With rising energy costs and growing climate concerns, more people are turning to solar photovoltaics (solar PV). This blog will explore what solar PV is, how it works, and how to check funding eligibility. Let’s break it down.
What Are Solar PV & Batteries?
More than 1.4 million homes in the UK now have solar panels, according to the UK Government. Solar PV (photovoltaic) is a clean and renewable energy source that converts sunlight into electricity. It reduces your reliance on traditional fossil fuels for power. Solar PV batteries store excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use.
How Does Solar PV Work?
Solar PV converts sunlight into electricity to power your home or business. Here’s a clear overview of the process:
Solar Panels: solar panels are installed on the roof or in a sunny area of your property. They contain photovoltaic cells that capture sunlight.
Sunlight Absorption: when sunlight hits the solar panels, the photovoltaic cells absorb the energy from the sunlight.
Electricity Generation: photovoltaic cells release electrons from absorbed sunlight, creating an electric current that flows through the wiring of the solar panels.
Inverter: an inverter converts the generated electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), suitable for your home’s electrical system.
Powering Your Home: the electricity produced by the solar PV system is now ready to power your home. It flows into your electrical panel, where it can be used to run anything that requires electricity.
How Do Solar PV Batteries Work?
Solar PV batteries store excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use. Here’s a simple explanation of how solar battery systems work:
Extra Energy Storage: if the solar panels generate more electricity than is needed at that moment, the excess energy is stored in the solar battery system.
Storage Method: through electrochemical reactions in the battery, energy is safely stored for later use—typically in lithium-ion or lead-acid cells.
On-Demand Power: when solar panel electricity output is low (e.g., at night or during cloudy days), your system uses the stored energy from the battery before drawing from the grid.
Continuous Cycle: this cycle of charging when sunny and discharging when sunlight is low or at night continues, providing a reliable power supply while reducing reliance on the grid.
How is Solar PV Installed?
From planning to powering up, here’s what to expect every step of the way:
Initial Consultation: our team will schedule an appointment to assess your property, discuss your energy goals, and provide personalised recommendations for your solar PV system.
Support Throughout: we’ll guide you through the entire process, from pre-installation to post-installation, ensuring everything runs smoothly and answering any questions you may have.
System Design: based on our consultation and assessment, we will design a customised solar PV system that optimises energy production and aligns with your property needs.
Installation Day: our certified technicians will arrive at your property to install the solar panels and other necessary equipment. Rest assured, we’ll handle all the technical aspects while keeping any disruption to your daily routine at a minimum.
Inspection and Commissioning: once the installation is complete, our team will conduct a thorough inspection to ensure everything is working seamlessly. Upon successful testing, your system will be commissioned, and you can start enjoying clean, renewable energy.
Benefits of Solar Energy
Transitioning to solar energy offers numerous advantages, including:
Renewable and Sustainable Energy: solar PV harnesses sunlight, an abundant and renewable energy source. As long as the sun continues to shine, solar energy can be tapped, making it a sustainable solution for the future.
Reduced Electricity Bills: by generating your electricity from solar panels, you can significantly lower your dependence on electricity from the grid. This can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills over time.
Environmentally Friendly: solar PV is a clean energy source, producing no harmful emissions or greenhouse gases during operation. By choosing solar, you help combat climate change and reduce your carbon footprint.
Low Operating and Maintenance Costs: once installed, solar PV systems have minimal operating costs since sunlight is free. Routine maintenance is simple and typically involves cleaning the panels to ensure optimal performance.
Turn Extra Energy into Income: the Smart Export Guarantee lets you earn by exporting unused energy to the grid.
What is Solar PV Used For?
Solar PV systems power your home or business with clean electricity. They can:
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- Run lighting, appliances, and electronics
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- Feed excess energy back into the grid (via net metering or export tariffs)
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- Charge batteries for energy storage
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- Support electric vehicle charging systems
Could a solar PV system benefit my property?
There are several important factors to consider when deciding if a solar PV system is the right fit, including roof orientation, the condition and space available on your roof, and shading. Our team will perform a detailed assessment to gauge if your property is suitable for a solar PV system, considering all factors.
Do flat roofs work for solar panel systems?
Although it is best to install solar panels on sloping roofs, flat roofs may still be eligible for solar panels.
Do I need to clean my solar panels?
Solar panels are designed to be self-cleaning due to a special coating that prevents debris from sticking to them. Generally, you shouldn’t need to clean them. However, if you live in a dusty or sandy area and notice a build-up of dirt, cleaning may be needed.
Will the solar panels need maintenance?
Solar panels are designed to be low maintenance, given that they do not have any moving parts. While they typically require minimal attention, it is advisable to consider cleaning them once a year. Additionally, your warranty will cover any repairs or performance issues, offering you peace of mind.
Will solar panels help me save money?
Certainly! By generating your own electricity you can effectively reduce your electricity bills and dependence on the grid. The extent of savings will depend on factors such as the size of your solar system, your household’s energy consumption, and the prevailing electricity rates in your area.
Over what period do solar panels pay back their cost?
It can take between 10-21 years for solar panels to pay back their cost, depending on factors such as usage, cost, and electricity prices.
What’s the cost of installing a solar PV system?
The cost of installing a solar PV system depends on factors like the size of the system, roof complexity, and whether you choose to add battery storage. Our survey and assessment will help determine the exact costs as each system is custom-tailored to each individual property.
To help cover the costs of a solar PV system, there are grants available from the UK government.
All About Solar Panel Grants
Grants from the government can significantly reduce the investment for solar PV, helping you make the switch to renewable energy.
There are numerous grants available that help cover the costs of a solar PV system.
ECO4
The ECO4 scheme (Energy Company Obligation 4) is a government energy efficiency initiative in the UK. It is aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes, particularly for low-income households or those considered vulnerable. The scheme is funded by major energy suppliers, who are obligated to provide financial support for energy-saving improvements.
Properties that qualify can receive grants covering up to the total cost of improvements. One of the measures covered under the ECO4 scheme is solar PV.
LA Flex
LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility) builds on the ECO4 scheme. It allows local authorities to broaden the reach of ECO4 to include households that may not be receiving government benefits but still struggle with energy costs or are vulnerable to cold-related health issues.
Warm Homes Local Grant
The Warm Homes Local Grant, available in England, offers free energy-saving home improvements through local councils to homeowners and renters living on low incomes or receiving certain benefits.
Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund aims to improve the energy efficiency of social housing in England through the installation of various energy-saving measures across eligible properties.
Am I eligible for a grant?
Curious if you may be eligible for a grant to help cover the costs of solar panels? Find out if you are eligible in a few easy steps using our free eligibility checker, or get in touch with our friendly team who are here to help you every step of the way.
How long do solar panels last?
Most solar panels are designed to last between 20 to 25 years. In particular, our panels come with a 25-year performance guarantee, ensuring their durability and efficiency over time.
Ready to Make the Most of the Sun?
If you’re looking to reduce your bills, cut emissions, and future-proof your property, solar PV is a smart choice. Get in touch with our friendly team to learn more and see what solar can do for you.
Email: contact@izenergy.co.uk
Phone: 020 8594 1117
