Solar Panels Cambridge

Solar Panel Installation Cambridge Cambridgeshire (CB1): If you are thinking of investing in solar panels, either for electricity generation or thermal (hot water), for your Cambridge property, it pays to get a low-down on the advantages and disadvantages of exactly what is involved. It would definitely seem like a great time to leap on the solar panel freight train, with Government funded grants and deals allowing you to reduce the costs involved, and on top of that the Smart Export Guarantee scheme which gives you the opportunity to claw a bit of money back for any surplus energy that you generate via your system.

The expression Solar Photovoltaic (PV) pertains to the generation of electricity through the capture of energy from the sun. You might not feel that there's sufficient sunlight in Cambridge to successfully do this, yet fantastic results can be attained through solar PV panels. If you are able to properly site a solar installation on your property, you can significantly reduce your power bills, and through the SEG (Smart Export Guarantee scheme), even receive cash reimbursed by your utility company for the energy that you do not need.

It's even possible to get assistance with funding the cost of your solar energy panels with the recently introduced Green Homes Grant. This was revealed in July 2020 by the Government, and offers vouchers of between 5 and 10 thousand pounds for energy saving improvements on your home. When you link the Green Homes Grant with the Smart Export Guarantee scheme it's easy to see why you've got a great opportunity to consider solar panels for your property in Cambridge.

Regardless of the size of your household, the need for instant hot water is always there. Surprisingly enough, even the decreased amount of sunlight that's available during the winter is enough to help reduce the quantity of gas or electricity needed to get your water up the temperature that is required. As the months warms up you will be aware that your energy bills reduce even more, and summer should see all your hot water needs being satisfied by a solar thermal system.

You're entitled to join the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) scheme, if you decide to install a solar powered hot water or heating system on your house in Cambridge. The Renewable Heat Incentive was introduced for residential use in 2014 (9th April), after earlier only being open to the commercial sector. For those changing over to renewable methods of heating, including solar thermal systems, it offers a seven year support package. A quarterly cash payout will be received by qualified subscribers for the length of the RHI scheme.

Before putting a solar power system on the roof of your house in Cambridge, you should take these things into consideration:

1. Have you got a roof that faces south or south-west? - Solar panels must face this direction in the Northern Hemisphere to absorb the maximum amount of power from the sun's rays.
2. Do you own a property that will need planning permission to install solar panels? - Generally speaking you won't require planning permission for the installation of solar panels on your home in Cambridge. Your local planning department can offer help and advice on planning permission requirements if your property have a listed building, live in a conservation area or have a flat roof.
3. Does your home's roof have any tall buildings or overgrown trees that shade it? - Shade can seriously reduce the functionality of any solar panel and significant shading could even make them virtually useless.
4. Will solar panels affect the value of my property? - The basic, but not very useful judgement from the Homeowners Association is that solar panel installations can have both a positive and negative impact on the market value of your property. Recent research however shows, that due to the growing environmental awareness of people in general, solar energy installations are having more positive impacts on property prices that at any time in the past.

Noise Pollution - Solar panels and the associated equipment is entirely silent. Certain people are affected by the low frequency noises that can be made by wind turbines, even in small scale residential based examples. Given that there are no moving components in solar panels in Cambridge, they don't make any noise.

Generate Income - The Government supported SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) pays energy customers for surplus renewable electricity they have created but not needed. The SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) scheme offers 3 monthly payments straight into your bank account, or can be applied as credit towards your energy bills. This will be set up as a short contract between you and your electricity supplier. By offering short term contracts as part of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), it provides customers the ability to swap providers and tariffs for better deals at the conclusion of their contractual obligation.

Reduced Bills - Our sun is the main free energy source we know. So, there isn't any reason not to reap the benefits of it - is there? Once the original expenditure has been paid out on your solar PV installation, you'll start to detect a drop in your monthly electricity bills. The magnitude of those savings could be between £90 - £370 each year on your electricity bill in the Cambridge area, but that will be subject to the size of your solar installation.

Low-Maintenance - Among the most attractive characteristics of solar power systems is that they require very little maintenance. The solar panels need only an annual clean and should give good service for a minimum of 25 years. You may need to upgrade the batteries if you are using battery storage, but these will become more efficient and longer lasting as the technology gets more advanced.

Low Carbon Footprint - Generating renewable, green energy for your household is possible using solar PV or thermal installations on your home. The use of such "green" systems can knock around two tonnes off your annual carbon emission tally.

When you are on the lookout for someone to fit your solar panel system, it is always a good idea to get at least 3 estimates from nearby solar installers. You could get recommendations from family members, friends or neighbours if they have recently had solar panels fitted. Always enquire about available grants and schemes when you're getting a quote, because this could make your solar panels more affordable and help with some of the costs.

Before accepting a quotation you should be able to look through a selection of solar panel installations accomplished by the company on comparable homes. A quality solar installation company in Cambridge will be proud to show off their history of clients and their experience in the installation industry, by providing a portfolio for you to look at.

An established solar panel installer in Cambridge ought to have membership or affiliation with at least one sustainable energy trade body. These specialist trade organisations offer training, advice and technological updates on everything related to the green energy sector. When it comes to choosing a solar installation specialist in Cambridge, it's much better to give preference to a company that is associated with a professional organisation such as:

REA - Within the renewable energy and clean technology sector, the premier trade body is the Renewable Energy Association (REA). It has approximately 550 company members and is devoted to offering training and influencing policy towards a zero carbon economy in the near future .

The Solar Trade Association - Working hand-in-hand with industry, Government agencies and local authorities, along with leading figures in the low-carbon and solar energy sector, the STA provides trailblazing technology training and solutions. Well respected within the solar sector, the Solar Trade Association has members ranging from small scale domestic installers to multi-national companies.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) - The MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the recognised mark all solar panel installers and solar equipment, ought to have in Britain. The MCS provides recognition in the solar PV industry, and is a benchmark of high quality for any solar installation company, plus all its provided solar energy equipment.

Is Solar Energy Worth Investing In?

We may not know precisely how it can help the environment, but most of us are aware that it's an alternative energy generator and what it does. As with all things, there are upsides and there are minuses, and you need to know both before you spend any cash.

It's a fact that using solar panels can greatly decrease one's energy costs, and this is one of the major incentives for people in Cambridge. A fantastic benefit of using solar panels is that you can say so long to those cash-draining monthly power bills. The disadvantage, however, is that the cost of converting to solar can be quite costly. Initially, have to fork out a large sum of money for the solar panels and installation, however in the long haul you're going to save money and you've basically got a no cost energy source once you've recovered your investment. Your payback period will obviously be longer if you are a light user of electrical energy, compared with somebody who is a heavy user. Some assistance with the upfront cost might be obtainable from your government if it's one of those that incentivizes switching to solar power.

In addition to it being a sound fiscal investment, solar energy is also not harmful to the environment - a big plus nowadays. Fossil fuels, the traditional sources of energy, are burned and emit greenhouse gases in such volume that they cannot be naturally recycled, and end up harming our natural habitat and our health - solar does none of these things. This means that solar energy does not contribute to the issue of global warming and it doesn't contribute towards acid rain either. The energy buzz-words, renewable and sustainable, are relevant to solar energy because it will be available to us as long as the sun continues to shine.

Solar panels, which are the "locomotive engines" of solar energy, are in essence flat and if set on rooftops are not eye-catching - if you place them on the ground, however, they can be as hard on the eye as wind turbines, something to be considered when deciding on their placement. Obviously, if direct sunlight is unablle to reach the panels, they would be useless, so they should be situated accordingly. The solar panels do not put out any noise or smell, which adds to their ability to combine in a subtle manneer with their surrounding.

And if you hate doing maintenance around the home, worry not - solar energy systems can work in the background, without you raising a finger, essentially for many decades. There are, however, issues with solar energy, one of the most crucial being they cannot make energy at night. No sunshine doesn't mean no energy however, because a back-up system such as a battery can be put in place. Installation can cost a little, but your solar energy is going to keep them constantly charged gratis.

All in all solar energy is surely worth checking out. It's clean and saves you money in the long term, despite the fact that there are initial costs to have it set up. Solar energy actually appears to be a good way to go if you want to look after the environment and also save money on energy.

Solar Panel Maintenance

Your property in Cambridge can benefit greatly from the installation of solar panels as they provide a consistent source of renewable energy, but keeping them properly maintained is crucial. The recommended cleaning frequency for solar panels is between 2 and 4 times a year, according to manufacturers. If your panels are generating less energy than normal, a monitoring station can detect this. Your panels could be affected by the build-up of dirt and other particles. By maintaining your panels regularly, you can make sure they are functioning at their highest efficiency. Maintaining ground mounted solar panels is more straightforward than maintaining roof mounted ones. Bounce back and mud splashes can affect ground-mounted panels during heavy rain, based on the ground they are installed upon. The panels must be inspected after hail, snow or thunderstorms to ensure they are in good condition.

Ground Source Heating Systems Cambridge

In Cambridge, homes and buildings can be heated using ground source heating systems, also referred to as geothermal heating systems, which use the consistent earth temperature as a source of heat. This renewable source of energy is environmentally friendly and highly efficient due to its ability to eliminate the use of fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions.

Circulating a water and antifreeze mixture through pipes that are buried deep underground is how a ground source heating system captures heat from the earth and transports it to a heat pump. Amplification of the heat and its distribution throughout the building is carried out by the heat pump.

Ground source heating systems may have a higher initial cost than conventional heating systems, but they offer long-term savings to homeowners through reduced energy bills and lower maintenance costs. Those in search of a sustainable and long-term heating solution should consider ground source heating systems as they're highly durable and can last for many years.

Reversing the heating process allows ground source heating systems to cool buildings in the summertime, providing both heating and cooling as an added benefit. Governments can provide financial incentives, such as tax credits and rebates, to home and business owners who install geothermal heating systems, making them a more accessible and affordable option for those interested in increasing energy efficiency and reducing their carbon footprint. In summation, when it comes to heating and cooling buildings and homes in Cambridge, geothermal or ground source heating systems offer an eco-friendly and sustainable solution with durability and long-term cost savings.

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 UK, a typical residential solar panel system can generate roughly 3 to 5 kilowatts (kW) of power. With an average daily electricity consumption of 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh), fulfilling those needs would require approximately 5 kW of solar panels. The precise number of panels will be contingent on factors such as wattage, efficiency, and other considerations. Seeking guidance from a reputable solar panel installer is recommended as they can provide a more accurate assessment customized to your specific requirements and conditions.

Solar Panel Cleaning

I would guess that fretting over how you are going to clean your panels would be more or less the last thing in your thoughts when you are first looking at installing solar panels in Cambridge. Nevertheless, it's advisable for you to keep in mind precisely how you're going to keep them clean right from the get-go, seeing as this can definitely have an impact on their efficiency. If you prefer to plan ahead, it is possible to have an automatic cleaning system installed for your solar panels, and this should be carried out concurrently with your panels are installed, if you opt to go with this option.

It's been widely declared that the natural action of the rain will keep your panels acceptably clean, although you should not take this as gospel. Although they may look like they are sufficiently clean when looking up from the ground, the overall efficiency of your panels could be diminished by a thin coating of grime and grease that accumulates over time. If you didn't choose the automatic cleaning system solution, you need to set up a regular cleaning timetable to prevent any major accumulation of grime. Power washers (for instance Karcher) have a number of innovative cleaning accessories, so it could be possible for you to clean your own solar energy panels. Alternatively, quite a few window cleaners in and around Cambridge advertise solar panel cleaning services, therefore you could ask around and see what's available.

Solar Panel Batteries

If you wish to store the electricity which is produced by your solar panels for use later, this can be achieved through the use of solar battery storage. This stored energy can then be used for powering your car, phone or home. Your exact needs will determine the size and capacity of solar batteries that you purchase. If you frequently use a refridgerator or air conditioner, for instance, a single battery will probably not be enough.

When shopping for a solar battery, you should also look at the DoD (Depth of Discharge) of the battery. The higher the DoD, the longer the battery should last. Over discharged or degraded batteries, will be less cost-efficient, as they store less energy. The capacity of the battery is crucial, as it determines how much electricity your home can use.

The battery can be charged to be used in the evening or at times when the sun is not out. This means that you will still save money even when your solar PV panels are not actually producing energy. Even on overcast days, your solar panels will still be providing cheap electricity. Any excess energy can be sold back the your electricity company, lowering your bills even more.

Solar PV Upgrades Cambridge

The long-term efficiency and effectiveness of a solar power system depend on upgrading its solar PV components. Upgrading existing solar panels can increase their output, improve their durability, and extend their lifespan, as technology progresses. One of the most common upgrades is replacing older solar panels with newer, more efficient models. Along with the increase in electricity generation, there is a corresponding decrease in the solar array's overall size. In addition to other upgrades, energy storage solutions, like batteries, can be installed to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight. Additionally, adding micro-inverters or upgrading existing inverters can improve the conversion efficiency of the system. Solar PV upgrades are an economical way to enhance the performance of solar power systems and achieve a greater return on investment over their lifespan.

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Solar Panels Near Cambridge

Also find: Teversham solar panel installers, Cherry Hinton solar panel installers, Girton solar panel installers, Milton solar panel installers, Grantchester solar panel installers, Chesterton solar panel installers, Grantchester Meadows solar panel installers, Fen Ditton solar panel installers, Horningsea solar panel installers, Trumpington solar panel installer services and more. To get solar installation quotes, Cambridge householders can go here.

Cambridge Solar Panel Tasks

Your local Cambridge solar panel engineers will be happy to help you out with a variety of alternative energy services including things like solar PV for business, smart home technology in Cambridge, alternative energy solutions, energy storage systems, 200 watt solar panels Cambridge, energy assessments Cambridge, solar panels for shed Cambridge, renewable energy solutions, LED lighting, the mounting of solar panels in Cambridge, Tesla Powerwall installation, commercial solar panel installations, ground source heating systems, solar panel maintenance, 300 watt solar panels Cambridge, the repair of solar panels, renewable heat installations, battery backup systems, solar panel installations, the installation of solar panels Cambridge, solar water heating systems, solar hot water system installation in Cambridge, green energy solutions, shower heat recovery systems, solar thermal heating Cambridge, biomass boiler installation, electric vehicle charging points, solar panel mounting, sustainable energy solutions, solar photovoltaic energy systems, cheap solar panels in Cambridge, solar panels, ground mounted solar panels, new build solar panel installation, solar panel bird proofing, and other similar services in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (CB1). Listed are just a few of the activities that are carried out by people specialising in solar panels. Cambridge professionals will keep you informed about their whole range of services.

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