Solar panels and photovoltaic cells

Solar Panels
How does Solar work?
The panels on the roof contain highly effective absorber of solar radiation. This material collects heat, transferring it to ‘solar fluid’ contained in pipes within the panels. This heated fluid then circulates through a coil in the cylinder, heating the water for household use.
A solar control unit monitors the temperature of the panels and of the cylinder. When sufficient solar energy is available the control switches on the solar pump to heat the cylinder.
If sufficient solar energy is available to heat the water to the desired level, the controller activates the boiler. By automatically switching between the two, the system minimises energy while ensuring there is always hot water on demand.

How energy efficient is it?
You might think that the UK would be a poor location for a solar hot water heating system. In fact from April till September solar systems can provide as much as 60%-90% of domestic hot water requirements. Even in mid winter a solar system can contribute 10% of daily hot water demands. That’s because solar panels can absorb solar radiation even when the sky is overcast. Overall, a typical solar hot water system will provide 50%-60% of domestic hot water need throughout the year. That means your hot water bill can be cut by over 50%, a big saving at a time of escalating energy costs.

Is solar right for your home?
A solar system will work most efficiently if your house has a pitched roof that faces south and is not shaded by tres or other buildings. If the roof faces between 30 degrees east and 40 degrees west of south the system will work with a small loss of efficiency. Even so, this loss can be compensated by installing a larger area of collector panels.

Benefits:

• You can Generate up to 90% of your hot water for free
• Solar panels have a 35+ year life expectancy so you will save on your energy bill year after year.
• As fossil fuel prices continue to rise solar will save you more and more.
• Increase the value of your property.
• Cut nasty co2 emission, help you become greener.

Photovoltaic cells

How does it work?
Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicone. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of light, the greater the flow of electricity.

Benefits:

• Sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your electricity costs will be greatly reduced. A typical home PV system can produce around 40% of the electricity a household uses in a year.
• As fossil fuel prices continue to rise solar will save you more and more.
• Increase the value of your property.
• Cut CO2 emission, help you become greener.
• Can sell back your unused electricity to the electrical companies.

To find out more about using solar energy or to find out whether it could help your home or business call   0800 232 1315