Solar Panels utilise free carbon neutral energy
Solar solutions for a sustainable future
Solar solutions integrated into your building or home
At Sustainability Solutions, we install both solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal panels. The principle behind each type of panel is the same: both use free energy from the sun to create usable and sustainable energy. Solar PV panels generate electricity for your home. Solar thermal panels create direct energy, which can heat the air and or water in your business or home.
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Solar Panels for electricity
PV solar panels are an excellent technology to create eco-friendly electricity for your business. The electricity that the solar panels produce for you in the daytime can be stored in batteries for use during the evening and night.
Solar energy heating
Solar thermal panels for heating
Solar thermal panels are the right choice if you are looking to heat the hot water in your commercial building home. They are also a good choice if you are looking to create a greener home, but your roof space is minimal. 2-3 panels will successfully heat your domestic hot water.
solar energy for UK businesses
Solar energy in the UK
Solar panels are not just for sunny climates. It is widely assumed that solar panels will not be effective in the UK due to the very variable weather conditions, but with the increase in panel efficiency over recent years, solar panels work very well, despite our notorious cloudy weather. It is certainly possible to generate electricity and heat your building’s hot water tank.
Ask our solar experts
How are solar panels installed?
Solar panels are attached to the roof, either on the roof or integrated into the roof. Roof hooks are first secured to the roof rafters and aluminium rails are then attached horizontally to the hooks. The panels are bolted onto the rails. With PV solar panels the wires are fed back into the house to a device known as an inverter. This inverter converts the DC electricity created into AC electricity suitable for your home. Solar thermal panels are also bolted to roof hooks and have pipes connecting to a water cylinder in your home.
The roof must be strong and sound in structure and able to take the weight of the panels.
Do I need permission to install solar panels?
Solar panels are considered 'permitted developments' and often don't require planning permission. However, it is always wise to check local planning rules and regulations. If you live in a conservation area or national park, restrictions may apply. This is also true if your house is a listed building. Please check before investing in your solar panels.
What is the DNO?
The DNO is your Distribution Network Operator. It is the company that owns and operates the power lines and infrastructure that connect the national grid network to your property. If you are planning to install a solar panel system it must be registered with your Distribution Network Operator. Usually, your installer will register your system for you.
Do I have enough space for solar panels?
The amount of roof space you have is a key consideration when it comes to installing solar panels. The average PV solar panel system requires about 10 - 16 panels, our engineers will assess this during their survey. If roof space is small it is worth considering solar thermal panels. Solar thermal panels are actually around 80% efficient and so if you are installing solar panels simply to heat your water much less roof space is required.
Will I benefit financially?
A solar panel system, whether PV solar to create electricity or thermal solar panels to heat your home and water, or a combination of the two, will certainly save you money on your electricity bills. Solar energy is not affected by fluctuating tariffs and this offers considerable peace of mind particularly in the current climate as fossil fuels are driving electricity and gas prices through the roof.
a renewable home
Combined solutions
It is good to know that you can use both PV panels and thermal panels on your roof, helping towards a more sustainable way of living. A PV solar installation will create electricity for your home and 2-3 solar thermal panels will heat your hot water. Both PV and Thermal panels may look the same on a rooftop but they work in entirely different ways.
