How does it work?

*To view the animation you would need to have a Flash player installed. Download the Adobe Flash Player here.

Frequently asked questions

1.) Is my roof suitable?

2.) Do I need planning permission?

3.) How does photovoltaic (PV) technology work?

4.) How efficient solar panels are in the winter?

5.) How much maintenance is required?

6.) How long a solar system last?

7.) Is solar panels technology safe?

8.) Are solar power systems good for the environment?

8.) Do solar cells store energy?

1.) Is my roof suitable?

A sloping roof:

• • If the roof faces south, south east, south west, east or west or anything in between

• • A south facing roof is best and gives the highest output

• • If your roof is north east, north west or north facing it will still generate power, but considerable less than above south orientated roofs

• • There is little or no shading

A flat roof:

• • There is little or no shading.

2.) Do I need planning permission?

Majority of the time the placement of solar panels on your roof are considered ‘permitted development' however we strongly recommend you contact your local planning office to ensure that this is right.

3.) How does photovoltaic (PV) technology work?

Sunlight is composed of particles of energy called photons. When sunlight strikes a PV material, photons will either pass through, be reflected, or be absorbed. If the photon is absorbed, its energy will be transferred to an electron in an atom of the PV material. With new energy, the electron is able to escape from its normal position in orbit around that atom. In this way, the electron can become part of the current in an electrical circuit. This photovoltaic effect is the basic physical process through which sunlight is converted into electricity.

4.) How efficient solar panels are in the winter?

Solar panels work on light not heat. With shorter daylight hours in winter, solar panels produce proportionately less power. If the modules become covered with snow, they stop producing power, but snow generally melts quickly when the sun strikes the modules; if you brush the snow off, they resume operation immediately.

5.) How much maintenance is required?

Very little maintenance is required for solar photovoltaic systems. On a sloping roof panels will automatically be cleaned by the rain; in addition the glass on the panels is self-cleaning glass. As a precaution we recommend the panels should be cleaned every five years. This can usually be carried out from the ground using a low-pressure washer and a long lance. The inverter manufacturer will typically recommend that the inverter is inspected every five years.

6.) How long a solar system last?

Solar PV systems are built to last a minimum of 25 years. Note that the feed in tariff is payable for 25 years, the performance warranty on the panels is 25.

The system will obviously last better if it is looked after well. We recommend a five yearly maintenance with panel cleaning and inverter inspection.

7.) Is solar panels technology safe?

Yes, solar panels technology is safe. Solar PV systems do not emit any toxic chemicals and there are no moving parts. A solar system is essentially just another electrical circuit in the house.

7.) Are solar power systems good for the environment?

Energy created through our solar electric system produces no pollutants. Our smallest system typically cuts greenhouse gas emissions as effectively as 50 trees.

8.) Do solar cells store energy?

No. Solar cells just convert sunlight into an electric current that must be used immediately or stored in batteries for later use.

Stay in touch!

Follow us on our social networking pages and be the first to know about our latest news.