Solar photovoltaic (PV) -  can either replace or supplement your existing electricity supply. It is different from solar thermal, which uses the sun’s rays to heat water. 

At home, the size of the system is unlikely to be large enough to generate electricity for all your needs, especially at night when there is no light, which means that you’ll still be connected to the grid.

A solar electric system consists of solar panels (to create electricity) and an inverter (to convert that electricity into a form which can be used at home). The panels can be fitted onto your roof or placed in any other unshaded area.

What’s so great about solar electric?

• Generates free electricity to power your appliances
• Saves you money - a typical domestic system provides c. 50% of your electricity needs
• Makes you money - the ‘Clean Energy Cashback’ scheme will pay you for every unit of solar electricity you create over the next 25 years (click here for more info)
• Protects you against rising energy bills
• Gives you greater energy independence
• Can increase the value of your home
• Easy to install
• Requires little maintenance - generally limited to hosing / dusting them every year

Does it work in the UK?

Absolutely! In the UK we receive approximately 1000 kWh of solar energy per m2 each year – this is the same as parts of Germany, France and Argentina. In fact, given the huge success of solar panels in Germany, it is clear that the technology works very well in our part of the world.