Solar Panels

How do Solar PV panels work?

Solar PV panels, also known as solar photovoltaic panels are used to convert the energy produced by the sun in the form of sunlight, into electricity. Electric solar panels contain photovoltaic cells which convert the energy produced by the sun rather than the sunlight – hence why they can still generate electricity on a cloudy day.  The electricity output can then be used to power appliances within the home.

Solar power is a renewable energy which is safe and far cheaper than purchasing electricity from the grid. Due to the amount of electricity solar PV cells can produce; it is usually too much for one home to use. It is now possible for this excess electricity to be sold back to the National Grid in order to generate a further income for the homeowner. The Government is actively promoting the use of renewable energy systems such as solar panels and has introduced a special incentive known as a Feed in Tariff. Feed in tariffs pay the homeowner for every unit of energy produced by their renewable energy system and for any surplus units sold back to the Grid.

How does Solar Heating work?

Solar heating works in a similar way to solar electricity in the fact that they both use solar roof panels to convert the energy produced by the sun. Solar heating panels look different to the panels used to generate electricity as they are cylindrical rather than flat. Solar thermal heating systems collect the energy through cylindrical collectors which are placed on the roof and turn the sun’s energy into heat. This heat is then transferred to a heat transfer liquid which is pumped through the duel coil solar hot water cylinder to heat the water.

Solar hot water systems are one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy and the Government are actively promoting their use. The Renewable Heat Incentive is one way the Government are rewarding those who have invested in solar power systems and is expected to launch in April 2011. This will pay the owners of the system tax free cash for up to 20 years in order to guarantee return on investment.

What is Air Source Heating?

Air source heating is the use of Air Source heat pumps to extract the heat from the air and use it to heat water for use around the home. The air contains heat energy produced by the sun and an air source heat pump is specifically designed to draw in the air and remove the heat energy contained. Air source heat pumps work all year round and are perfect for the UK environment due to the fact they still work at temperatures up to -15 degrees.

The best pumps available on the market are the Mitsubishi air source heat pumps due to the little amount of noise they produce. Heat pumps are also included in the Government incentive scheme which pays home owners for investing in renewable energy systems. The Air source Renewable Heat Incentive is not yet live but is expected to be launched in April 2011 and will include all systems installed after July 2009. An air to air heat pump could be the perfect way to heat your home during the winter months due to the low cost associated with running them.