to socket, to savings!

Commonly asked questions by future Solar-Tech customers.

Do I have enough space?

Space allocation is a critical factor to consider when installing a solar PV system. On average, a system typically has a size of around 3.7kWp, requiring approximately 20 square meters of roof space.

For optimal electrical output, an unshaded, South-facing roof is preferrable. While East or West-facing roof can still be a viable options, particularly as panels don't require direct sunlight. It is important to note that panels situated on North-facing roofs are not recommended. For context, a solar PV system orientated towards the East or West will typically yield 15-20% less energy compared to one directly facing South.

I have shading concerns

The presence of nearby structures, trees, or chimneys can cast shadows on your roof, adversely affecting your system's performance.

While finding an unshaded location is preferable, sometimes shading is unavoidable. In such cases, certain solar PV systems can mitigate the impact of shading by utilising 'optimisers', or 'microinverters'. It is worth noting that if shading is not an issue, the use of optimisers is neither necessary nor beneficial, except for the additional monitoring capabilities they provide; they do not increase energy generation.

Do I need permission to install a solar pv system?

Solar PV panels are typically categorised as 'permitted developments'. This means in most cases planning permission is not required. Nevertheless, exceptions to this may exist, paarticularly if your property is located within a conservation area, or is a listed building. Therefore it is advisable to consult your local planning office for specific guidance. This is something we ask all our customers to do if they are unsure.

In the event that you are contemplating the installation of a solar PV system in your home, it is imperative to complete a registration process with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). The DNO is the entity responsible for supplying electricity to your property. This is something that Solar-Techs will complete on your behalf.

For detailed guidance on how to carry out the registration of your new energy system in England, Scotland and Wales, the UK Government provides comprehensive advice.

CAN I GET payments FOR EXPORTING EXCESS ENERGY?

There will be instances when your solar PV system will generate more electricity than you are able to consume or store. In such cases, the excess electricity is sent back to the grid for others to use.

If you wish to be compensated for this surplus electricity, it is essential to ensure you are enrolled in an export payment scheme with your energy provider. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) initiative was designed to financially support small-scale renewable energy producers for the electricity they contribute to the grid, providing certain criteria is met. Embracing solar PV with the SEG in place can result in significantly higher savings compared to systems without it.

Find out how much solar PV can save you?

Request Your Survey!

Power up your roof

Request A Survey

Shortly after submitting this form, our team will reach out to you with a phone call to learn a litle more about your property, energy use habits and your reasons for wanting solar.

We will then send you a preliminary quote with multiple proposed design options to consider. Plus look to schedule a home visit appointment to survey your property and customise our proposal further if requested. All of this is Free and no obligation.

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