Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
How do photovolataic panels works
Quite simply, PV (or photovoltaic) panels use daylight and convert it into electricity.
Panels are made up of a number of “cells” made of a semi-conducting material, usually silicon. When photons from sunlight hit the cell, it displaces electrons, causing an electrical potential difference, and this in turn causes current to flow. This electricity is captured by metallic tabs in the cell.
Working all year round
The panels are wired together to form an “array” on the roof, and these are wired to an inverter which changes the Direct Current (DC) electricity to Alternating Current (AC), so it can be used in the building. If during the day you generate more electricity than you are using, then any excess will flow back to the grid.
PV panels work all year round during, even on dull and overcast days as they use the light from the sun rather than direct sunlight
We provide a 10 year warranty on labour, and each installation has a power output guarantee for 25 years.
The benefits of solar electricity
- Cut your electricity bills: sunlight is free, so once you’ve paid for the initial installation your electricity costs will be reduced.
- Sell electricity back to the grid: if your system is producing more electricity than you need, or when you can’t use it, you can sell the surplus back to the grid. The Government’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) will pay you for the electricity you export to the National Grid.
- Cut your carbon footprint: solar electricity is green renewable energy and doesn’t release any harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants. A typical home solar PV system could save over a tonne of CO2 per year.
Newbuild projects
We welcome submission of plans or drawings for your newbuild project at an early stage in the project to give our specialists the opportunity to advise on the optimum size of system you require, and the type of panel that would best suit the location and style of roof.
We will work with your architect and project manager to recommend amendments to the property design, for example to remove obstacles that will shade the solar array thus reducing output.
We will ensure that a reasonable area on the roof has been specified as too small an array will reduce, or eliminate the opportunity to recoup your investment.
Retrofit projects
No two buildings are identical when it comes to the installation of a solar PV system. Every single one of our projects, no matter what the size, is unique. Before making any preliminary recommendations regarding product or price, we will always visit the site in order to carry out a detailed survey.
Only then will we prepare a design tailored to meet your requirements to maximise output and achieve the best possible financial return on investment. We will design a solar array that will best suit the space available and the prevailing conditions, not to mention, budget.
Should the building be undergoing extensive refurbishment, including a new roof, we may suggest tiles, slates or an in-roof system.
Swimming Pools
Swimming pools have become increasingly expensive to heat and many pool owners are looking at current heating bills and wondering how they can keep them open.
We undertake full energy audit assessments to determine where the best thermal gains can be made.
Huge savings can be made using solar thermal and hot water storage or ‘buffer’ tanks to heat the pool water 24 hours a day.
Air source heat pumps for swimming pools backed up by solar PV and battery storage can give hassle and bill free heating for 8-10 months of the year.
Hot air systems older than 10 years old can often be upgraded without replacement.
Our commercial projects
- Green Home Energy Solutions design and install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for commercial projects, whether they are newbuild or retrofit.
- From a small micro system on a barn or small office building to something much larger, each of our systems are individually designed for our clients, selecting the most suitable materials.
- Our range of products can accommodate all budgets. We select products for our solar photovoltaic range with great diligence to ensure they will perform for the lifetime of the installation and they are all manufactured to operate in the UK climate to maximize solar output and return on investment.
- We have designed systems for flats as well as pitched roofs, roofs constructed of various materials other than tiles including composite, zipped seam and metal clad; as well as ground mounted systems.
Other PV Services We Offer
Power Diverter – divert your excess electricity production to your hot water tank via your immersion heater. You’ll need less energy from your boiler to bring the water up to a useable temperature. This can save wear and tear on the boiler.
Solar Edge certified installer –A SolarEdge installation helps reduce the effects of shading on output from the system. Retrofit to your existing PV system to reduce the effects of shaded panels.
Find Out What Else We Do
- Find Out What Else We Do
- Biomass Boilers
- Wood Pellets
- Battery Storage
- Service & Maintenance