Question 1

What are solar panels

Accepted Answer

Solar panel electricity systems, also known as photovoltaics (PV), capture the energy from the sun using photovoltaic cells. These cells are able to generate electricity on an overcast day, not relying on direct sunlight to function.The cells convert sunlight into electricity which a household can utilise

Question 2

What does photovoltaic (PV) mean?

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic (PV) describes the process by which a material converts sunlight into electricity. Derived from the words ‘photo’, which is Greek for light, and ‘voltaic’, meaning voltage, photovoltaic basically means electricity from the energy of the sun.

Question 3

The benefits of solar PV

Accepted Answer

There are several benefits of switching to solar PV
 
- Solar is a renewable energy source which can be harnessed everywhere in the world, every day
 
- Using solar energy means you will be reducing your electricity bills. The more solar energy you generate, the less you’ll be paying for electricity
 
- Solar energy systems typically don’t require much maintenance, cleaning twice a year should suffice.

Question 4

Types of solar inverter

Accepted Answer

1. String inverters
String inverters are the oldest form of inverter, using a proven technology that has been in use for decades. Solar panels are arranged into groups or rows, with each panel installed on a ‘string’. Multiple strings can be connected to a single inverter, which transforms the DC electricity produced by the panels into appliance-friendly AC electricity.
The downside of string inverters is that if the performance of one panel is reduced – for example by damage or shading, the performance of the whole array can be affected.
 
2. Micro inverters
Micro inverters are becoming a popular choice in residential solar systems. These are fitted to each individual solar panel and convert DC to AC on the roof, removing the necessity of a separate inverter. 
Because the conversion is performed this way, if one or more panels are affected by shade then it doesn’t have an impact on the panels that are still in sunlight. It’s also possible to monitor performance levels of every single solar panel. 
Micro inverters are often considered as a way to install more solar panels on a roof. Panels that may be in partial shade for some of the day will not affect the performance of the other panels that remain in sunlight more of the time.
Micro inverters are still a relatively new technology and are generally more expensive than other inverter types, however, this additional cost may be offset by increased energy production. 
 
3. Power optimisers
Offering many of the benefits of microinverters, but slightly less expensive, power optimisers are also located on each individual panel. But instead of converting DC to AC at roof level, they move the DC to a string inverter. With power optimisers, you should be able to monitor the performance of each panel via an online portal.

Question 5

What is a solar battery?

Accepted Answer

A solar battery is an energy storage system that allows you to capture and store any unused electricity that your solar panels generate during the day, rather than exporting it to the grid. This enables you to use it to help power your home at the times you need it.

Question 6

How do solar batteries work?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity which most solar batteries convert to alternating current (AC) to store for use at a later time.
 
If your solar PV system generates more electricity than you need, this excess goes towards charging the battery.
 
During the night, when your solar panels are not producing electricity, your property will use stored energy.
 
The battery stores electricity as either DC or alternating current (AC) depending on the type of battery chosen.

Question 7

Savings?

Accepted Answer

When you store electricity in your solar battery and use it later the main saving you experience is from your electricity bills because you are using your own produced electricity. The amount of savings you could achieve will depend on the size of the solar battery storage system, how much it can discharge, how much your solar panels charge it and also your usage habits

Question 8

How does an electric car charger work?

Accepted Answer

Electric vehicles are powered by batteries and require a charging point to recharge them. An EV charging point pumps electricity into the batteries as quickly as possible while monitoring them to avoid any potential damage during the process.
 
Charging time depends on the size of the battery and the speed of the charging point. A typical electric car, such as a Nissan LEAF 30kWh, would take four hours to charge from empty with a 7kW home charging point.

Question 9

How is an electric car charger installed?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your power supply and where you park your vehicle, we will be able to determine the best location for your EV charger point.
 
The Electrical Group will position and fix the charger by drilling and clipping the cable to the wall. Your electricity supply will be briefly turned off while the charger is connected to the main power supply. Final safety tests will be carried out and then the qualified installer will give you a full demonstration of how to operate your new charger point

Question 10

How much does installing an EV charger cost?

Accepted Answer

The purchase and installation of an EV charging point normally costs around £1,000*1 depending on the model of charger. However, grants and financial supportmay be available.
 
There are many benefits to having an EV charging point at your home:
Depending on your car, charging time can be reduced by between 30% and 60% instead of using the mains.
 
Fully charging your battery, rather than just for a couple of hours, will be better in the long run and this is easier to do with your own charging point.

Question 11

Typical electricity costs for an electric car

Accepted Answer

The most cost-effective method to charge an electric car would be overnight using an EV home charging point. Based on an average overnight electricity rate of 13p per kWh, it would cost approximately £3.64 to fully charge a 30kWh Nissan LEAF, providing around 115 miles of range.
 
In comparison, a rapid charging station at a motorway service station would typically cost £6.50 for 30 minutes of charge.

Question 12

Grants & financial support

Accepted Answer

Help may be  available to cover the cost of installing an EV home charging point.
A grant is available from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) to help reduce the cost of installation. This is paid directly to the installer and deducted from the total price, often covering the majority of the installation cost.

Question 13

What are Infrared heating systems?

Accepted Answer

Whereas conventional heating systems use convection to heat rooms, an infrared panel heating system uses radiation.
This means that rather than warming an entire area, radiation heats people and furnishings for a more economical option.
 
About infrared light
 
Infrared light waves are produced by the sun and warm any object they meet, even when the weather is cold.
Radiation is often associated with being unsafe, but it is simply a process of energy emission. Infrared radiation is safe, just like visible light radiation – even the human body emits infrared radiation.

Question 14

How does an infrared heating panel work

Accepted Answer

They work by releasing radiation from the panel which moves through the air until it reaches an object. As the radiation is absorbed by the object, the molecules inside it begin to vibrate and this action produces heat.
 
The radiation will travel approximately an inch into the body when coming into contact with humans and this produces the sensation of deep heat.
Infrared heating and traditional heating
 
Infrared panels are available in solid fuel, gas and oil options. However, electric infrared panels do not require any pipe work for installation, or fuel storage facilities.
This means that electric ir heating panels can be placed wherever you wish – either high on the wall or even on the ceiling.
 
Infrared panels vs storage heaters
 
While the initial cost of an electric storage heater may seem like an attractive option in comparison to infrared panels, they are considered more expensive to operate and much less efficient.
 
Infrared panels take up considerably less space and are a more effective heating solution, consuming less energy and requiring little maintenance.

Question 15

Infrared heating panels pros & cons

Accepted Answer

There are numerous advantages to choosing infrared heating panels, and also a few disadvantages to be aware of:
 
Pros:
 
Compact panels can also be used for other purposes, such as a bathroom mirror, saving further space
 
Rooms can be heated more quickly with infrared panels as they warm the objects and the air around them and do not rely on convection to heat the air in the room
Infrared heating panels require very little maintenance, benefitting from fit and forget technology
 
No fuel is burned to operate infrared heating panels. You can produce 100% clean heat when using them in conjunction with other renewable energy sources, such as solar panels
Infrared heating panels are more cost effective than conventional convection heaters because of the method of heating a room
Infrared heating is ideal for draughty rooms as the solid objects retain the heat
 
Cons:
 
Infrared heating panels are approximately twice the price of convection space heaters. However, they do cost less to operate so will save money on fuel bills and could be a more cost-effective option in the long term
 
To get the most out of an infrared heating panel, the space between you and the heating panel should be obstacle-free. This isn’t always possible
 
Benefits for your home
 
Damp and mould
Because infrared panels heat solid objects, rather than just the air, this means that the panels can be directed towards damp walls which dry the area. This also means that that the spread of mould is greatly reduced by infrared heating.
 
Dust allergies and asthma
Also, infrared heating doesn’t circulate dust particles around the home on a continuous basis like conventional convection heating does. So infrared panels are an ideal solution for people who suffer from dust allergies or asthma.
 
Bedroom
Because infrared panels don’t contain any moving parts, they are practically silent. This makes them perfect for bedrooms to encourage undisturbed sleep.
Reach temperature
Infrared panels can reach maximum temperature in as little as 30 seconds, providing heat quickly when needed.

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