Solar Energy
Although there are many uses of solar energy, there are two main ways in which we can harness and utilize solar radiation, both of which involve solar ‘panels’ which usually go on the roof of a building. The two types of solar panels are:
Solar Thermal (known as Collectors), and Solar Photovoltaic (known as Modules)
- Solar Thermal: Solar Collectors are black and basically collect and store heat from the sun. Domestic hot water circulates through a network of channels in the collector, getting warm as it goes, it is then returned to your hot water tank (this technology cannot supply or assist your central heating system). The more times the water passes though the collector, the hotter it gets.
If you wish to install Solar Thermal or Solar Hot Water technology, alone or in conjunction with Photovoltaics, then please let us know via our contact page.
We work with an established partner who specialises in Solar Thermal/Solar Hot Water and we would be very happy to quote for this too. Equally, if we feel that your needs would be better served with Solar Thermal rather than with PV, we would tell you so, and obtain a quote for this for you.
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV): Photovoltaic modules can be black or dark blue. They use cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicon, which tends to be recycled from other industry waste. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity. PV cells are referred to in terms of the amount of energy they generate in full sunlight (kWp – kilowatt peak), although PV only requires daylight - not direct sunlight - to generate electricity. The cells are connected together to form a self contained weatherproof unit called a module. Modules are then usually connected together (in series) in order to generate the required output, this is called a string. Finally the strings are connected together in parallel along with other necessary components to form an ARRAY. (or PV array).
Please click the link below to find out what Photovoltaic systems are available for installing on your property.