Understanding solar PV cells.
Did you know that the average 4kWp solar panel system produces around 3,400kWh of electricity each year in the UK - which on average works out to 9kWh per day1? New solar panel technology is just one of the ways the world is trying to harness the sun's energy and pump it out as electricity into our homes and businesses.
Photovoltaic (PV) solar technology, otherwise known as solar panels, are made up from solar cells. Solar cells rely on inverters to convert the energy from the Sun (direct current) into all that lovely electricity for us to use (alternating current). In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, solar panels have become a beacon of sustainability and innovation. The Sun is an always-on renewable source of electricity for our planet.
What are the different types of solar panels?
In the United Kingdom alone, there were more than a whopping 183,000 solar panel installations in 20232. That’s a third more than in 2022. Let’s have a look at PV solar technology and why more and more people are choosing to generate their own power. If you want to learn about solar panels in even more detail, head to our blog: Benefits of solar panels.
Monocrystalline panels.
These were the first in the lab when it comes to PV solar technology and, with over 20% efficiency monocrystalline panels are currently the most widely used panel in the UK3. Typically they perform better than other panels in low light conditions and high temperatures.
It’s no surprise that monocrystalline modules are the cheapest and most popular choice when it comes to PV solar technology right from installation to upkeep.
Polycrystalline panels.
Similar to monocrystalline panels but made from melted silicon crystal fragments. Historically being a slightly cheaper alternative - they still achieve around 15-20% efficiency when it comes to solar generation3.
Thin-film solar panels (TFSP).
These are thin and lightweight so are great for an unusual space or surface that you want to install your panels on.
Although a very effective and renewable source of energy, solar panel technology can become costly up front, but have lower running costs. Soft costs are the smaller and cheaper one off costs that contribute to a bigger figure. But PV tech does have a high cost and high reward system, so although your base cost can be expensive - you can eventually become less reliant on the grid and actually sell your energy back, however initiatives such as the ECO scheme and other local energy grants may be able to help with the cost in certain circumstances.
Learn more on how solar panels work.
Benefits of solar energy.
With an average lifespan of 25 years, solar panels are one of our leading clean and renewable methods of energy generation. Let's take a look at some of the environmental advantages.
Reduced carbon footprint.
A typical home solar panel system could save around one tonne of carbon per year, depending on where you live in the UK and how big your system is5. Solar panels reduce our reliance on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. Using less fossil fuels reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, which are major causes of climate change and air pollution. So installing solar panels could help reduce global warming and improve air quality.
Low water consumption.
Unlike energy generators that process fuels through pipes, solar panels don’t rely on water as a cooling agent. This cuts out the water consumption of running the system completely.
Improved air quality.
Other ways of generating electricity, such as burning fossil fuels, produce toxic by-products like carbon monoxide. These fumes escape into the air and increase air pollution which harms our health.
Although solar panels are a good investment, once your panels are set up you can start to reap the financial benefits of them immediately - here’s just a few of the examples.
Savings on energy bills.
The power your panels generate is free for you to use compared to paying for power from the grid. Plus you can use a solar battery to save the electricity you've generated in the day to run your home at night.
Selling your energy back to the grid.
Means that energy produced from your panels can provide you with extra cash on top of saving money on your electricity bills.
Plus, should you decide to sell, a house with solar panels could be more attractive to buyers, just like a house with an air source heat pump or new double glazing.
Constructing solar systems.
In 2021, the United Kingdom stood 8th in the global ranking for the use of solar energy 4 and more people are choosing to install their own home solar system. A home solar system is when we use a solar panel as a way to generate our own electricity for use in the home. A solar panel battery can be added to store this energy for later use. You can also combine your home solar installation with other renewable energy tech, such as electric vehicles or heat pumps to make your home as sustainable as possible
When constructing your home solar system, we recommend using an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified installer for all installation work and advice. This will ensure that all compliance and safety requirements are met, you are assured that your system is of the highest standard, and you are protected in the event that anything goes wrong.
Converting sunlight to power.
Using solar panels to generate our electricity is great! But how do we get from A to B? Direct current (DC) current flows through the panel to the inverter, where it undergoes a transformation. The inverter converts the DC into usable alternating current (AC) electricity.
The electricity generated can then be used in your home, or stored in a battery for use at night. This helps to combat the potential cost of using more energy from the grid, as you’ve stored all that lovely energy to use later. Even better, you can sell your excess solar power back to the National Grid with a SEG tariff or use it to charge your electric vehicle battery.
Learn more on how you can use your solar panels to charge your EV battery.
Enhancing solar efficiency.
Panel tilt angle. Installing your panels at the right angle maximizes generation throughout the year. Contact the MSC installer to help you with this.
System monitoring. Looking at areas of improvement and tracking usage helps to identify what’s working well and not so well.
Cleaning panels. Keeping your solar panels clean is a great way to maximise generation (although the UK is pretty lucky and the rain cleans your panels).
We’ve provided some practical tips to help you maximise the benefits of solar energy for both the environment and household energy costs.
Learn how to improve your solar efficiency.
Understanding net metering.
Net metering is when you choose to feed the excess solar electricity you generate back into the grid. Energy companies can then subtract the value of the electricity you export directly off your energy bill, and you only pay the difference (or may even earn something back). It’s rare to hear the words net metering in the UK, but you may have heard of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. The SEG tariffs that make up this scheme are the main form of net metering for UK homes.
The government set up the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme to help people get more out of their renewable energy. That means energy suppliers like E.ON Next pay domestic and business customers for any excess energy generated with renewable sources (such as solar panels).
E.ON Next currently has 4 SEG tariffs available - Next Export, Next Export Exclusive, Next Export Premium and Next Export Premium Plus.
Start your journey with SEG today.
Navigating regulations and permits.
Your solar journey can only work by following local regulations and permits for solar installations. Following the correct steps can not only set you up for solar success, but ensures you operate legally and safely. For example following planning permission, and protecting certain historical sites.
Always get pre assessments and advice from MCS certified installers.
Any work or repairs must be carried out by MCS certified installers.
Make yourself aware of any local government guidelines and advice.
Contact your District Network Operator (DNO) for permission to have a system installed.
Ready to start your solar journey?
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