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- Everything you need to know about Solar Panels
Everything you need to know about Solar Panels
Wondering if solar panels could work for your home?
An increasing number of people are producing their own electricity, and thanks to solar panels, it’s now both realistic and reliable.
Solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels capture daylight and convert it into electricity that can power your home, from everyday appliances like the kettle to larger devices such as the washing machine.
By producing your own electricity, you can lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
If you generate more than you use, you can sell the surplus back to the grid. Solar panels can help you save money and potentially earn some too. On top of that, you also contribute to saving the planet.
What are solar panels (solar PV)?
Solar panels (officially known as solar photovoltaic, or solar PV) use light from the sun to generate free electricity. We can then use this electricity in our home, to power anything from boiling a kettle to an electric vehicle. Not only is the electricity from your panels free, it’s also renewable. So solar panels can help us save money while saving the planet.
How do solar panels work?
Each solar panel is made up by a number of individual silicon cells - typically around 60 per panel. These cells work together to generate electricity in a simple, reliable process:
1. Sunlight reaches the solar panels.
2. The silicon cells absorb this light.
3. As they absorb the energy, an electrical charge is created, producing DC (direct current) electricity.
Because our homes use AC (alternating current) electricity, the solar PV system includes an inverter. This device converts the DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity, making it ready to power everything from your lights to your household appliances.
Is my home suitable for solar panels?
Whether solar panels are suitable for your home will depend on a few practical factors:
A south‑facing, unshaded roof offers the best conditions for generating electricity. East‑ or west‑facing roofs can also work well – generating most of the electricity in the morning or in the afternoon respectively. North‑facing roofs are less effective because they simply don’t receive enough direct daylight to produce a meaningful amount of power.
Solar panels are installed in groups known as arrays. The size of a solar panel is approximately 1mx2m. A typical array starts from 3 solar panels. The more space you have, the larger the array that can be fitted—and the more electricity you’ll be able to generate.
Chimneys, nearby trees, and surrounding buildings can create shade throughout the day. If your roof is shaded for long periods, the panels may not receive enough daylight to operate efficiently.
In most cases, solar panels don’t require planning permission. However, if your home is in a conservation area, is a listed building, or is located within a national park, you may need approval from your local authority.
It’s important to know whether your roof structure can support the additional weight of the panels. Features such as roof lights may also influence how and where an array can be installed. Most solar panels installers will also require the presence of a waterproof membrane under the roof covering.
Are PV systems certified?
Trusted installers are typically registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). An MCS certificate is a requirement to guarantee access to SEG export tariffs.
Solar panels battery storage
Our energy use doesn’t stop when the sun sets, which is why many people choose to add a battery to their solar PV system. During the day, any electricity your panels generate can be stored in the battery and then used in the evening or overnight when the panels aren’t producing power. A battery can be a good option if your system regularly generates more electricity than you use during the daytime. In some cases, though, it may be more cost‑effective to sell that surplus energy back to the grid instead - so it’s worth considering both possibilities.
Batteries come in a range of sizes and chemical composition. The right choice for your home will depend on your energy habits, the amount of power your solar array typically produces and your budget. If your aim is to have stored energy that lasts through the night, it can help to look at how much electricity you normally use during those hours.
Do solar panels need maintenance?
Solar panels require very little upkeep and are generally self‑cleaning, thanks to natural rainfall. To keep your system performing at its best, we recommend giving the panels an occasional clean with a bit of soapy water or biological detergent if required. You may also wish to arrange a routine inspection and maintenance every few years.
What does kWp and kWh mean?
Kilowatt peak (kWp) tells you the rate a solar PV system can generate electricity when operating at it’s maximum. In ideal conditions, a 1kWp panel will generate 1 kW of power, however in reality this figure will be lower. A standard PV array tends to be between 3 and 4 kWp. Kilowatt hours (kWh) tells you the total amount of energy generated by a solar array, which is affected by the orientation, amount of shading, amount of sunlight, the size of the array and the kWp of the individual panels. A system will typically generate between 700 and 900 kWh per kWp.
How much do solar panels cost?
A typical 3.5kWp solar PV system costs an average of around £6,000. The exact price will depend on several factors, including the size of the system you choose and how straightforward it is for installers to access your roof. Because costs can vary between companies, it’s a good idea to gather at least three quotes. When comparing them, make sure any installer you consider is registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), as this ensures they meet recognised industry standards.
Will I be paid if I generate “too much” electricity to use myself?
Yes, a scheme known as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) ensures that small-scale electricity generators get paid by energy companies for the energy they export back to the grid. At the moment, the best tariff is around 15p per kWh
How can I use my array more efficiently?
To make the most of the electricity your solar panels generate, it’s a good idea to run high‑usage appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, during the day when the panels are producing the most power. Staggering these appliances, rather than running them all at once, helps you use as much of your own solar electricity as possible. Many appliances have delay‑start timers, which can make this even easier to manage.
Can solar PV be combined with other renewable technologies?
You can combine solar PV with other renewable technologies such as heat pumps or solar hot water systems.
Are solar pv worth if I am not home all day?
Solar PV are great if you spend a lot of time at home and consume the energy you are generating.
However, if you also have battery storage you can store the energy you have generated during the day and use it when you are back at home later.
Further more if you have battery storage you can also buy the electricity very cheaply at certain times (usually at night) and use it when you need it.
Want to hear stories of local people who have upgraded their homes?
All kinds of different properties are getting retrofitted right across the South West. We've gathered these stories about the benefits of retrofit, in partnership with other local community energy organisations in Devon and Cornwall.
Living in a hard to heat home, Jean was looking for solutions to help make it more affordable to run. Despite limitations of the property meaning many retrofit options were not practical, we were able to support Jean to get funding for a rooftop solar installation to reduce her energy costs and enable her to keep her home warmer.
How do I find out more?
Want to know if solar panels will work for your home? PEC can help.
Our Future Fit services provide independent, expert advice on the suitability of solar panels for your property and how they can fit into a wider home upgrade.
If you are just starting out on your retrofit journey, a free Home Visit is the easiest way to explore what’s possible for your home.
If you are ready to make your home feel even better choose a Future Home Survey for a detailed retrofit plan tailored to your home.
Visit our Retrofit Services page or complete the contact form below to get started.