Solar Panels Ashford

Solar Panel Installation Ashford Kent (TN23): If you're thinking about installing solar panels, either for electric generation or thermal (hot water), for your Ashford home, it is advisable to get a low-down on the positives and negatives of what is involved. It is certainly a terrific time to be considering solar installations with Government backed schemes, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) providing ways of making some money from your system.

The technical term "solar photovoltaic", often shortened to solar PV, refers to the creation of electricity using solar energy. There is adequate sunlight in the Ashford area to generate solar PV in decent amounts. If you wish to reduce your power bills and can effectively position a solar power installation on your home, you will also be able to receive money from your electricity provider courtesy of the Smart Export Guarantee scheme.

The Green Homes Grant is a recently introduced scheme to help householders save energy and lower their carbon footprint, and can be used to cover most of the cost of a solar powered installation. If you're applying green energy measures to your home in Ashford, you can make an application for this grant, which was introduced in July 2020, of between five and ten thousand pounds. So, if you would like to install solar panels onto the roof of your Ashford home at a fraction of the true cost, and on top of that be paid a residual income from the energy that they generate, all you have to do is combine the financial support of the Green Homes Grant with rewards from the SEG.

No matter what the size of your home, the need for instant hot water is always required. Even with the diminished amount of sunlight that you get in Ashford in the winter months, you'll need to use less gas or electricity to bring your water up to temperature, and therefore lower your costs. Summer days will usually see all your hot water demands being fulfilled with a solar powered thermal system on your Ashford house.

Any homeowner in Ashford who is using a photovoltaic thermal installation to heat their water is eligible to join the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) scheme to help alleviate the costs. After its preliminary take up in the business sector, the RHI scheme was also offered to residential users in April 2014. For anyone switching to renewable heating alternatives, including photovoltaic thermal installations, it provides a seven year support package. Based on the type and size of equipment that's installed, eligible participants of the Renewable Heat Incentive receive a 3 monthly cash pay out, for the whole 7 years covered by the scheme.

Before you begin any solar panel installation on your property in Ashford, there are quite a few points to think about:

1. Do you need planning permission? - In the majority of instances you will not need to apply for planning permission on your Ashford property for solar energy installations on your roof. But if you have a flat roof, reside in a conservation area or have a listed building, you will want to seek advice from the local council for any limitations in place.
2. What impact on property values can solar installations cause? - The basic, but not particularly helpful response from the Homeowners Association is that solar panels can have both a positive and negative impact on the market value of your property. It really is a hard decision to make, but in most instances the installation of solar panels improves the market value of your home, as more people are becoming environmentally concerned about their impact on our world.
3. Is your home's roof shaded by trees or other buildings during the day? - Shade can seriously reduce the effectiveness of any solar panel and severe shading can even make them more or less useless.
4. Does your roof face south or south-west? - This helps maximise the efficiency of the solar panels by absorbing the largest possible amount of sunshine.

No Noise Pollution - No noise is created by solar PV installations. Even in small scale domestic based scenarios, some property owners are annoyed by the noise made by wind turbine generators. Solar panel installations do not have any moving components - hence they don't make any noise.

Maintenance Free - The fact that solar PV systems are more or less maintenance free is one of their more attractive aspects. Modern solar PV panels should continue to provide heat and electricity for a minimum of twenty five years, as long as they are kept shade-free and clean. A solar installation with battery storage capacity will require more maintenance than a standard grid tie system, however the efficiency, storage and life of battery packs is improving as technology advances.

Additional Income - Any excess electrical power your solar PV installation generates can easily be sold back to your utility provider through the SEG (Smart Export Guarantee), Government backed scheme. You can receive this payment either as a credit towards your 3 monthly utility bill, or as a direct cash payment to you. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a Government backed, short term contract between the homeowner and the electricity supplier. The advantage of this situation is that you are not tied in to any particular electric supplier, and when the contract is due to be renewed, it is easy to switch companies.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint - To help to reduce your carbon footprint, the installation of either a solar thermal system or solar PV on your home in Ashford will mean that you can create renewable, green energy. Approximately two tonnes can be removed from your polluting carbon emissions every year, through the use of such eco-friendly systems.

Reduced Bills - Our largest available free energy source is the sun. So why not make the most of it? You will start to see a lowering of your quarterly energy charges, as soon as the initial expenditure has been paid for your solar PV installation. Just how much this is will depend on the size of your solar panel installation, but even a standard sized PV system can provide a saving of between ninety and three hundred and seventy pounds annually on your electric bill in the Ashford area.

When doing any sort of home improvements, including solar PV systems, it is always best to get at least three quotations from local contractors. If any of your friends, family and neighbours have recently had solar panels fitted, ask who they used. You should always enquire about current grants and schemes when you're getting a quote, since this could make your solar panel installation more affordable and offset some of the costs.

Before you set your sights firmly on any particular solar installation company, you should ask to see some information about previously completed work. A top-notch solar installation company in Ashford will be proud to showcase their experience in the green energy industry and their history of customers, by offering a detailed portfolio for you to look through.

Several professional trade bodies, organisations and associations work alongside the alternative energy industry which is a rapidly growing and ever-changing sector. Training, guidance and technological updates on all things connected with the alternative energy sector, are provided by these specialist organisations. A prerequisite before hiring any solar panel installer in Ashford, should be membership of one or more of the following renewable energy organisations.

STA - Working with Government, industry and local councils to make available the very best solutions in solar technologies, the Solar Trade Association (STA) functions at the forefront of technology. Its members range from localised residential installers to multi-national organisations, and all are widely acknowledged within the solar sector.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) - Accreditation from the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is a necessity for all domestic renewable energy systems and their installation teams to hold across the British Isles. The scheme offers a standard of quality for the solar panels and related apparatus, and that the technicians providing and setting up the system are qualified and fully trained to do so. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme supports and advocates the following green technologies: solar panels, solar battery storage, biomass and air source heat pumps (ASHP's).

REA (Renewable Energy Association) - Within the alternative energy and clean technology industry, the premier professional organisation is the Renewable Energy Association (REA). It offers education and training to roughly five hundred and fifty member companies and uses their influence to commit Britain to the notion of net-zero carbon emissions in the foreseeable future.

Solar Energy Pluses and Minuses

Folks in Ashford are always on the lookout for ways to save money, and make their lives easier. Solar power is among the growing trends but is it really worth it? Solar energy can be applied to several different uses including electricity, heating, cooking, and many more. There are distinct drawbacks to solar energy and you should be made aware of these so you can make the best decision. The principle advantage of solar energy is that it is clean, and that you only need the rays of the sun to create heat or electricity. A product that you simply don't need whatsoever is fossil fuels. All you need to gather solar energy are some solar power panels, or solar energy collectors.

Traditional heating systems like electric heating cost more than solar energy in the long run. If you lack electrical lines in your neighborhood, that is another advantage that you can benefit from. Where utility companies have no access to your home, solar power delivers the perfect solution for electricity, heating your water, and even for cooking. A unique process known as desalination allows the solar power to create fresh water from salt water. How this works is the force from the sun evaporates the salt water, resulting in only the salt crystals at the bottom of a basin. The water gets drinkable as soon as it condenses back into an additional basin.

Up to now, it seems like solar energy is the best system imaginable with nothing but positives, but to get the complete picture the negatives need to be revealed also. The fact that you have to have many solar collectors is the number one disadvantage. And these collectors are somewhat expensive, even though solar power is reasonable, and they have to be maintained. Solar energy costs nothing but the supplies required to harness that energy are not, and so you must see if you will actually save money in the long run versus losing money in the short term.

If the sun isn't out where you live, it is a huge disadvantage because it may not be worth it for you. Places where there can be a lot of cloudy, rainy weather, the collection of solar energy will not be as effective. Before you decide to start investing in solar panels, make sure that you have adequate sunlight throughout the entire year to make it worthwhile. Whenever you live in desert regions, you know that you have plenty of sunshine for solar energy to work.

One more thing about the sun is that it solely shines during the day, and for a lot of the year, the day isn't very long. That can wind up creating a problem if you need hot water or electricity during the night. Retaining the solar energy to be used in the future is an extremely functional thing to do when night comes along.

How Many Solar Panels Does it Take to Run a House?

Energy consumption, location, panel efficiency, and available space are factors that impact the number of solar panels required to power a house, leading to variation. In the United Kingdom, a typical residential solar panel system can generate roughly 3 to 5 kilowatts (kW) of power. Approximately 5 kW of solar panels would be needed to satisfy those needs, based on an average daily electricity consumption of 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Other factors, along with their wattage and efficiency, will determine the precise number of panels needed. To obtain a more accurate assessment that considers your specific requirements and conditions, it is recommended to consult with a professional solar panel installer.

Ground Source Heating Systems Ashford

Ground source heating systems, known as geothermal heating systems as well, employ the stable earth temperature as an energy source to warm buildings and homes situated in Ashford. This renewable energy source is highly efficient and environmentally friendly, as it reduces emissions of carbon and eliminates the need to burn fossil fuels.

A ground source heating system works by circulating a mixture of water and antifreeze through pipes buried deep in the ground, which absorbs heat from the earth and carries it to a heat pump. Amplification of the heat and its distribution throughout the building is carried out by the heat pump.

Despite the higher upfront expense, geothermal heating systems can be a cost-effective choice for homeowners in the long run because of the reduced energy bills and maintenance expenses. Geothermal heating systems are an excellent choice for those looking for a sustainable and long-term heating solution as they are highly durable and can last for years if not decades.

Geothermal heating systems have the added benefit of being able to cool buildings during the warm months by reversing the heating process, effectively providing both heating and cooling. In summation, ground source heating systems are a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for cooling and heating homes and buildings in Ashford, with long-term cost savings and durability.

Solar PV Upgrades Ashford

It is essential to upgrade solar PV systems to ensure their long-term efficiency and effectiveness in generating electricity. Existing solar power panels can have their durability improved, output increased, and lifespan extended through upgrades as technology advances. The replacement of outdated solar panels with newer, more efficient units is a popular upgrade for solar power systems. Increasing the amount of electricity generated also results in a reduced overall footprint of the solar array. To complement other upgrades, installing energy storage solutions, such as batteries, can store excess energy generated during the day for use when sunlight is not available. The addition of micro-inverters or the upgrading of inverters can increase the system's conversion performance. All in all, solar PV upgrades represent a cost-effective way to increase the performance of solar power systems and improve the return on investment over their lifetime.

Solar Panel Batteries

If you wish to store the energy which is produced by your photovoltaic panels for use later, this can be accomplished with solar battery storage. Your appliances, home or phone can be powered by these solar batteries. The capacity and size of solar batteries that you select will be dependant on your precise needs. If you frequently use a refridgerator or air conditioner, for instance, a single battery will not be enough.

When shopping for solar batteries, you should also consider the DoD (Depth of Discharge) of the battery. Higher depth of discharge means a longer-lasting battery. Batteries that are over discharged or degraded will have less power stored and will be less cost-efficient. The capacity of the battery is important, since it determines how much electricity your home can use.

Solar batteries can be charged to be used at night or at times when the sun's not out. This will save money on your energy bill as you won't be paying for electricity when you don't have it. Free energy will still be available to use, even on cloudy and dark days when less solar power is being produced. You can also get payments back from the electricity company for the energy that you don't use. (Tags: Solar Panel Battery Ashford, Solar Batteries Ashford, Solar Storage Ashford, Solar Panels & Batteries Ashford)

Solar Inverters

To convert the DC electricity produced by your solar panels into a usable form, you need a solar inverter. The AC electricity required for powering your home and connecting to the National Grid is generated by a solar inverter, which converts DC electricity. To put it simply, a solar inverter is a crucial component in making sure you can safely utilize your solar energy for your home.

A solar panel system's efficiency is only as good as its weakest component, thus, a top-notch inverter is crucial to a well-functioning panel setup. An outstanding inverter is a vital aspect of your panel setup for maximizing the energy produced by your solar panels. Your solar panels have four options for solar inverters; string inverters, micro-inverters, power optimisers and hybrid inverters. You need to talk to a professional solar panel installer to find out which is the best solar inverter for your specific system.

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Solar Panels Near Ashford

Also find: Brook solar panel installers, Wye solar panel installers, Boughton Lees solar panel installers, Beaver Green solar panel installers, Bilting solar panel installers, Great Chart solar panel installers, Willesborough solar panel installers, Hinxhill solar panel installers, Little Chart solar panel installers, Mersham solar panel installers, Smeeth solar panel installers, Westwell solar panel installers, Challock solar panel installers, Kennington solar panel installers, Hothfield solar panel installers, Shadoxhurst solar panel installer services and more. All of these villages and towns are catered for by companies who install solar panels. Ashford home and business owners can get quotations by clicking here.

Ashford Solar Panel Tasks

Your chosen local Ashford solar panel technicians will be able to help you with a variety of green energy services including smart home technology Ashford, EV charging, battery storage systems in Ashford, solar energy grants, renewable heat installations in Ashford, solar energy advice, the repair of solar panels, solar panels, ground source heating systems in Ashford, renewable heating, batteries & smart grids Ashford, alternative energy solutions, LED lighting, house solar panels in Ashford, the supply and installation of solar panel systems in Ashford, solar panel repairs Ashford, energy efficiency upgrades, solar thermal heating installations, solar panel bird proofing, solar panel relocation, solar panel fitting, wind turbines Ashford, the mounting of solar panels, solar panel cleaning, thermal solar panels, 300w solar panels Ashford, solar PV for business Ashford, solar hot water system installation, energy requirement assessments Ashford, solar panel installations, electric vehicle charging point installation, green energy solutions in Ashford, 100 watt solar panels Ashford, the replacement of solar panels, solar water heating systems, and other similar services in Ashford, Kent (TN23). Listed are just some of the tasks that are handled by those installing solar panels. Ashford specialists will let you know their entire range of solar services.

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