How solar panels work:
A complete guide for homeowners
Thinking about getting solar panels installed in your home? You’ve come to the right place – we’re experts in solar, with over 15 years experience installing solar solutions. Solar energy can help you take control of your bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and make use of that good old British sunshine.
Below, we’ve broken it down in simple terms so you can understand how solar panels actually work – and whether they’re right for your home.
+ So, how do solar panels work?
In basic terms – solar panels (also called photovoltaic or PV panels) are installed on your home’s roof to capture sunlight and turn it into usable electricity. That electricity then powers your home – everything from your TV to your kettle.
Even on cloudy days, solar panels still generate energy. They don’t need direct sun all day long to work (which is good news for us Brits). And yes, solar panels do work in winter!
That electricity either:
– Gets used straight away in your home,
– Gets stored in a battery, if you have one, or
– Gets sent back to the grid
You’ll still stay connected to the grid, so if you need extra power – for example, at night – you can still draw from it just like normal to power your home. But your daytime usage will rely far more on your free solar energy.
Here’s how the process works in real life on your roof, in a little more detail:
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When daylight hits your solar panels, it activates the cells inside them. As mentioned, even on cloudy days, panels still generate energy – just less than you would expect to generate on a sunny day. These cells are made of a special material – usually silicon – that releases electrons when exposed to light.
+ From quote to switch-on: What to expect
Getting solar panels installed is easier than you might think. Here’s how the journey usually looks with us:
FREE HOME SURVEY
We assess your roof, chat about your energy use, and show you your options.
PROPOSAL AND QUOTE
We put together a plan for a bespoke solar system for your home.
EXPERT INSTALLATION
Our expert in-house team completes the installation of the solar panels and equipment.
YOU GO SOLAR
Once everything’s connected, you start generating your own clean electricity right away
+ What about solar batteries?
Adding a solar battery as part of an installation is a popular option that we’d recommend considering in most cases. It lets you store the extra energy that your solar panels generate during the day, so you can use it later when you really need it – like in the evening when the sun’s gone down but you’re putting the kettle on or watching TV.
We’ll talk you through your options during your quote, and whether a battery makes sense for your particular home and requirements.
Ready to see how solar could work for your home?
Gain control of your energy usage, costs and environmental impact. Book a free home survey to find out more.
