The searches on Google for eco-friendly terms and making more green buying decision rocketed during the pandemic.
It has left many people seeking new ways to generate their own power, save on waste and shop local.
Many have started looking at solar panels as a method of generating their own electricity instead of a pure reliance on the grid. In this weeks blog we explore the most frequently asked questions around solar panels and debunk the myths!
While solar panels are not a cheap option with regards to the initial capital outlay, their price has been o the decrease for many years with technological advances. Although that initial investment might seen high, they are usually much less expensive than other renewable technology, such as heat pumps. In 2020-21, installing one kilowatt of solar panels cost £1,429 on average, according to the latest data from government. That’s around £250 less per kilowatt than in 2018-19.
Solar panels can be installed on almost every home. From bungalows to terraced houses, the style of house has no baring on whether you can install solar panels. There are some requirements to make better use of your solar panel install however, for example, having them positioned south-facing is always recommended. It is also recommended that your roof pitch is no more than 30°, although some can be installed on more steep roofs. Of course if majority of your home is blocked by tall trees which will block the light getting to your PV then that could be an issue, but there are generally very few limitations to an install.
A recent study suggested that 94% of people who have an solar PV system installed said that the install was not disruptive.
The biggest misconception is that solar panels need direct sunlight to work. They don't, they can produce electricity even when it is cloudy or overcast. They work by harvesting UV rays, which are present even when the sun is behind the clouds! In fact, a lot of solar panels work better when not in direct sunlight as they can get too hot.
As solar panels have no moving parts, very little service and maintenance is required. The only thing they need is a periodic light cleaning to make sure dirt, leaves, and other debris aren't obstructing the sun's rays.
