Here you can find more information about solar panels: how they work, what they could mean for your home, things you need to consider, and what effect it might have on your energy consumption and environmental impact.
They convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells made of semiconductor materials, like silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it energises electrons. This creates a direct current (DC) that is then converted to alternating current (AC) for use in your home by an inverter.
If you have a roof facing in a southerly direction, or even east or west, and want to generate your own electricity using the Sun, then the short answer is probably yes!
However, other factors should be considered (your energy usage, for example, and your long-term goals). You can find out what the impacts would be, tailored to your circumstances, by trying our quick Green Tech Assessment to see what benefits solar panels can bring to your home.
We would say so - and so would many others. In fact, over 1.7m homes in the UK have solar panels, proving they are a hugely popular choice for those looking to reduce their energy bills and emissions, and generate additional income from the Grid using clean, renewable electricity. Read our article “Are solar panels worth it?” for more details!
Hopefully we've covered a lot of your questions below. If not, please just drop us an email and we’ll get back to you with a direct answer. If you’re the first to ask and we add your query here, we’ll send you some Thermly merch as a thank you!
Yes, because they generate electricity from light and there’s still some light in the winter, albeit a lower intensity and for a shorter time than in the summer (which is when they work best).
It all depends. Solar panels work more efficiently with south facing roofs, but can also be installed on east and west facing roofs. North facing is absolutely not recommended, unless you live in the southern hemisphere! The other considerations are the size and pitch of your roof, the extent of any shading (for example from other buildings or trees) and the integrity of the roof structure to hold the weight of the panels. Also, listed buildings will likely need consent.
Taking away the consultation with your installers and obtaining planning permission (if you need it), the physical aspect of installing solar panels takes between 1 and 3 days, depending on the number of panels and size of roof. You may find scaffolding goes up a few days before your installer starts on site too.
First you will have scaffolding installed to enable safe access to the roof space. The panels are then lifted and secured to the roof by attaching mounting brackets to the rafters, then attaching rails to the brackets and then locking the panels into the rails. In some cases, a ‘cherry picker’ crane may be used but it will all depend on access – something that can be assessed during survey.
The financial impact of the panels will start immediately after being connected, and they last 25 years, making them a very good investment.
They’re relatively low maintenance, but they aren’t “no maintenance”. Read our article “How long do solar panels last” for more info.
There aren’t dedicated solar panel grants, but the Warm Homes Scheme offered by the Government provides financial assistance on a means tested basis to households in certain low-income locations.
Yes. Whilst there is some flexibility about where your inverter and batteries can be located, the process of fixing the panels to the roof and running the necessary cabling will typically mean access to the loft space under the panels is needed. The process specific to your roof and home can be discussed in detail during the survey.
Yes, as you would for any major changes you make to your home. Installing solar panels will likely increase the overall market and rebuild value of your home, so you need to ensure your insurance covers this.
Our installer network can offer a range of different panel finishes which can be discussed with you if you decide to have a free survey. We increasingly see all-black panels and frames as the choice for many households, as they look a little sleeker on the roof!
They have a hydrophobic coating, which isn’t exactly “self-cleaning”, but does limit dirt sticking and helps rain wash away dust, dirt and bird poo. Read our article “How long do solar panels last” for more info about the minimal ongoing maintenance needs of your PV system.
Your installer will advise you on the best ways to ensure that birds, squirrels and other animals don’t nest or get lodged underneath your solar panels – but the simplest means is by installing a protecting mesh around perimeter of the panels. Done well and in the right colour, the mesh should not be particularly visible.
Your installers will ensure your solar panels are equipped with the right tech to make this happen – and you will need a Smart Meter to make this work. Once connected, you notify your supplier who will then meter any exported electricity and deduct the value of the electricity exported from your bill. It’ll be a good time to look around and get the best tariff that maximises the value of the energy exported.
Yes, but we’d always advise you not to, unless there is some excellent reason. Being connected to the Grid means you will pay the standing charge, but this should be offset by the income you earn from exporting electricity, and if something goes wrong being Grid connected means you will also have power. To be truly off Grid, and generate sufficient electricity in the winter, the size of the panel system – and the battery storage you would need, increases significantly. The cost impact of that could then well outweigh the benefits you derive from being off Grid.
Yes, provided you also include a piece of kit that enables you to ‘island’ your home in the case of a power cut. Regulations do not permit you to remain connected in the case of a power cut without it – as you’re in danger of electrocuting people working on the network. Expect to pay an additional £600-£900 to provide that islanding capability – but if you need a guaranteed power supply, for example, and you’re in an area that suffers regular outages, it could be a good investment.
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