Solar Panel Options

In The UK

Why Solar Panels
UK Solar Panel Options

Why Solar Panels?

Solar panels are becoming a common sight around homes and businesses across the globe. They provide renewable energy from the sun, helping us reduce our carbon footprint and save money on our power bills.

“Consumption of solar energy in the United Kingdom increased significantly over the last few years, totalling 1.1 million metric tons of oil equivalent in 2019. This was an increase of 16 thousand metric tons compared to the previous year..”

Statista.com

Solar thermal systems offer a complementary technology to the heating system.

Since the RHI domestic program was formally launched in April 2014, gas has been the most common fuel to replace solar thermal systems. 40 percent of the fuel types displaced by this renewable technology were gas-based.

Solar panels are becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking to cut down their energy costs in the UK. They have more choices than ever before when deciding on the best solar panel options available. But choosing the right type of solar panel for your home can be confusing; in fact, the choices can be overwhelming. However, choosing the best solar panel options in the UK is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. You want to invest in a system that delivers reliable results and one that’s easy to install. We’ve broken it down below for a simple understanding if you’re new to solar technology. The first thing you need to decide is how much energy you need. This is called your load profile. Next, choose between panels with different output levels. Finally, consider which size panel works best for your needs. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular models.
Solar Thermal
How Solar Panel Works Image

How Solar Power Works

The basic principle behind solar panels is relatively straightforward. When the sun shines on the surface of a solar panel, it absorbs the sun’s rays and converts them into electricity. A typical solar panel consists of several layers of glass coated with a thin silicon film. The silicon layer acts as a conductor; it allows electrons to move through the solar panel. When the sun shines on the panel, the photons hit the silicon layer, causing electrons to jump from place to place within the silicon. These free-moving electrons create an electrical charge, which moves along the conductive material until it reaches the other side of the panel.


This movement of electrons creates an electric field, which causes the electrons to move towards the battery’s positive terminal. As these electrons make their way to the negative terminal, they release energy. At this stage, the electrons are no longer moving freely, but they can still travel along the path created by the electric field.

This process continues until all electrons reach the end of the panel, collected by the battery. The amount of energy released depends on how many photons were absorbed by the silicon during the day.

Types of Solar Panels

PVs use semiconductor materials such as silicon to absorb the sun’s energy and generate electricity. They are the most common form of solar panel. “The cumulative installed capacity of solar photovoltaics (PV) in the United Kingdom during the last decade has increased massively, rising from 95 megawatts in 2010 to 13,563 megawatts by the end of 2020.” – Statista.com
CSP uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a small area. The concentrated light heats water or oil, creating steam that drives turbines.
Thin-film solar panels are made using thin films of semiconductors. Their efficiency is similar to that of traditional solar panels. However, they are cheaper to produce.
Stacking multiple solar panels together increases the array’s total capacity. It may also increase the efficiency of the panel.
Monocrystalline panels have higher efficiencies than polycrystalline panels. However, they are more expensive because they require more processing time and therefore cost more to manufacture. Monocrystalline panels are usually larger than polycrystalline ones. This means that they have greater capacities, but they also weigh more. The type of technology being used determines panel size. Smaller panels are used for smaller applications, such as powering satellites. Larger panels are used for large installations, such as solar farms.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar Panel Set Up

How To Set Up Solar Panels in the UK

The first step of setting up solar panels is determining whether you wish to purchase or lease a system. Leasing allows you to pay off the cost of the panels over time, whereas purchasing gives you full ownership rights to the panels. In either case, you need to consider the project’s total cost, including the price of the panels.
Solar Panel Set Up
To set up a solar panel, follow these steps:

1. Measure the roof surface area of your home

You’ll need to know the length (in meters) and width (in meters) of your roof. Your local utility provider will give you free estimates based on your location so that you can select an appropriate size for your solar panels.

2. Calculate the maximum area of your roof.

3. Determine what kind of panels you want:

Several types are available, ranging from regular panels to dual-axis trackers. Consult your supplier to determine what type of panel is ideal for your application.

4. Choose the right company:

Before buying anything, learn everything you can about the company — ask questions about warranties, service details and installation procedures. Make sure they have good reviews online. Also, check with your local government for laws regarding solar installations in your region.

5. Buy your solar panels.

They come at various prices. Some systems include inverters, batteries, and wiring. Others consist of just the panels themselves.

6. Connect your panels.

Once you’ve chosen your solar panels and installed them, connect them to your grid via an electrical connection box. The next step is to connect the wires between your solar panels and the electric meter supplied by your utility provider. This might involve connecting cables through your attic, crawlspace, or basement, depending on where you live.

7. Start generating electricity!

After completing the process above, you’re ready to use your new solar panels to produce electricity. When the sun shines, your solar panels convert sunlight into energy. As long as there’s enough sunshine, your solar generator will continue to work!

My Property And What Can I Have

Houses in the UK typically have roof areas of around 12m² (~400 square feet). If you have a small bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, you should be able to fit one or two standard solar panels across it. Larger rooms may require more than one smaller solar panel, which would leave room for other purposes like heating water.
However, if you plan to install more than one solar panel, you may need to consider how much space you have for the panels. You may not be able to put the panels on top of each other due to windy conditions or existing building structures.
Where Do I Mount My Panels?

Where Do I Mount My Panels?

As well as making sure you don’t block any ventilation from windows or doors, panels placed near eaves and gables tend to suffer minor damage from strong winds.
Your local council may require you to apply for planning permission before placing panels. They may even charge you for a permit. This could mean paying a fee and using it online or visiting the town hall in person and paying a fee.

UK planning permissions

If you decide to build your solar system, you must first obtain permission from your local council. This is usually done during the initial planning stage of your house construction. It’s important to note that some councils charge extra fees for solar installations.

Once you have obtained permission, you will need to apply for a planning permit. This means that your local authority will assess whether your proposed solar project complies with their guidelines and regulations. They will then issue you a certificate stating that your project is permitted.
Daylight with Solar Panels
Finance Options

Finance Options

There are no government and non-government grants or finance options for solar panels in the UK. In 2013, the government started a Green Deal that gave homeowners access to loans to help them buy solar panels.
The government launched a second Green Deal later in 2014, changing the loan deals to grants. But in 2015, the government scrapped the deal, mainly due to the lack of interest from homeowners. The best option for financing solar panels in the UK right now depends on your circumstances. For example, if you want to invest in solar panels, you could purchase a share of a solar farm. Alternatively, you could lease solar panels instead.

UK Solar Panels