Solar Panels FAQ's

Solar Panels FAQ's

FAQ's and myths of solar panels, find out more about how solar panels produce solar electricity, and solar hot water is benefiting UK homes from harnessing the power of solar energy.

PV Solar panels FAQ

Q. How does a solar panel produce electricity?

A. Solar panels are made from many different types of silicon crystal but mainly Crystalline Silicon which is cut into small thin discs, chemically treated which then becomes photo sensitive. When this material is exposed to daylight it produces electricity.

Q. Do PV solar panels work in the rain?

A. Yes, Water does not affect solar panels from working, as the panels are still exposed to natural daylight.

Q. Will solar panels work at night?

A. Unfortunately no, solar panels require daylight for the Crystalline Silicon which is photo sensitive to produce electricity.

Q. Are solar panels noisy?

A. No, as solar panels have no mechanical parts only electronic they are 100% silent.

Q. Will PV solar panels work in the winter?

A. Yes, temperature has no bearing on the efficiency of a solar panel. If you visit places such as Alaska you will find solar panels there. Providing daylight can penetrate a light covering of snow the answer is yes the solar panel will operate. However, should the solar panel be covered with a dense layer of snow which prevents the penetration of daylight, this would have to be cleared to allow daylight onto panels.

Q. Will PV solar panels run my hot water?

A. No, only thermal solar panels will be able to provide your domestic hot water.

Q. Do I have to clean my solar panels?

A. PV solar panels operate more efficiently when clean but this does not mean you have to clean them every week. Depending where you live we would estimate every 12 months. Many people pay their window cleaner to wash them and that is it until another year.

Solar hot water panels FAQ

Q. Will solar hot water panels operate my central heating?

A.Unfortunatley thermal solar panels only operate efficiently during the months from about April to September, after this the climate is too cold to produce adequate hot water when it would be required.

Q. Will I have to alter my plumbing if I have a solar hot water system?

A. The only alteration that will be required will be a new twin coiled hot water cylinder, and minor pipe work alterations to transfer the heat from the solar hot water panels into your domestic hot water system.

Q. Will thermal solar heating work on a cloudy day?

A. Yes, Solar water heating use thermal solar panels, called collectors, when installed on your roof. These will collect heat from the sun and use it to heat your water. No doubt you will have felt the heat from the sun on a cloudy or even got sun burnt.

Q. Will I need planning permission to install solar hot water panels?

A. Generally no, however if you live in a listed building or conservation area planning may have to be requested. Note Clarence house has just had panels fitted onto the roof.

Q. Will my solar hot water system require maintenance?

A. providing the system has been installed by an approved installer who will fully guarantee the system. The installation should only require servicing around every 4 years or so, as there very little to go wrong. The lifetime of the system is estimated at 25 years and during this time the pump or a valve may need replacing, which is a very easy job and inexpensive.