Solar panel installers are professionals that concentrate on installing photovoltaic, or solar power, systems for either residential or commercial users. Solar panels are critical components of those systems. Some installers provide consultancy services to assist customers configure a system so that it best meets their requirements. The installer can be critical to the overall operational success of a photovoltaic system. Customers would do well to choose an installer after careful consideration.
Sunlight is free and capturing it to generate electricity has a low environmental impact on the planet. The popularity of photovoltaic systems has accordingly increased over the past decade in line with a rise in the cost of energy that, in turn, has been driven by a rise in the cost of crude oil and other hydrocarbons.
Installers are skilled trades people. They are usually qualified electricians. Selecting a knowledgeable installer is an important decision. Installers are usually accredited by an industry body. It is important for prospective customers to complete some basic research to determine whether an industry body exists and whether it (or a related body) manages an accreditation scheme. A list of accredited installers is usually made available by the accreditation body.
A cell can only generate electricity for instantaneous consumption. It cannot store electricity for later use. These battery-backed systems are usually installed in a way that allows both 12 and 24 volt direct current appliances to be powered direct from the battery, including light bulbs, radios and even televisions. Many different types of batteries can be used in conjunction with a photovoltaic system including well-known lead-acid and gel batteries.
Cells produce direct current (DC), as opposed to alternating current (AC), electricity. Most appliances in a modern household require 240 volt alternating current (AC). To convert direct current produced by a photovoltaic system and then stored in batteries to the alternating current (AC) required by most household appliances, a device known as an inverter needs to be incorporated into the system.
Panels are usually installed onto building roofs or ground-based purpose-built racks. To maximize their exposure to the sun, panels are positioned facing north in the southern hemisphere and facing south in northern hemisphere. In both hemispheres they are angled at about 30 degrees to the sun to maximize their efficiency.
In practice, most residential photovoltaic systems are connected to the mains public electricity grid. A household photovoltaic system generates electricity during sunlight hours and supplies surplus electricity to the grid and draws electricity from the grid during the night hours. The supplier of mains electricity to the household buys its surplus electricity during daylight hours.
The size of both a cell and panel can vary. Cells can range from the Lilliputian nanoscale to about a meter in long and wide. Panels vary in size according to the cells they house; they do not have any physical size limits apart from those required for handling and transportation. Solar panel installers are experienced in all these matters.
Get the ultimate inside scoop on reasons why you need to call in the assistance of trained solar panel installers now in our comprehensive review of everything you need to know about solar panels and solar electricity UK.
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