As energy costs soar across the UK and the demand for sustainable solutions grows, solar power is becoming an increasingly effective way for homeowners to cut energy costs by up to 80% whilst also reducing their carbon footprint too!
When it comes to having a solar panel installation, the process generally falls into three key stages; having a survey at your home with a solar panel system designed around your specific needs, acquiring the necessary permits and equipment, then last but not least the installation and commissioning of the solar panel system so it can start saving you money.
MAC Renewables specialise in not only solar panel installations, but battery storage systems and air conditioning too! MAC provide high-quality installations tailored to your individual needs and with solar panel installations taking around 2-3 days to complete, you can start saving fast!
Read on to discover more about how solar panels are installed, how they work and the many ways they can benefit you!
How Are Solar Panels Installed?
The installation of solar panels typically involves three key stages, which begin with;
1. Site Assessment and Solar system design
Your solar installation journey will begin with a site survey to assess your energy needs, property layout, and roof suitability. This survey will include an energy audit and shading analysis too, which will ensure your solar panel system design will align with your specific energy requirements and maximise energy production. With your survey complete, a MAC Renewables specialist will provide you with a quotation that includes a customised system design and a cost analysis that will also highlight potential savings and your return on investment.
2. Securing Permissions and Solar Equipment
Once you decide to go ahead with your installation, that’s when the team at MAC Renewables will send your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) application for approval. This process can take up to 11 weeks but is very important for both regulatory compliance and safety too. In the meantime, all the equipment needed for your installation from solar panels to inverters or even battery storage units will be procured and prepared in readiness for your upcoming installation.
3. Solar Panel Installation and System Setup/Commissioning
Once all applications are approved and your equipment is ready, MAC’s skilled installation team gets to work. The first step is to set up any required scaffolding before mounting the solar panels and running the required wiring to the inverter. With the solar panels and inverter connected, the next step would be to connect any battery storage and integrate the system with the property’s electrical grid. Before activating your system, MAC conductcomprehensive testing to verify that all components are operating correctly before taking your solar panel system live and connecting it fully to the grid.
Did you know?
Solar Panels Work During Cloudy Weather and will generate electricity even on overcast days too!
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How Do Solar Panel Systems Work?
Whether you have solar panels installed or are still considering an installation, having an understanding of how they work also can help you make an informed decision on whether they are right for you. Ultimately the entire process is underpinned by how the energy is capturedand how it is converted into useable electricity.
Solar Energy Capture
Solar panels harness sunlight and convert it into usable electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the solar cells, it excites electrons within the cells, generating DC current electricity. The more sunlight the panels receive, the more electricity they can produce, although this DC electricity needs to be converted into AC current to be compatible with home electrical systems.
Solar Energy Conversion
In order to make the energy generated from solar panels usable, the inverter installed as part of the solar panel system will convert the DC current into AC current. This makes the inverter just as essential as the solar panels themselves as it ensure the electricity produced is safely converted to match the voltage and frequency to match household appliances.
How much energy does a solar panel produce?
Just as no household is quite the same, each solar panel system is adapted to the needs of the home and so the energy they produce will always vary, although it is possible to make a general approximation so you have a clearer idea as to what to expect.
As a rough average, a single solar panel in the UK can generate around 300kWh of electricity per year, although this will always vary due to factors ranging from the angle of the roof to the strength of the sunlight itself. As most households will have between 10-12 solar panels with their system, you can expect around 3000-3400kWh to be generated annually. With a solar panel setup like this, you can expect the energy generated to cover around 70-90% of your annual electricity use for the entire year!
It’s important to remember that if you also have battery storage, you can maximise the use of the electricity you generate even after the sun sets as any additional energy generated during the day will be stored for use overnight. Similarly, even without battery storage, you can export any excess electricity you generate back to the grid for a discount off your remaining energy bill too.
With modern solar panels being around 20% efficient, it may sound low in comparison to the high efficiency you can expect with heat pump technology, although the main reason for this is because of the amount of heat also provided by the sun. A large amount of the light energy solar panels receive from the sun also is coupled with heat energy, which isn’t quite as useful, although with the vast amount of sunlight available this does not particularly impact solar panels from generating energy.
Did you know?
As a general rule, you do not need planning planning permission for solar panels. Usually you will only need planning permission if the building is listed, in a restricted area or if the system is for commercial use.
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Get Started with Solar Energy by Installing Solar Panels!
Ready to make the switch to clean, renewable energy? Contact MAC Renewables today for your free site survey and quotation.
With years of expertise and a proven track record, MAC Renewables is the trusted choice for solar panel installation in the Midlands. Our client-first approach, combined with cutting-edge technology and meticulous attention to detail, ensures that every installation meets the highest standards. Whether you’re looking to lower your electricity bills or contribute to a greener future, MAC’s experienced team ensures a seamless, professional, and efficient installation process from start to finish. Get in touch today to find out more at info@macrenewables.co.uk or call us on 0121 730 4800.
