Solar Power

Solar power uses energy from the sun to create electricity or pre-heat water for your home.  Solar panels allow you to create clean, green energy, help to reduce climate change effects and will save you and earn you money.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are known as solar panels, and use energy from the sun to create electricity.  PV requires only daylight, rather than direct sunlight, to generate the electricity.

How Solar Panels Work

When light shines on a solar panel, it creates an electric field across layers of silicon in the cell, causing electricity to flow.  The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity is.  Power can be used straight away or linked back in to the power grid.

How Solar Panels Can Save You Money

Producing your own energy is cheaper than buying it from energy companies, using FIT's (feed-in tariffs).  The FIT's scheme guarantees a minimum payment for all the electricity you generate, as well as paying you for any electricity you export to the national grid.  The Energy Saving Trust's website has more information about FIT's.

Maintenance

Systems that connect to the grid require very little maintenance.  You just need to ensure that the panels are kept relatively clean and that shade form trees isn't a problem.  The wiring and components of the system should be checked regularly by a qualified technician.  Stand-alone systems (not connected to the grid) need maintenance on other parts of the system, like batteries.