Eco Solar Panel Services

what does solar PV mean?

Imagine a world where you never have to worry about your power bill increasing because of increased energy costs. With photovoltaic (PV) technology, this could become a reality. It works by converting light absorbed by the solar panels into electrical charges, which are then used for powering the home or business. 

Module

A PV (photovoltaic) panel comprises several ‘cells’, each producing a small electrical charge under the light. This is what is referred to as solar pv.

kWp (kilowatt peak)

The number of thousand watts a based photovoltaic system can produce in peak conditions.

kWh (kilowatt-hours)

A unit of electricity. This is defined as a power of 1000 watts (consumed or produced) over a single hour. e.g. 2000w over half an hour or 100w over 10 hours.

An example:

PV module may have a rating of 300 Wp (produces 300 watts in peak conditions). Twelve modules are connected to a roof to form a 3.6 kWp array (300 * 12 = 3600 Wp or 3.6kWp). 

This array might generate 3.6 * 858 = 3089kWh / year. 

Module Types and Efficiency

You might think that efficiency equals power output, but all it means is how much energy a module can produce per square foot. People often confuse this with quality – which refers to different types of cells used in PV systems- however, high-efficiency panels generate just as much electricity as low-efficient ones when placed on smaller roofs.

Electricity Produced

The advantage of using solar pv is evident. In the UK, daylight means that an average household can generate around 858 kWh per kWp system size each year (South-facing & unshaded). A typical home would use about 3000kWhkeys down right now, so if you were to install 1KW, your yearly consumption would be met by just over 25%. With some simple energy efficiency measures implemented into buildings across Britain–such as installing lighter shades or window coverings which require less artificial light while maximizing visibility during daytime hours

Positioning

The PV array will be mounted on a Southerly facing, pitched roof.  It’s possible to get more energy from an optimum orientation if there is some deviation in positioning the arrays—upright 30/40 degrees or so right-handed when viewed From due South (which would typically produce only about 27%).

Shading

Solar panels are less efficient when it’s too dark to produce energy. This is because they have a more challenging time collecting light and thus generate less power than when there is plenty of illumination from the sun. 

Roof Area Required

The square footage of your roof is an essential factor in determining how much you can produce with photovoltaic panels. For example, if it has a pitched surface area (such as on an apartment building), then allow 6 meters per watt for each 1kWp installed – which means that 9mmm2 will be available to generate electricity from sunlight! Please ensure there are no obstacles like dormer windows or ventilation plants within this space because they might reduce what’s collected by solar power systems. Brush against high wind edge zones before installing any new components; these areas often have stronger winds than other parts, so their energy production may not always meet expectations.

Planning Permission

Planning permission isn’t required for most of our solar pv projects, but it can be an issue if you work in a listed building or conservation area. We’ll help ensure the solar energy application process goes smoothly and supply all necessary drawings so there will not be any problems during installation.

Where Does the energy generated go?

There are two ways of storing electrical energy produced by photovoltaic array solar panels. One uses batteries, and the other connects to the national grid.

The grid works in effect as a battery in a grid connect system. During the day, PV solar panels produce more energy than is required. This excess may be transported to other homes via the national grid. At low sun or in the evening, electricity is drawn in the usual manner from the national grid and supplemented by the PV system. 

Power Cuts

The inverter will automatically switch off the solar panel system if there’s a power cut, ensuring your home and business stay safe. Power cuts are thankfully few in the UK but we have hybrid systems available now which can continue to supply specific circuits with battery backup during an emergency.