With energy costs rising globally and sustainability in everyone’s minds, it’s no surprise that more people than ever are turning to renewable energy solutions.
Solar panels are an excellent choice for those looking to invest in an eco-friendly energy solution for their home or business. In fact, the low-carbon certification organisation MCS reported that 2023 was a record-breaking year for solar panel installation, with over 220,500 systems successfully registered in the UK in a 12 month period.
Interested? Let’s take a closer look at solar panels, including how exactly they work, what benefits they bring to your home or business, and where you can find a certified solar panel installer.
What is a solar panel?
Solar panels take light from the sun and convert it into electricity that you can use in your home or business, or sell back to the grid. Solar panels can also be referred to as PV panels, or photovoltaic panels.
Solar panels are made up of individual solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. These cells are typically made of silicon, a semiconductor material that possesses unique properties allowing it to generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight.
How do solar panels work?
When sunlight hits a solar panel, it excites the electrons within the silicon atoms, causing them to flow and create an electrical current. This flow of electrons is then captured by metal conductive plates within the panel, generating direct current (DC) electricity.
However, since most of our household appliances and electrical devices run on alternating current (AC), an inverter is used to convert the DC electricity into the AC electricity we need to power our homes.
Do solar panels work when it isn’t sunny?
Yes. Solar panels don’t require direct sunlight in order to function, and can continue to generate electricity even on cloudy days. However, the most electricity is generated during the brightest periods of the year.
What are the benefits of solar panels?
There are so many ways that you can benefit by installing solar panels. Let’s take a look at a few of them below.
Solar panels provide clean, renewable energy
One of the most significant advantages of solar panels is their ability to harness the sun's energy and transform it into usable electricity. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal or oil, which produce harmful emissions when burned, solar energy is clean and emits no greenhouse gases, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
Solar panels help you save on your energy bills
Installing solar panels can lead to substantial savings on energy bills over time. By generating your electricity from the sun, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your reliance on the grid, helping to lower your monthly energy bill expenses. Additionally, some areas offer incentives such as tax credits or feed-in tariffs for solar energy producers, which could mean you’ll benefit even more from your solar panel installation.
Solar panels can help you achieve energy independence
Solar panels empower homeowners and businesses to take control of their energy production. By generating their own electricity, you could become less dependent on external energy sources. That means fewer problems caused by power cuts, and less stress about fluctuating energy prices in the future.
Solar panels are low maintenance
Unlike traditional power generators, solar panels require minimal maintenance once they’ve been installed. Solar panels don’t have moving parts, so the risk of wear and tear is minimal, and regular servicing or repairs generally aren’t needed. Routine cleaning to remove dirt and debris is typically all that's required to keep solar panels operating efficiently.
If you do experience any problems with your solar panel installation, Solarsmith is here to help. Get in touch with our team today to arrange a quote.
Solar panels are a great long-term investment
Investing in solar panels is not just a short-term solution but a long-term investment in your financial and environmental sustainability. Solar panels do require an upfront investment for installation, but the return on investment over the lifespan of the system quickly makes up for this.
Technology is constantly improving and here at Solarsmith, we’re committed to keeping up with all the latest developments. That means that solar panels are likely to become even more efficient as the manufacturers improve them over time.
Solar panels help you to reduce your carbon footprint
By choosing solar energy, individuals and businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change. Each kilowatt-hour of electricity generated from solar panels displaces the need for electricity generated from fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving the planet for future generations.
How much do solar panels cost?
The price of a solar energy system will depend on several different factors, which is why Solarsmith provides a bespoke quote for every client. As a rough guide, our prices start from £4,999.
All our packages include design, supply, installation and aftercare, with scaffolding sourced and included by us.
Where can I buy solar panels?
You’re in the right place! At Solarsmith, we offer a full design, supply and install service for solar panel systems.
We provide solar panel installation across South London and Surrey. Get in touch with our team today to arrange your free quote.
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