Solar panels explained

In a single hour the sun transmits more energy to the Earth's surface than the world uses in a year. This guide outlines how homes can use solar technology to capture and make use of this energy.

Solar technology is still expensive, but a government scheme (called the feed-in tariff) means you can now receive cash for the electricity you generate using photovoltaic solar panels.

 

Before you install solar technology

You should ensure that your home is as energy efficient as it can be before considering installing solar technology, including installing loft insulation, solid or cavity wall insulation, double glazing, an efficient boiler and other energy-efficient measures – especially if your motivation is cutting your bills. These measures will help you save money on your energy bills and are likely to be cheaper than installing solar technology.

The Energy Saving Trust's Home Energy Generation Selector tool can help you identify which, if any, renewable technologies are most suitable for installation in your home.

Solar PV panels

Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels generate electricity from the sun's energy that can be used to run household appliances and lighting.

You can use PV systems for a building with a roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees of south, as long as no other buildings or large trees overshadow it. Less energy will be generated if the roof surface is in shadow for parts of the day, but it will still generate some electricity.

Savings from solar PV

A PV solar electricity system is more expensive than a solar water-heating system, costing between £8,000 and £14,000 depending on the type and size of the system you're installing – but the savings are greater too. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a 2kWp-sized system can save you up to £200 a year on your electricity bill and meet 40% of your electricity needs.  

You can also earn income by selling your electricity to the national grid through the government's Feed-in Tariff scheme. To find out more about this scheme, including which installations qualify and how to take part, see the Energy Saving Trust's guide to the FIT scheme.

Types of PV panel

The are three basic types of PV panel: monocrystalline, polycrystalline (or multicrystalline) and amorphous. All are made from silicon, but differ in the way the silicon is cut and treated.

Before having a system installed, you need to decide how much electricity you want to generate. After you've submitted details of your property, a PV installer should help you to conduct a site survey and discuss your options with you.

Extract from Which "How to buy Solar" article