What are solar photovoltaic (PV) panels?
- Solar PV panels capture the sun’s energy in cells and convert this energy into electricity to be used in the home. Solar PV panels work effectively even on cloudy days, because they aren’t reliant on direct sunlight.
How do solar PV panels work?
- Solar PV panels convert sunlight into electricity for your home. When light from the sun shines on the panel, photovoltaic cells create an electrical charge. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced. But photovoltaic cells don’t need direct sunlight to work and can even work on cloudy days.
- The electrical charge creates a direct current (DC) of electricity. The direct current passes through a solar inverter to turn it into alternating current (AC) electricity. You need AC electricity to run your household appliances.
- Most photovoltaic panel systems don’t normally store electricity. Any electricity that isn’t used in the home will be exported back to the National Grid.
- Any electricity being generated can be used in your home while the panels are producing power, which may help reduce your electricity costs. Any unused electricity is automatically exported to the national grid. The solar panels remain the property of Hastoe, and any income generated by the system, such as Feed-in Tariff (FIT) payments, is paid to Hastoe. While we aim to keep systems safe and in good condition, we cannot guarantee how much electricity the panels will generate or that they will always provide electricity for use in your home.
- Hastoe has installed Dimplex Free-E devices to a small number of properties where heating upgrades have taken place, the property already had photovoltaic panels, or where installing photovoltaic panels was part of the upgrade.
- The Dimplex Free-E devices divert surplus energy not used in the home to the hot water tank heater. This is instead of transferring it back to the grid. The energy is then used to heat water for your house.
How do I use the panels efficiently?
- Run household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers during daylight hours, to make the most of the energy generated.
- Charge electrical items such as phones during daylight hours.
- You should also avoid using multiple appliances at once, as this may exceed the electricity being generated by the panels.
What happens if my panels stop working?
- If a solar panel system stops working, Hastoe will assess the situation and decide whether it should be repaired, replaced or removed. This decision will take into account factors such as health and safety, the cost of the work and whether it represents good value for money.
- In some cases, we may choose not to repair or replace a system if it is no longer working and the costs outweigh the benefits. However, we will carry out work where necessary to address health and safety concerns, meet legal requirements, or prevent damage to the property.
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