Your complete guide to solar panels.

Solar PV panels - the facts and figures.

The UK has been adopting solar panel technology rapidly over the last few years. It all means solar power has become more affordable than you might imagine. Check out some of the highlights.

Convinced yet? If you want more information, we’ve a whole raft of solar facts and figures for you to pour over.

How do solar panels work?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems use solar panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.

However, the electricity generated is direct current (DC) and your home appliances need alternating current (AC). That’s why the solar inverter converts the DC from the panels into AC so you can use it around your home.

It’s worth noting that the inverter is as important a part of your system as the panels because it allows your home to make use of the electricity generated.

Have you got any other questions? Then why not look at our detailed explanation on how solar panels work.

What are the advantages of solar energy?

Where do we start? Well how about these:

• Lower electricity bills. Solar panels reduce annual power costs. And your unused energy can be sold back to the grid.

• Smaller carbon footprint. Solar power is clean and renewable. That helps fight climate change, protect wildlife, and helps us towards a more sustainable future.

• Increased home value. Solar panels can increase your property value. The market favours green homes, which may attract better offers.

• Easy installation. Installing solar panels is simple and often done in a day. Roof orientation and tilt affect energy output, so expert help ensures optimal setup.

Sounds interesting? Check out our full guide to the advantages of solar energy for your home.

Different types of solar panels.

There are several types of solar panels. The main differences between them are price and efficiency.

• Monocrystalline panels. The sleek black ones we’re all familiar with. Good in low light and high heat.

• Polycrystalline panels. These are bluish-looking. They are less efficient but also cost less, so they can be the right choice for larger setups.

• Thin-film panels. These flexible and light panels are perfect if you have an odd shaped space, but they are less efficient.

• Bifacial panels. These absorb light from both sides and so generate more power per square metre, but (unsurprisingly) cost more.

• Perc panels. Are highly efficient. But again, be prepared to pay a premium.

• TopCon panels. They capture more sunlight and are very durable, but pricier.

We’ve more information on the types of solar panels available to help you decide. If price is your main concern, don’t rule out the most efficient panels. Your higher initial costs could be offset by long-term savings. So consider the balance between cost AND efficiency when choosing solar panels for your home.

Solar panel efficiency.

Solar panel efficiency is improving all the time. What’s more, they’re cleaner than fossil fuels, and advances in efficiency also means you will probably need fewer (and therefore pay less than before).

The latest monocrystalline solar panels:

• Produce more energy per square metre (so you need fewer).

• Work better in low light conditions.

• And have a longer lifespan.

And there are many other ways you can get the most out of a solar panel system that make it a real alternative to conventional fuels.

Installing solar panels.

You should use an MCS certified installer for your solar panels. It’s much safer than installing them yourself and they will take care of all the headaches for you such as:

• Planning permission.

• Buildings regulations.

• Providing you with MCS certification (so you can sell excess electricity back to the grid with a SEG tariff).

And for extra peace of mind, all our installers are bound by the HIES customer code that offers consumers protection for renewable energy products in your home.

Find out more about what is involved in installing solar panels.

How much do solar panels cost and are there payment options?

The good news is that as technology has developed, the price of installing solar panels has dropped.

Want to know more? Then head over to our guide to solar panel costs.

How do I clean my solar panels?

The good news is that today’s solar panels are self-cleaning.

They have a coating that stops water sticking to the surface. So when it rains, the droplets run off, taking any dirt with them.

But if you live in a particularly dusty or sandy area, or there has been very little rainfall recently, you may need to have them cleaned - especially if you also notice a drop in the amount of electricity your solar panels are producing.

In that case, it’s best to get a specialist cleaning service. (We do not recommend you climb onto your roof to do the job yourself!)

You’ll be able to find one with a simple online search. Try searching for “solar panel cleaners near me” and see what results come up.

And if you’d like to know more about how to keep your solar panels in tip top condition, take a look at our cleaning and maintenance guide.

What’s the best location for my solar panels?

Most homeowners put solar panels on their roof, but that’s not the only decision to make. When you're working out the best location for your solar panels you also need to consider the direction your panels are facing, the angle they’re set at, and so on.

Here in the UK, a south-facing roof will get the most daylight. However, this doesn’t mean your solar panels will not work on a roof facing another direction. The latest solar panels will generate some electricity whichever way they face.

Other factors that can affect your solar panel output are:

• Shade (make sure they’re not obscured by trees or other buildings).

• The angle they’re set at (20-50 degrees is best).

The best way to work out how you should set up your solar panels is to speak to an expert. They will be able to give you a professional view on what is best for your home.

Should I get my panels installed professionally or DIY?

We always recommend having a professional solar installation to ensure everything is set up safely and correctly. That’s why all our solar packages include professional installation by an MCS accredited solar expert.

Not only are they experts in all the electricals and structural requirements needed to safely install solar panels, but they will also be MCS-certified which means:

• You can sell the excess energy you generate back to the grid.

• Your mortgage provider will look favourably on you.

• And so will your home insurer.

In fact many mortgage providers and insurers insist on MCS certification.

What’s more, our installers are all backed by the HIES consumer code, so you can rest assured that should something go wrong with your panels you will be covered.

Can I get a solar panel kit for my home?

Yes, solar panel kits are available for homeowners to install themselves. They are often less expensive than a professional installation and you can get a great sense of personal satisfaction having done the job yourself.

However, they’re not for everyone.

Firstly, are you trained to handle the electrical wiring for your entire home? And are you comfortable working at heights (if you’re installing them on your roof)?

And on top of the installation, you might have to contend with:

• Building regulations.

• Planning permission.

• Certification (MCS certification is a must).

If all that sounds like too much of a headache, you should consider going with a professional provider that uses MCS-certified installers.

Can I get a grant towards my solar panels?

There are a number of grants available from UK and regional governments:

• ECO4 scheme. Chiefly for families who need extra help with energy bills, but some households qualify for free solar panels.

• The Home Energy Scotland grant provides up to £7,500 for solar panel installation.

• Wales has its own scheme that could help you get free solar panels and other energy efficiency improvements.

• Northern Ireland doesn’t offer grants for solar panels at the time of writing. But keep an eye on their website as they have other energy efficiency grants available.

We have more information on what is available and can help you with your application.

Why should I buy solar panels?

It’s a fair question to ask. After all, they do require some initial investment.

But apart from cleaner energy and helping to create a sustainable future for all, there are also the financial benefits for you.

By generating your own electricity, solar panels can help you save money on your bills.

And you can get paid for the excess electricity you generate through the Smart Export Guarantee.

Want to know how much that could all add up to? Then take a look at our solar panel advice guide for the answer to this and many more questions.

Solar panels FAQs.

Hopefully we have provided you with plenty of information to help you through choosing the right solar panels for your home.

However, if you have any more questions please check out our solar panels FAQ page.