Are you thinking of installing solar panels? Get the lowdown on what are the best panels for you, the environmental benefits, and any financial benefits.
Are modern solar panels any good?
Since they first came to the public’s attention in the 1970’s, solar panels often spring to mind when we think of renewable energy sources.
However, what you may not know is, thanks to advances in technology, today’s solar panels are much more efficient than their predecessors.
What’s more, they could also help lower your energy costs and maybe even help you make a little money to offset your energy bills.
To learn more about how modern solar panels could help homeowners and businesses move towards a more sustainable future, and even reduce the cost of your energy, simply read on.
Different types of solar panels and efficiency.
First of all, let’s quickly explain how solar panels work.
The panels absorb the Sun's energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells. These are usually made of silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose from the silicon atoms, to give us a flow of direct current (DC) electricity. The DC is then converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter, to give us the kind of electricity we can use for household appliances and in the power grid.
There are several types of solar panels available in the UK now. Which one you choose will depend on things like cost, efficiency, and other factors like where you plan to install them and how much space you have for them.
Now let's look at the benefits of each.
Monocrystalline solar panels.
These are the sleek black panels that we often see (and that many people prefer the look of).
Each panel cell is made from a single silicon crystal, so they tend to perform better than other types of panel in low light conditions and high temperatures.
Polycrystalline solar panels.
These panels have a blueish appearance. That’s because the cells are made from multiple silicon crystals.
Because they are made from multiple crystals, they can be made into larger panels, which are more suitable for larger installations.
But it is also worth bearing in mind that the multiple crystals here are less efficient than the single ones you find in monocrystalline cells.
Thin-Film solar panels (TFSP).
These are made of thin layers of photovoltaic material which makes them flexible and lightweight - something you might be interested in if you have an unusual space or surface that you want to install your panels on.
However, you’ll find these solar panels are generally less efficient than the crystalline ones.
Bifacial solar panels.
These absorb the Sun’s energy from both the front and the back, which in turn means more electricity generation.
They work best where the sunlight can get to both sides, such as ground-mounted systems, or systems floating on lakes or reservoirs. They are typically not used on roof-mounted systems, because very little light reaches the back face in this case.
And unsurprisingly this increased energy generation also means you will pay a higher price to buy them initially compared to other types of panel.
PERC solar panels.
PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) panels are a recent advance in solar panel tech that makes for extreme efficiency when compared to other types of solar panels.
How do they do this? Remember how we said that sunlight knocks electrons in the silicon loose to produce electricity? Well eventually those electrons settle back into the gaps they created when they became free. But PERC panels reduce that recombination, keeping the electrons flowing for longer and producing more current as a consequence.
TOPCon solar panels
These panels are made from a special type of silicon cell that captures more sunlight - and produces more electricity.
They are also more robust than other types of solar panels, so they’re able to withstand harsher weather conditions.
But unsurprisingly, all this does mean they cost more than typical monocrystalline panels.
If all this talk of expense puts you off buying solar panels, it’s worth noting that the more efficient your solar panels are, the more you can offset the initial costs by generating even more of your own electricity over the lifetime of the panels. (Which leads to more long term savings.)
So as you can see, choosing the right solar panel for you is not simply a matter of the cheapest or the most efficient. Other factors will come into play and we are always happy to talk about your specific needs before you make your final decision.
How important is solar panel placement?
The placement of solar panels plays a crucial role in determining their energy output. Ideally, solar panels in the UK should be installed facing south to maximise their exposure to sunlight throughout the day. (If you lived in the southern hemisphere, you would want your panels to face north.) But don’t fret if you can’t do that. Modern solar panels will work well even if they’re not facing due south.
The tilt angle is also important, as it depends on the geographical location to capture the most sunlight during different seasons.
Shading from trees, buildings, or other obstructions can significantly reduce your panels’ energy production. If you can, you should choose a location for your panels that is as unshaded as possible. It’s also worth looking at getting optimisers. These will maximise the output of each panel, so if one is underperforming because it’s in the shade, the others can compensate for it. .
Are there other key factors affecting solar panel performance?
Besides their position and placement, other key factors that affect your solar panel performance include the panel efficiency (which will vary depending on the technology and manufacturer). Highly efficient panels produce more energy per square metre. So if you have a limited space to work with, you may want to consider those.
Temperature also affects panel efficiency - higher temperatures slightly reduce energy output.
Also, the type of inverter used in the solar panel system can affect energy production. Microinverters and power optimisers can help reduce the effects of shading and panel mismatch, ensuring that each panel operates at its maximum potential.
Monitoring your system's performance regularly can help you identify any issues early on and ensure that the solar panels generate the maximum energy possible.
What are best maintenance practices to maximise my solar panels’ efficiency?
The main thing to remember if you want to keep your solar panels producing energy at their best is to make sure they are clean and free of shadows.
Cleaning.
Here in the UK, the weather works in our favour so you don’t need to have your panels cleaned too often.
However, your panels’ output can be affected if they get too dirty. In which case you should get a professional cleaner in (rather than clean them yourself).
Shade.
Watch out for trees, buildings, or anything blocking the Sun. Less sunlight on your panels means less electricity generated.
Other things to keep in mind.
If your panels output drops suddenly, have them checked by a professional for damage, such as cracks, loose wires, or anything that may cause a problem. Getting issues fixed quickly will keep your panels in top working order for longer.
It's also a good idea to have a professional check them out every few years to ensure everything is running smoothly.
These simple solar maintenance tips will help you reap the benefits of solar panels , generating as much clean electricity as possible.
What are the environmental benefits of solar panels?
We’ve all heard that solar panels are good for the environment. But what exactly are the environmental benefits?
In short, solar energy is clean and renewable, meaning it helps to reduce harmful emissions and conserve natural resources.
Clean energy.
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.
Renewable energy.
Solar generation is powered by the Sun. It’s an energy source that will be there for millions of years, not one that can run out like fossil fuels. This helps improve our energy security and maintain our natural environment.
What are the economic benefits of solar panels?
Solar panels are an investment. Once your solar panels are set up, you can start reaping the rewards of your own free renewable electricity and earning back your upfront costs.
Here in the UK, you can sell your extra electricity back to the grid with a SEG tariff, earning you extra cash on top of saving you money on your bills.
Plus, should you decide to sell, a house with solar panels could be more attractive to buyers, just like a house with a beautiful garden or new double glazing.
Overall, solar panels are a smart investment that helps you save money and even make some extra cash.
What is the future for solar energy?
The sun provides more than light and warmth; it offers a vast source of power ready for us to use.
It wasn’t that long ago that solar panels were an expensive futuristic idea. But now they are a reality, and they’re continually developing. By using the Sun’s energy, we could all reap the benefits of solar panels by reducing our carbon footprint, easing the burden on our planet, and save some money.
It’s possible for your home to become a mini power station, quietly generating clean energy as you go about your day. The Sun is shining. The future is solar. So why not get a free solar panel quote online and embrace it?