Electrical solar power works by
transforming the energy from the sun into a reusable form
of electricity, a process known as Photovoltaic (or PV
for short). Your
solar panels act as a collecting tray,
helping you catch the sun’s rays. The bigger the panel,
the more energy you can collect. The energy collected
is stored for your future use in a
battery. Sometimes
you collect more energy than you actually need so with
larger panels a
voltage regulator should be fitted to
control the flow of energy and prevent battery damage. The other component you will possibly need is an
inverter, which enables you to run 240V mains-driven appliances
Which SOLAR PANELS to buy?
The choice of panel(s) depends on how much energy your
appliance(s) will use over a given period of time. You
have to make sure that the electricity generated by the
panels (and stored in the battery), say during one day,
is more than sufficient to power all connected appliances
during that next. Another consideration is the number
of panels to buy. If you require 55 Watts of power, you
could either use two 28W panels connected together, or
one 60W panel. Generally speaking, it is easier and cheaper
to go for the fewest number of large panels. However,
space considerations may make two smaller panels more
practical. Also, if you already have a panel, you may
be wanting to increase the power of your system (the modular
nature of our solar systems means that you can always
use the original panels you bought as your system expands).
Apart from power considerations, bear in mind that NOT
all solar panels are the same. There are several different
methods of harnessing the sun’s energy with Solar panels.
Our panels are based on the finest crystalline silicon
technology, which is more efficient than amorphous or
other thin film technologies, particularly in low light
conditions. This makes it the best choice for cloudier
climates, typical in th UK. While the UK does not experience
extreme weather very often, our panels are specially designed
for use in harsh environmental conditions so you will
never need to worry about storm damage. The individual
solar cells are laminated onto a multi-layer back sheet
to protect against moisture ingress and ensure UV stability
and electrical insulation. The cell base is encapsulated
onto strengthened water white low iron tempered glass
and mounted into a corrosion-resistant, heavy-duty anodised
aluminium frame for stability. All our Solar panels come
with a 10 year guarantee and a 20 year performance guarantee
on the cells. What's more, all our solar panels are accredited
with the internationally recognised IEC 61215 certification.
See also our easy to use our online
automated
Solar Panel Selector.
Which BATTERY to buy?
It is not the solar panels that drive your appliances
directly, but the battery (which is recharged over time
by the panels). So, the battery stores up energy throughout
the day, which can then be used, say in the evening. Whereas
a solar panel provides a relatively small current over
a long period of time, a battery can supply much higher
currents (to drive things like televisions) over a shorter
period of time of course. So your choice of battery depends
also on the appliances that are being used, and therefore
what storage capacity in the battery is required. The
storage capacity of batteries is measured usually in Amp
Hours (ie the number of amps the battery can supply in
one hour. The most cost-effective batteries to buy are
12-Volt lead-acid car batteries (or caravan batteries
which are even cheaper, but just as effective). We do
not sell car batteries on this website, as they are difficult
to send by post, so customers usually buy these locally,
from somewhere like Halfords, or a local caravan supplier.
Of course, if you are using solar panels on your boat
or caravan, the chances are that you already have a battery
in place.
Which VOLTAGE REGULATOR to buy?
a voltage regulator prevents your solar panel putting
more enegy into the battery than the battery can store
- like an automatic shut-off once the batteries are fully-charged.
For smaller panels a voltage regulator is not often needed,
however ALL panels over 18 watts will require a voltage
regulator. Generally speaking, you will only need one
regulator, even if you have more than one panel, and/or
more than one battery. 12V regulators come in different
current ratings, depending on the maximum ammount of current
your panels can provide. 8 Amp regulators are sufficient
for most of our panels, but our 150 Watt panel will require
a 12 Amp regulator. To calculate the minimum current rating
required, simply divide the total power raing of you panels,
and divide this by 12 (volts). For example, if you have
two 28 Watt panels (total=56Watts), the maximum current
is (=56W/12V) 4.7 Amps. In this case our cheaper 8 Amp
regulator is more than sufficient.
Which INVERTER to buy?
An inverter is used to step-up the output of your battery
from 12V to mains 240V AC. This is only necessary if you
are using your system to power mains domestic appliances
such as televisions etc. If you are powering 12V appliances,
such as those found on boats or in caravans, or 12V lights,
then an inverter is not required. Different inverter models
are available, depending on the power consumed by the
appliance. Please note that inverters consume power themselves
which will lower the overall performance of your system.
Fitting your solar panel
When permanent fitting is required it is important to
leave a minimum 10mm air gap underneath the panel to allow
for heat dissipation. Solar Fitting Kits ensure the correct
air gap is achieved. Fitting Kits are simple to use and
full instructions are provided. Temporary / Freestanding
suggestions: Prop the Solar panel, tilted toward the sun.
To achieve day long power, the panel needs to be positioned
south facing. Fabricating a prop from timber, UPVC or
aluminium is a relatively simple process and attachment
to the frame of the Solar panel is possible by using self
tapping screws or bolt fastenings. Attach the Solar panel
to the roof of a caravan, motorhome or boat with self-adhesive
Velcro strips (loop nylon side to panel, ‘hook’ side to
roof). The Solar panel will receive light throughout the
day and benefits from the added security of being out
of sight. (USE ONLY WHEN STATIONARY). As an alternative,
fix rubber bungs (found in all DIY stores) to the underside
of the panel frame – a simple anti-slip/scratch solution.
Do I need to pay for an electrician?
Broadly speaking the answer is NO. Part P of the building
Regulations introduced in the UK in January 2005 require
any outdoor electrical work to be completed by a qualified
electrician but our kits can be installed easily by the
DIYer without the need to comply with these regulations
or expensive excavations.
Uses include: