FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar PV Systems
How does a solar PV system work?
Because solar PV electric panels don’t need direct sunlight to function, you can still produce electricity on overcast days. If extra electricity is generated than needed, it is either exported to the grid or directly used by the building’s appliances. The grid provides power in the usual manner during the night or when the system is not producing enough energy.
Do the PV panels need direct sunlight to work?
Although solar PV does not require direct sunlight to function, sunny days often yield higher power outputs than cloudy or overcast ones. Since PV panels cannot generate energy in the dark, power is often obtained from the grid at night.
What impact does shade have?
Your PV system’s efficiency can be greatly impacted by any shade from trees, nearby structures, or overhead cables, therefore panels should be positioned to minimise shading.
How much room do I need on my roof?
This will depend on how much electricity you want to generate, but installations typically require at least 1kW of peak output, which translates to around 10 square metres of roof space.
Does my roof require solar panel installation?
No, mounting mechanisms can be used to place panels on the ground, or in situations where there isn’t any choice, they can even be mounted on a building’s side.
What happens if I'm worried about how it will look?
There are several ways to lessen the panels’ visual intrusiveness if the appearance of the panels on your roof is a big worry:
- Place the solar panels at ground level.
- To ensure that the solar panels are flush with the roof tiles, mount them into the roof as opposed to on top of it.
- We frequently advise panels with a black edge on slate roofs rather than the typical silver.
What kinds of conditions are favourable for solar panels?
Installing PV panels on a south-facing roof at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees yields the optimum results. Other orientations, like south east or south west, can be practical with a negligible loss in anticipated performance, though. The ideal choice for your home will be ascertained through a site survey.
How long would PV panels last?
Although this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, the most have a projected life well over 25 years and come with a five-year manufacturers warranty.
To what extent will it produce energy?
Without seeing your property, it is impossible to provide an estimate of the amount of energy your system will produce because there are five key elements that influence this number:
- Total size of the PV array (number of panels)
- Latitude of the location
- Direction the panels face
- Angle the panels are mounted
- Any shading
To give you an idea, however, we would anticipate that a standard unshaded 4kWh system put on a Barry home’s south-facing roof would generate at least 3840kWh of electricity yearly and earn about £514 under the feed-in tariff.
Should I notify my electrical provider?
After the installation is finished, we will notify them for systems with peak power ratings under 4kW. The network operator will need to give authorization in advance for larger systems.
How much time will it take to install it?
Usually, installation takes a day or two.
Do I need planning permission?
Since solar panels are regarded as “permitted development” under planning legislation, placing them on your roof typically does not require planning approval. However, there are a few guidelines and exclusions that need to be followed. For instance, if your home is a listed property or located in an area of exceptional natural beauty, you should seek guidance from the planning department of the town you live in. We would be pleased to help and direct you in this area.
Will my roof be strong enough?
The majority of roofs can hold a PV system without the need for reinforcement, however before installation, we will conduct a site study and make an assessment of this.
Does the system need batteries?
No, since surplus electricity is released back into the grid, solar PV systems do not require batteries.
Do panels require cleaning?
When it rains, dust and grime usually wash off the panels if they are positioned at a minimum of 15 degrees angle. In severe situations, dirt can reduce power by roughly 10%. We recommend utilising a pressurised hose for a yearly clean.
Can I purchase a system and do the installation myself?
It is possible to hire an electrician to install a system yourself, but it’s crucial to understand that doing so will usually void manufacturer warranties and prevent you from being eligible for government-backed incentives like the feed-in tariff.
Is an Energy Performance Certificate required?
Every building that uses renewable energy must have an energy performance certificate (EPC), which must be included in the “feed-in tariff” application. If necessary, Energy Renewable Solutions will set up an EPC on your behalf.
Have more questions?
If you have any more questions please feel free fill in the form below, send us a message or give us a call.
- info@ersgroupuk.co.uk
- 01446 339003
