3 Things to consider about Solar Panels.

Solar panels capture the sun's energy using photovoltaic cells. The cells convert the sunlight into electricity. This electricity can then be used to run household appliances and lighting. Solar Panels don't need direct sunlight to work which means you can still generate some electricity on a cloudy day. Solar panels cost money but they do really end up saving you much more.

1. Is it suitable for your home?

There are a few questions you should ask yourself when considering suitability. You need to find a space for your panels that faces within 90degrees south and that is not overshadowed by any large trees or buildings.

Less energy will be generated if the panels are shadowed over during parts of the day. You also need to consider if your roof is strong enough as solar panels are quite heavy. The last thing to think about is whether or not you will need planning permission. Most people don’t but it best to check!


2. How great are the savings?

Solar energy will not only cut your carbon footprint but it will also save you money. It is a safe and renewable energy source that emits not carbon dioxide. A typical system will save around 1 tonne of CO2 a year being emitted! Obviously you don’t have to pay for sunlight so once you have paid the initial solar panels cost you can then begin saving.

A system would usually produce around 40% of a household’s electricity in a year. There is also the option to sell surplus electricity back to the Grid or to store it up for a time when you will need it.

3. Is a Solar Panel System maintainable?

The average solar panels cost around £12,000 for a system. You need to make sure that you keep your solar panels clean and that there is no tree growth, for example, that will cause them to be overshadowed. Your panel manufacturer should give you a recommendation of how often they should be cleaned. You should also use common sense!

Some areas can be dustier than others so obviously the panels should be cleaned more frequently.

Do your bit

At a time when the environment and our carbon footprints are pressing issues on most government’s agenda we should try to do what we can. Solar panels are a great way of reducing CO2 emissions and it is a renewable energy source that is within everybody’s reach!

For more information see solar panels cost.