Solar Panel Installation Cambridge Cambridgeshire (CB1): The installation of solar energy panels is front and centre of many homeowner's thoughts just now, what with concerns about the environment and rising energy costs, it's not that surprising - but what are the advantages and drawbacks of fitting solar panels to your house in Cambridge? It is certainly an excellent time to be thinking about solar installations with Government financed schemes, such as the SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) offering ways of making money from your system.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
The creation of electricity using the energy from the sun is covered by the technical term "solar photovoltaic" or solar PV. A high quality solar installation on your house in Cambridge can get great results and power production, as there is adequate sunlight in this area to accomplish this. An effectively located solar panel installation can lower your electricity bills and even generate a small income through the SEG.
By sending in an application for a Green Homes Grant, you may even be able to lower the initial outlay of any solar panel systems that you install on your home. This was announced in July 2020 by the Government, and provides vouchers of between £5,000 - £10,000 for energy saving improvements on your home. Pair this scheme with the SEG and you will realise why now is the right time to seriously think about installing solar panels on your home in Cambridge.
SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS
Every home and business premises requires hot water, so why not use the sun to generate it? Even with the diminished quantity of sunlight you get in Cambridge during the winter months, you will need to waste less gas or electricity to get your water up to an acceptable temperature, and consequently lower your costs. And during the summer, pretty much all your requirements for hot water can be met by a solar thermal system which has been correctly and professionally installed on your roof.
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme is also offered to any homeowner in Cambridge who is using a photovoltaic thermal system to warm up their water. After being introduced to the business sector a few years earlier, the Renewable Heat Incentive was brought in for use in households in 2014. If you decide to take up the Renewable Heat Incentive, the plan continues for seven years and is supported by a government guarantee. All qualified participants of the RHI will get a quarterly cash disbursement for the duration of this scheme.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR SOLAR
You should keep in mind the following points if you feel that you're now all set to fit solar energy panels to the roof of your house in Cambridge:
- Does your roof face in a southerly or south-westerly direction? - This helps optimise the performance of the solar PV by capturing the largest possible amount of sunshine.
- What impact on property values can solar installations have? - Solar energy installations have been found to both positively and negatively influence property prices. As consciousness grows regarding climate changes and the environment, it's been noticed that the positive impacts on house prices have increased.
- Is planning permission necessary for your area or property? - In most instances you should not need planning permission for installing solar panels on your home in Cambridge. Only if your property is listed, in a conservation area or if you've got a flat roof will you have to check out the constraints in place with your local council.
- Does your roof have any tall buildings or overhanging trees nearby that shade it? - Any amount of shade on the solar panels will greatly reduce their working capability and may even render them largely ineffective.
SOLAR - THE BENEFITS
Lowering Your Carbon Footprint - Generating green, renewable energy in your family is realistic using solar PV or thermal systems on your property. The application of such "green" systems can remove around 2 tonnes from your yearly carbon emission total.
Noise Pollution - There is no sound associated with solar installations. Property owners can be disturbed by the sounds which are generated by other renewable energy options - wind turbines for example. Solar panel installations don't have any moving components - thus there is nothing to make a noise.
Maintenance - There is hardly any maintenance necessary for solar installations in Cambridge. Besides occasional cleaning, the solar panels can be left alone and will continue to work and generate electricity for a minimum of twenty five years. The things that might need changing are the batteries (should you decide on this form of storage system), although these are getting better and more efficient with developments in technology.
Reducing Bills - There's no charge for the biggest source of energy that we know: the sun. Therefore why not make use of this free energy in your home? Once the original investment has been made on your solar installation, you will start to detect a decrease in your power costs. Precisely how much that is will depend upon the extent of your solar panel installation, but even an average sized PV system can give a saving of between £90 - £370 annually on your electricity bill in the Cambridge area.
Extra Income - If your solar system produces more power than you use, you're able to sell this back to your utility supplier using the SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) scheme. You can receive this payment either as a credit towards your 3 monthly electricity bill, or as a cash amount paid straight to you. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a Government endorsed, short term contract between the house owner and the electricity supplier. By providing short contracts as part of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), it gives customers the ability to swap suppliers and tariffs for cheaper deals at the end of their contractual obligation.
FINDING A QUALIFIED INSTALLER
Try to obtain a minimum of 3 quotations from different suppliers in Cambridge and never hesitate to ask family, friends or neighbours for advice if they've had a solar panel installation on their property. You should, when obtaining a quote from a solar panel company in Cambridge, check if they know about any subsidies or grants from local councils and organisations, which could help to reduce your initial expenditure.
Before you home in on any specific solar panel installer, you should ask to see some information about projects that have been accomplished in the past. A professional company in Cambridge will have a portfolio of clients and installations, for you to see their standard of work and industry experience.
The green energy industry is serviced by various professional bodies, organisations and associations. For all elements of solar, and sustainable energy sourced generating systems, these bodies offer training, support and qualifications on all equipment, working practices and health & safety. Membership to one or more of the following alternative energy bodies ought to be a requirement before deciding on any Cambridge solar panel installer.
REA - In the clean technology and alternative energy sector, the REA (Renewable Energy Association) is the United Kingdom's largest trade body for professionals. The REA is dedicated to providing a training program and swaying policy towards net-zero carbon emissions, and currently has roughly five hundred and fifty members. The Renewable Energy Association is a not-for-profit operation and its members include: installers, equipment manufacturers, fuel distributers, project developers, generators and service providers. These range from large multi-national companies down to the humblest sole traders.
The Solar Trade Association - Working along with Government, local authorities and industry to make available the very best solar technology solutions, the Solar Trade Association operates on the leading edge of technology. The STA is a widely respected organisation in the solar energy industry and its members range from vast multinationals to small scale residential installers.
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) - The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the mark all solar panel installers and solar equipment, should have in the UK. Approval by the MCS for a contractor shows that it's workforce is competent in the proper methods of installation, and that its solar equipment equipment is of top quality and fully approved. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme supports the following low-carbon technologies: biomass, battery storage, ASHPs (air source heat pumps) and solar photovoltaic panels.
You should be able to uncover solar panel services in Cambridge, and adjacent places like: Impington, Cherry Hinton, Chesterton, Haslingfield, Cottenham, Girton, Little Shelford, Fen Ditton, St Neots, Little Eversden, Great Shelford, Oakington, Harston, Fulbourn, Harlton, Bottisham, Lode, Milton, Grantchester Meadows, Petersfield, Comberton, Grantchester, Teversham, Hauxton, Trumpington, Great Wilbraham, Horningsea, Madingley, Newtown, Newmarket. Areas with postcodes like CB1 0PJ, CB1 0FS, CB1 0RF, CB1 0AW, CB1 0DT, CB1 0PL, CB1 0UQ, CB1 0PE, CB1 0LB, and CB1 1AS can also be covered. If a solar panel installer has the telephone code 01223 and the postcode CB1, it's very likely that they come from somewhere in local area. Checking this out should guarantee that you're accessing a locally based solar panel installer. Local property owners can use these and other comparable services as and when they need to.
Solar Energy Pluses and Minuses
Individuals in Cambridge are always searching for ways to save money, and make their lives easier. Solar power is one of the growing trends but is it really worth it? You will find many purposes for solar energy, for example central heating, electricity, cooking, and even for desalination. Despite the fact that solar energy has been applauded as the perfect, eco-friendly source of clean energy, it also has some disadvantages. The principle advantage of solar power is that it is clean, and that you only need the sun's rays to create heat or electricity. Standard fuels don't need to be put together in order to create the energy. The devices necessary to generate the solar energy are solar collectors, or solar panels.
Another appealing factor is that solar energy can save you a lot of money on heaters, since it is cheaper than electric heating. Depending on were you reside, when electricity isn't accessible to you, solar energy is a great assistance. You will discover several different ways by which solar energy can contribute to your savings and help power the electronics in your home. If you want fresh water you could drink, solar energy can convert salt water into fresh water. The salt water disappears when the solar energy is applied in this approach leaving behind salt crystals. Another basin will be ready to hold the drinking water after it condenses.
At this point, it seems like solar energy is the greatest system imaginable with nothing but positives, but to get the complete picture the negatives need to be revealed also. The biggest disadvantage is that you need loads of solar panels in order to utilize solar energy. Solar powered energy is cheap theoretically, but these solar panels can be expensive in addition to the maintenance costs associated with them. Solar energy costs nothing but the tools required to harness that energy are not, and so you will need to see if you will actually save money in the long run versus losing money in the short term.
If the sun isn't always out where you live, it is a huge disadvantage because it may not be worth it for you. Locations where there is a lot of over cast, rainy weather, the collection of solar energy will not be as effective. Before you decide to start purchasing solar panels, make sure that you have adequate sunlight throughout the entire year to make it worthwhile. There is certainly plenty of sunlight if you live in a desert, and you don't have to worry about this issue.
Another concern you should take note of is how prolonged your days last and if there are a lot of shorter days, it can be unfavorable for solar energy. Being able to access electricity or hot water during the night might be a complication because of this. On account of that, you will need a back-up system, like your old power grid, or a battery system that stores the solar energy for later use.
How Many Solar Panels Does it Take to Run a House?
The requirement for the number of solar panels to power a house varies depending on factors like location, energy consumption, panel efficiency, and available space. Roughly estimated, a typical residential solar panel system in the United Kingdom generates approximately 3 to 5 kilowatts (kW) of power. Approximately 5 kW of solar panels would be needed to fulfill those needs, based on an average daily electricity consumption of 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Other factors, along with their wattage and efficiency, will determine the precise number of panels needed. For a more precise assessment that takes into consideration your specific requirements and conditions, it is advisable to consult a qualified solar installer.
Ground Source Heating Systems
Ground source heating systems, known as geothermal heating systems as well, employ the stable earth temperature as an energy source to warm homes and buildings situated in Cambridge. This renewable energy source is environmentally friendly and highly efficient, as it reduces emissions of carbon and eliminates the need to burn fossil fuels.
Circulating a water and antifreeze mixture through pipes that are buried deep underground is how a geothermal heating system captures heat from the earth and transports it to a heat pump. The heat pump carries out the task of amplifying the heat and distributing it throughout the building.
Ground source heating systems may have a higher initial cost than traditional heating systems, but they offer long-term savings to householders through lower maintenance costs and reduced energy bills. These systems are a smart investment for those who want a long-term and sustainable heating solution, as they are highly durable and can last for several years.
An additional benefit of geothermal heating systems is their ability to cool buildings in warm weather by reversing the heating process, providing both heating and cooling. In addition, some governments offer financial incentives, such as tax credits and rebates, for home and business owners who install geothermal heating systems, making them a more accessible and affordable option for those interested in increasing energy efficiency and reducing their carbon footprint. Overall, geothermal or ground source heating systems are an excellent choice for those seeking a sustainable and environmentally friendly heating and cooling solution with durability and long-term cost savings.
Solar PV Upgrades
Solar PV upgrades are an essential aspect of ensuring the long-term effectiveness and efficiency of a solar power system. The advancement of technology enables upgrades to existing solar energy panels, which can improve their durability, increase their output, and extend their lifespan. The replacement of less efficient solar panels with newer, more efficient versions is a popular upgrade for solar power systems. The increase in electricity generation is accompanied by a reduction in the overall solar array's footprint. To complement other upgrades, installing energy storage solutions, such as batteries, can store excess energy generated during the day for use when sunlight is not available. Upgrading inverters or adding micro-inverters can also enhance the conversion efficiency of the system. Solar PV upgrades can provide benefits for both domestic and business users, as well as utility-scale solar power plants. Upgrading can result in the optimisation of energy output, reduced maintenance costs and downtime, and an overall improvement in the energy grid's reliability. In summary, solar PV upgrades are a cost-effective means of optimizing solar power systems' performance and achieving a higher return on investment.
Solar Panel Cleaning
More or less the last thing on your mind when you're looking to have solar photovoltaic panels installed in Cambridge, is how to get them cleaned. Even so, it is wise for you to consider exactly how you are going to keep them clean right from the get-go, seeing as this can definitely have an impact on their efficiency. Automatic cleaning systems can be bought for solar panels, and if this might be of interest to you, it is a good idea to have them mounted at the same time as your panels, although obviously this is going to push up your initial outlay.
You shouldn't just settle for the widely touted belief that the natural action of the rain will keep your panels clean. When they have not been cleaned properly, solar panels will normally suffer some build-up of grease and dirt, although this may not be obvious when looking from ground level. To ensure that a substantial accumulation of grime doesn't arise, an annual cleaning timetable will need to be arranged. You may be able to accomplish this yourself - there are a number of attachments available for pressure washers (such as Karcher). Or you might prefer to strike a deal with a local Cambridge solar panel cleaning company, or perhaps even a window cleaner (many of them offer this service). (Tags: Solar Panel Cleaning Cambridge)
Cambridge Solar Panel Tasks
Your local Cambridge solar panel engineers will be glad to help you with numerous renewable energy services including shower heat recovery in Cambridge, solar energy installations, solar panel repairs in Cambridge, cheap solar panels, 100w solar panels Cambridge, LED lighting, new build solar panel installation in Cambridge, solar thermal energy solutions Cambridge, solar panel systems Cambridge, green energy solutions Cambridge, solar thermal heating installations, solar panel advice in Cambridge, solar panel mounting, house solar panels in Cambridge, alternative energy solutions, solar panel fitting, solar hot water systems, solar battery storage, solar panel installation quotes, the mounting of solar panels, solar panel installation Cambridge, solar thermal installations, the supply and installation of solar PV systems in Cambridge, solar PV inverters Cambridge, ground mounted solar panels, thermal solar panels, solar panels with battery, solar panel bird proofing, ground source heating systems Cambridge, solar panel relocation, energy requirement assessments, solar panels for garages in Cambridge, solar PV panel installations Cambridge, renewable energy solutions, solar panels for greenhouses, and other similar services in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (CB1). Listed are just some of the duties that are accomplished by those installing solar panels. Cambridge providers will tell you about their whole range of solar services.
Solar Panels Near Cambridge
Also find: Madingley solar panel installers, Lode solar panel installers, Grantchester Meadows solar panel installers, Chesterton solar panel installers, Great Wilbraham solar panel installers, Little Shelford solar panel installers, Newtown solar panel installers, Harlton solar panel installers, St Neots solar panel installers, Harston solar panel installers, Bottisham solar panel installers, Trumpington solar panel installers, Cottenham solar panel installers, Fulbourn solar panel installers, Horningsea solar panel installers, Grantchester solar panel installers, Haslingfield solar panel installers, Little Eversden solar panel installers, Comberton solar panel installers, Milton solar panel installers, Impington solar panel installers, Fen Ditton solar panel installers, Oakington solar panel installers, Petersfield solar panel installers, Teversham solar panel installers, Cherry Hinton solar panel installers, Newmarket solar panel installers, Hauxton solar panel installers, Great Shelford solar panel installers, Girton solar panel installers and more. All these locations are covered by companies who install solar panels. Local householders can get quotations by clicking here.
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