Solar panels in the UK are an increasingly popular option, offering an environmentally friendly way of generating energy that is completely renewable. If you are a homeowner or landlord looking for eco friendly energy solutions, then solar panels can be an excellent option. Equally, if you are a business owner and your property can accommodate solar panels, there will also be options for your commercial property.
Solar panels need specialist installation and maintenance once they have been installed. A company specialising in the installation and maintenance of solar panels will be able to look after this for you and advise you on the best types of solar panels for your property. Depending on the type your have, this could generally be one of three kinds of solar panel: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous
What type of solar panel should you choose for your property?
This will come down to many different factors, and no one thing will dictate your decision. Firstly, you should know that there are three different types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous. The main differences between them are in cost and efficiency, but they also differ aesthetically too.
- Monocrystalline panels: these are usually black, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option. They may be used in domestic or commercial settings. They can also be used on properties that are in conservation areas or areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs).
- Polycrystalline panels: these are the typical solar panels that you might be most used to seeing. They are blue in colour and will be the most cost-effective option, making them very popular.
- Amorphous modules: these might also be known as thin film modules and are very lightweight and flexible. This means they can be used on fragile roofs, and they can also be used where there is not as much light or temperatures are lower. However, the trade off is that they usually have a lower output than other panels.
What exactly are solar panels, how do they work, and are they classed as a renewable energy source?
Solar panels are part of a photovoltaic, or PV, system, and they use sunlight to make energy. There will also be a solar inverter to make electric current into AC, changing it to DC. Other components include mounting and cabling and electrical accessories.
Solar panels are classed as renewable energy sources because they use sunlight, so this is not something that will ever run out or that is in limited supply. This is one of the reasons why they are one of the most popular types of alternative energy.
Solar panels are most commonly fitted to roofs, where they can get as much sunlight as possible to generate electricity. Some solar panels can make enough energy to run a whole property, while others can contribute to the energy needed to run a building, but they might not be self sufficient. Some properties can actually make more energy than is needed via solar panels, and may have an excess amount.