Information About Solar Panels and Systems
Here you will find information about the parts of a solar system, the equipment we use, and how a solar system generates electricity
Click on one of the tabs below to learn more about each part of your solar system.
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Solar Panels
PV solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity through a process called photovoltaic conversion. This process involves the absorption of photons by the semiconducting material within the solar cells, which creates an electric current. The current is then converted from DC to AC power by an inverter, making it suitable for use in your home or business.
The amount of electricity generated by a solar panel depends on several factors, such as the size and efficiency of the panel, and the amount of sunlight that falls on it. Solar panels are most effective in direct sunlight and less effective on cloudy or overcast days.
Using solar panels to generate electricity is an environmentally-friendly option because they produce no harmful emissions. They can also help to reduce your electricity bills and provide a reliable source of electricity. Overall, PV solar panels are an efficient and sustainable way to generate electricity for your home or business.
Solar Optimisers
Solar panel optimizers are small devices that are installed behind each solar panel in a solar system to optimize their performance. They work by constantly monitoring the performance of each panel and adjusting the voltage and current output to ensure that each panel is operating at its maximum power point. This helps to mitigate the impact of shading on the performance of solar panels, which can significantly reduce their output.
When one solar panel in a system is shaded, its output is reduced, which can affect the output of the entire system. However, with solar panel optimizers, each panel can operate independently of the others, ensuring that the output of the shaded panel does not significantly impact the output of the other panels.
In addition to optimizing the performance of the panels, solar panel optimizers also have built-in safety features that protect the panels and other components in the system from overvoltage and overcurrent. This helps to prevent damage to the system, ensuring its longevity and reliability.
Inverters
The inverter is a critical component of a solar system that converts the DC (direct current) electricity generated by solar panels into AC (alternating current) electricity that is suitable for use in your home or business. Without an inverter, the DC electricity generated by the panels cannot be used to power your appliances.
The inverter works by taking the DC electricity produced by the solar panels and converting it into AC electricity that can be used to power your home or business. The inverter also has several safety features built-in, such as overvoltage and overcurrent protection, to ensure that the system operates safely and reliably.
There are several types of inverters available for solar systems, including string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers. String inverters are the most common type of inverter and are typically used in larger systems. They are installed in a central location and are connected to multiple solar panels in a series, also known as a string.
Microinverters and power optimizers are newer types of inverters that are installed on each solar panel in a system. They work by optimizing the performance of each individual panel, which can help to increase the overall energy yield of the system.
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Home Batteries for Energy Storage
Batteries are an optional component of a solar system that can be used to store excess energy generated by solar panels during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight. A solar battery system can help to increase the self-sufficiency of a home or business by reducing their reliance on the grid.
Solar batteries work by storing the excess energy generated by the solar panels during the day and releasing it when it is needed, such as at night or during periods of low sunlight. This can help to reduce the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid.
There are several types of batteries that can be used in a solar system, including lead-acid, lithium-ion, and flow batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery used in solar systems due to their high energy density, low maintenance requirements, and longer lifespan compared to other types of batteries.
When choosing a battery for a solar system, it's important to consider factors such as the size of the system, the energy requirements of the home or business, and the expected lifespan of the battery. Proper installation and maintenance are also critical to ensure that the battery operates safely and reliably.
Electric Car Charging (myenergi Zappi)
A Zappi electric car charger is an innovative device that can be integrated into a solar system to charge an electric vehicle (EV) using solar-generated electricity. The Zappi charger is designed to maximize the use of solar-generated electricity by intelligently controlling the flow of energy to the car and adjusting the charge rate based on the amount of solar energy available.
The Zappi charger works by connecting to the solar system and monitoring the amount of solar energy available. It then adjusts the charge rate to the EV based on the amount of solar energy being generated. This helps to ensure that the EV is charged using as much solar energy as possible, reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid.
The Zappi charger also has several safety features built-in, such as overvoltage and overcurrent protection, to ensure that the charging process is safe and reliable. The charger is compatible with most electric vehicles and can be installed both indoors and outdoors.
In addition to its innovative charging capabilities, the Zappi charger also has a range of features that make it a versatile and convenient charging solution. For example, it can be set to charge at specific times, such as during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower. It can also be set to charge at a certain rate, such as at a slower rate to reduce the impact on the grid during periods of high demand.
Immersion Heater (Solar iBoost)
A Solar iBoost immersion controller is a device that can be integrated into a solar system to maximize the use of excess solar-generated electricity by diverting it to heat water using an immersion heater. The Solar iBoost controller works by monitoring the amount of excess solar energy being generated and diverting it to the immersion heater when the solar panels are generating more electricity than is being used in the home or business.
The Solar iBoost controller is compatible with most immersion heaters and can be easily installed alongside a solar system. It also has several safety features built-in, such as overvoltage and overcurrent protection, to ensure that the immersion heater is operated safely and reliably.
Using the Solar iBoost immersion controller can help to increase the self-consumption of solar-generated electricity and reduce reliance on the grid. It can also help to reduce energy bills by heating water using excess solar energy, reducing the need to purchase electricity from the grid to heat water.
In addition to its energy-saving capabilities, the Solar iBoost immersion controller also has a range of features that make it a convenient and user-friendly device. For example, it can be set to operate at specific times, such as during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower. It can also be set to operate at specific temperatures, ensuring that the water is heated to the desired temperature.
Solar Mounting Systems
We offer solar for a wide variety of needs, and are able to tailor your solar system to perfectly suit you and maximise your roof space and power generation.
The two most common roof types are flat roof and pitched roof, each of which has its own mounting system for attaching your solar panels. If your roof has flat and pitched portions we are able to install on both.
We are able to arrange how your solar panels are mounted to fit your needs, whether that's to maximise the number you're able to fit on your roof, or to cover a smaller section.
Pitched Roof Mounted
Mounting System
Pitched roof solar installations utilise a mounting system that is attached directly into the frame of your house, this ensures your solar panels are secure and fixed to your roof.
The mounting system used for solar installations on a flat roof consists of the frame, roof anchors, and the panels.
The roof anchors are directly fixed to the frame of the house, and go underneath your roof tiles, this ensures your roof stays completely watertight.
The frame is then bolted to the roof anchors, and forms a flat surface for the panels to be attached to.
The solar panels are then placed on top of the frame, and clamped to it using specially designed fasteners.
The mounting systems we use make maintenance easier, so should your solar system ever encounter an issue, it's easy to fix.
Sun Exposure
Slightly different mounting systems are used depending on the type of tiling present on your roof. Regardless of roof-type each mounting system is incredibly secure so you never have to worry about your panels coming loose.
Where your solar panels are placed depends on the direction your house is facing. We will go over the optimal placement of your solar panels to ensure you have the maximum sun exposure, and guarantee you get the most efficient design of your solar system.
Flat Roof Mounted
Mounting System
Pitched roof solar installations utilise a mounting system that is attached directly into the frame of your house, this ensures your solar panels are secure and fixed to your roof.
The mounting system used for solar installations on a flat roof consists of a frame, ballast, and the panels.
The frame is laid out and connected on the flat roof, ballast is then placed on the frame to anchor it down.
The ballast consists of large stone blocks, the weight of which is more than sufficient to prevent any movement of the mounting system.
The solar panels are then placed on top of the frame, and clamped to it using specially designed fasteners.
Sun Exposure
The flat roof mounting system is available in east/west or south facing configurations. Both of these configurations are designed to allow your solar panels to optimally capture sunlight depending on the location and orientation of your home.
The type of configuration that will be best for your flat roof will be advised following the site survey.
Ground Mounted
Mounting System
Ground mounter solar installations utilise large open areas to generate power from space that otherwise would have been wasted.
Similar to the flat roof mounting system, ground mounted solar installations consist of a frame, ballast, and the panels.
The frame is laid out and connected on the ground, ballast is then placed on the frame to anchor it down, and additional fixings to anchor it into the ground as well may be added.
The ballast consists of large stone blocks, the weight of which is more than sufficient to prevent any movement of the mounting system.
The solar panels are then placed on top of the frame, and clamped to it using specially designed fasteners.
Sun Exposure
Solar PV generation works on all East West, South roof aspects with a 35-40 degree pitch, the ideal for location in the UK. In some instances we will install on North facing roofs with shallow pitch are also suitable for solar PV.
On flat roofs we tend to install systems with a shallower pitch of just 10 degrees to ensure they are more aesthetically pleasing and minimise on wind-shear.