Solar PV
Install solar panels, generate your own renewable electricity and reduce your energy bill.
✔ Professional installation
✔ Renewable electricity
✔ Reduce energy bills
What is Solar PV?
Solar powered panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), collect and convert the sun’s energy into electricity to be used inside your home.
Renewable sources of power provide a reliable way to use clean, green energy at home. As the nation becomes more energy conscious due to the ever growing threat of climate change and the rising cost of living, turning to renewable electricity is a way in which you can begin to reduce your monthly energy spend.
Not only will you be producing cleaner energy, you have the ability to sell any surplus energy generated back to the National Grid as part of the Smart Export Guarantee.
How does it work?
Solar PV panels consist of many cells made from layers of a semiconducting material, so as light shines on this material, a flow of electricity is created.
Modern Solar PV cells don’t require direct sunlight to work and can even work on cloudy days. But of course, the stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is generated. Directly south facing roofs offer maximal output while east or west facing ones may produce enough energy but around 15-20% less than those who are directly south facing.
Things to consider:
Shaded roofs
Any nearby buildings, trees or chimneys can block out sunlight from your roof and have a negative impact on the efficiency of your solar panels.
Our installers would work to find an unshaded spot for installation; however there are some cases when shading cannot be avoided. Don’t despair though, many solar panels can be equipped with optimizers to minimise the impact of the shade.
Do I need planning permission?
Solar PV panels are considered permitted developments and often do not require authorisation. The only exceptions to this rule would be if you live in a historic building or if you live in a national park.
If planning permission is required- we can handle the task on your behalf as part of our service.
Why not go one step further with your renewable electricity?
If you're away from home most days, or if you use little power at home while there - installing a battery storage solution alongside your panels is an excellent option!
You’ll be able to store energy generated by the solar panels for when it's needed later; such as arriving home after work, running your washing machine during off-peak hours, or if in the chance the power grid trips out and the houses on your street have no energy! With a battery storage solution; you’ll still run as long as you have enough reserve power in your battery.
FAQ's
Solar panels work well on any roof angle; provided it isn’t covered by trees, other buildings or just general obstruction. Although – your Solar Panels will perform better and produce more electricity if they are South facing, they will still perform at 86% (compared to South facing) either facing due East or West.
Solar Panels can be fitted to your roof. Generally an 8-panel Solar PV system would be one of the smallest we would recommend and this could easily fit on the roof of an average 3-bed semi.
No, Solar panels work in all daylight conditions and actually work at their optimum at 10ºc
Solar PV systems have no moving parts apart from the inverter and as such have very long life spans. The inverter should last for over 10 years and may cost up to £1,000 to replace, however you can buy an extended 20 year warranty for as little as £300. You should expect the panels to last for at least 25 years.
Most domestic Solar Panel installations take no more than a day with minimum disruption. Typically, the scaffolding will be erected a couple of days before the Solar PV installation team arrives. We will then mount the panels on the roof and install the inverter, finally carrying out the internal wiring.
It is advised to visually inspect solar panels annually and clean as needed. Most window-cleaning companies have a reach-and-wash system and should be able to clean your panels.
It is recommended that your Solar Panels are checked and serviced every 2 years. We offer a standard service and maintenance package, speak to us about this.
It’s highly unlikely; when we install the Solar panels we make sure they are securely attached to the fabric of the building using a roof hook and rail system. Our panels are always mounted at least 30cm in from the edge of the roof to prevent excessive wind loading.
The electricity produced by your Solar Panels is converted from DC (direct current) by the inverter to AC (alternating current), which your home is run on. The electricity is then taken from the inverter via an AC cable to your distribution board, where it is used to power the circuits in your home.
No; solar panels supply the power to your home – not store it. You would need a battery storage system as well as Solar PV panels to be able to go off-grid.
If there is a power cut your inverter will switch off, which stops any generation from your Solar Panels entering the property. This is a safety feature to protect workers who may be repairing the grid. However, you can install a battery storage system which will enable you to use your reserve energy in a power cut.
In-Roof System
An in-roof solar pv solution is certified by various European bodies. Reliable and resistant, it has been designed to offer the same resistance and longevity as normal roof coverings like tiles, slates or zinc and allows the integration of larger, wider and more powerful modules.
Cost competitive
Fully watertight
Universal fitting
Fully integrated
On-Roof System
An on-roof solar pv system is the quick and easy solution for fastening photovoltaic panels overlaid on the roof. Its revolutionary patented design has been developed in 2018 for an installation in total safety whilst maintaining the warranty of the current roof covering.
Quick and easy
Fully watertight
Universal fitting
Overlaid fitting
Interested in an Solar PV?
Don't let just anyone install your Solar Panels
A certified installer of Solar panels, Switched On install reliable and resistant units that have been designed to offer the same level of resistance and longevity as other roof coverings.
Installing a solar PV system on the roof is an easy and fast way to generate electricity, without compromising the integrity or security of the current roof. In fact, installing it this way will ensure that there are no problems during installation while also preserving our warranty with existing roofing materials.
Ready to start your switch?
Making your home more energy efficient shouldn't be hard work. Let Switched On Yorkshire help you.
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