How does solar energy work?

Solar energy systems can be divided into two basic categories - Solar Thermal (water and sometimes space heating) and Solar Photovoltaic (electricity generation).

Solar thermal is simpler, cheaper to install and is widely used as a low-tech method of cutting energy bills by capturing solar energy and using it to heat water for hot water tanks or for heating living spaces.

Solar Photovoltaic turns the sun’s heat into electricity using solar panels to convert the heat into electricity which can be used in the home or sold back to your electricity supplier when not required.

The rapid growth of solar energy can be seen by looking at planned growth in UK solar consumption.

Solar energy use accounted for -

• 129 kilo tons of oil equivalent (ktoe) in 2000.
• 431 ktoe in 2010 (projected)
• 828 ktoe in 2020 (projected)

Solar energy is falling in price to match the cost of conventional fossil fuel electricity far sooner than previously expected, the UK’s largest solar company has claimed in a new report. Solarcentury said British homeowners will see solar achieve “grid parity”?

Solar energy generated at home can also be used to light up your home and even heat your home. Hence you can imagine how much money you are saving annually by using this alternate source of power. Solar energy is directly from the Sun. Solar energy works entirely independently, it does not require any external connections, so it can be used effectively and easily anywhere. Systems can be set up anywhere even in remote locations as well.

Solar Radiation across the UK

Solar energy is everywhere, it’s abundant and we’ll practically never run out. Even in mid winter we are blessed with a moderate amount of natural daylight provided courtesy of the sun. Solar energy can be used to power cars, boats, generators during emergencies, toys, security systems and even for your home. Solar energy is also used as a power for satellites in space and in space shuttles. Solar energy systems primary expertise lies with solar water heating. Solar water heating is the name given to the process where we use the power of the sun to heat up your hot water.

For more information on the separate areas and information on the Clean Energy Cash-back Incentive use the menu bar above or click the links below:-

Solar Hot Water

Solar Electricity

Clean Energy Cash-back

Or contact us directly on 0800 954 6134 to learn more about how solar power could benefit you.