As Winter approaches, the cost of energy will no doubt be at the forefront once more but aside from reducing your energy bills, what else do you need to know about installing solar panels at your Edinburgh home?
Solar panels (sometimes referred to as photovoltaics PV) are used externally to capture energy from the sun and then convert this into electricity to power your home. The installation of solar panels at your Edinburgh home will allow you to generate your own electricity source but how do they actually work?
A solar panel comprises of layers of cells which are made from silicon or a similar material which is semi conducting. When the panel material is exposed to a light source then an electrical flow takes place. Is it a common misconception that solar panels need direct sunlight to work but lucky for us (and our unpredictable weather!), this is not the case. Solar panels do work on cloudy days although the stronger the light source, the more electricity is made.
The residential solar panel systems we are looking to install here at DC Electrical Edinburgh consist of around 10 panels with each one generating approximately 355w (when exposed to strong sunlight). The energy that your solar panel system creates comes in the form of direct current or DC electricity. Most household electrical appliances use alternating current (referred to as AC) so an inverter is installed to convert the electrical current to allow it to be used as power to your Edinburgh property or exported to the grid.
Our team of expert Edinburgh electricians are available to advise you every step of the way on your solar panel journey. Most residential grade solar PV panels fall under the permitted development regulations and therefore don’t require planning permission however there are some exceptions to the rules. It is always best to check with your local Edinburgh planning department for concrete clarification especially if you live in a conservation area or listed building. Whole planning permission may not be necessary, but as an Edinburgh homeowner, you will be required to register your new solar panel system with a DNO (Distribution Network Operator (DNO). The DNO you choose will be responsible for bringing the electricity your solar panels generate into your Edinburgh home. As part of our full electrical installation service, we can register your device for you should you wish at the time of your solar panel installation.
As Edinburgh’s number one electrician team we will be only too happy to help install and advise regarding all of your solar panel system requirements. For all things solar panels across the Edinburgh region we are the name you can trust, so why not get in touch today for your free, no obligation quote.
