Solar panels are the up-and-coming electrical system in many homes across the UK because generating your own energy not only means being self-sufficient, being less affected by energy disruptions but also saving the environment.
Solar Power and The Future of the Technology
Solar power has come a long way in recent years and is becoming an increasingly popular and important renewable energy source. It’s likely that you’ll see more and more solar panel-covered roofs appearing across the neighbourhood.
The future of solar power technology is very promising as the technology continues to advance and become more efficient in heating homes!
Improving Efficiency
The efficiency of solar panels has improved over recent years, and advancements in this sector mean that they can generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight. Making them even more cost-effective!
Silicon is a great example of the enhancements that are improving how solar panels create energy. Silicon is now used in around 95% of all solar panels and prevents the wastage of lots of potential energy.
Silicon allows this boost in efficiency as silicon solar cells have an efficiency of over 20%, a statistic that is much higher than other types of photovoltaic cells.
Another advantage of silicon is that it is a non-toxic material, and its usage in solar panels across residential, industrial and commercial buildings doesn’t harm the environment.
Making it a great environmentally-friendly option that improves the efficiency of heating your home.
Energy Storage
Energy storage is another area of innovation in solar power technology that continues to improve. One of the challenges with solar power is that weather can be unreliable, and therefore we cannot trust the sun to always be available to provide us with a constant power supply.
Advancements in energy storage technology, such as batteries, have made this challenge redundant. It is now possible to store excess energy and utilise it at night or on a cloudy day.
Saving it for a rainy day, for example.
How to Choose Which Supplier Is Right for You
Choosing a supplier for solar panel installation can be difficult, and there are a few different components you need to keep in mind while researching, planning and purchasing the products.
Here’s a rundown of some top tips to help you in this process:
Accredited Installers
The installer that you choose should always be MCS accredited. This accreditation guarantees the quality and reliability of approved products and installation. Researching your installers and gathering facts to help you make an informed decision will ensure you get industry-level quality for solar panel installation.
There are a few accreditations to look out for when looking for the ideal installer. Solar panels are a complex electrical system; if you want quality, you must go to a quality provider.
Look out for the following accreditations that are big green flags for installers:
REAL (Renewable Energy Assurance Limited)
STA (Solar Trade Association)
RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code)
These accreditations will ensure your solar panel installation occurs and works smoothly! These also reflect the professionalism of the company and the customer service it will provide.
Quotes
Quotes are your best friend when it comes to getting the right fit for you when finding your solar panel supplier. And these are often free online!
The rule of three is crucial in this process as shopping will ensure you get the best deal that suits your individual needs.
So if you’re looking for the perfect way to save money, save the environment, and save yourself hassle, get at least three quotes from different suppliers to cover your back. You never know what incredible incentives and deals are out there if you don’t look.
Asking Solar Panel owners
Don’t be afraid to ask your neighbours who have already made the money-smart switch. They can be a great source of information!
These real customers are often more reliable and willing than online customer reviews or support. Many soon-to-be solar panel owners create a ‘pros and cons’ list. This is a great way to visualise the benefits of each supplier and highlight some points of disinterest.
Tapping into your neighbours’ research and personal experiences will kick-start your research on solar panels.
To learn more about solar panels, the best solar panel installers and what should impact your decisions when investing your hard-earned money into the project, visit GreenMatch: https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/solar-energy/solar-panels/solar-panel-installers.
This article was written by GreenMatch.
