Solar Panel Installation Hitchin Hertfordshire (SG4): The installation of solar energy panels is front and centre of many householder's thoughts at the moment, what with ever rising energy costs and fears for the environment, it's not that surprising - however what are the advantages and drawbacks of fitting solar panels to your home in Hitchin? There are Government schemes and grants to reduce the outlay, and the Smart Export Guarantee, that succeeded the feed-in tariff scheme in 2019, can even deliver a modest income from your solar installation.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
The production of electricity from solar energy is epitomised by Solar Photovoltaics (PV). The Hitchin area's significant sunlight levels render Solar PV a decent option for electricity generation efficiency. The potential for residents in Hitchin to substantially reduce their electricity bills and achieve a modest return on investment is unlocked when they embrace Solar PV and participate in the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Businesses and homeowners can contribute to a sustainable energy future and reap financial benefits by selling surplus electricity generated back to the energy company through this scheme.
To help householders in Hitchin save energy and lower their carbon footprint, they can access the government backed Green Homes Grant to reduce any expenditure on a solar PV installation. By way of this scheme, which was announced by the Government in the summer of 2020, if you are looking at doing energy saving renovations to your home, you can submit an application for up to £10,000 in grants. So, when you look at the fact that you can combine the benefits of the SEG with assistance from the Green Homes Grant, you may think that now is the ideal time to install solar panels onto your property in Hitchin.
SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS
By using free power from the sun's rays, solar thermal systems will enable you to lower your hot water bills. The employment of a solar powered thermal solution will see your water, even during the coldest winters, being heated, thus lowering the gas or electricity needed to get it up to a suitable temperature. As the months warms up you'll be aware that your energy bills reduce even more, and summer time should see all your hot water demands being satisfied by a thermal solar powered system.
The Renewable Heat Incentive scheme is also accessible to any home owner in Hitchin who's using a photovoltaic thermal installation to heat their water. After its initial take up in the business marketplace in 2011, the RHI scheme was also offered to residential users on the 9th April 2014. For anybody changing to renewable heating options, including solar powered thermal systems, it offers a seven year support package. You will receive a cash payout every 3 months throughout a 7 year period, if your home in Hitchin qualifies for the Renewable Heat Incentive.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR SOLAR
Prior to starting any solar installation on your property in Hitchin, there are a number of things to keep in mind:
- Does your roof face in a southerly or south-westerly direction? - Solar energy panels need to face in this direction in the Northern Hemisphere to capture the maximum possible amount of light from the sun's rays.
- Does your property's roof get sunlight throughout the day, or is it sometimes shaded by buildings or vegetation? - Shade will reduce the effectiveness of any solar panel and severe shading could even render them useless.
- Are you the owner of a home which may need planning permission to install solar panels? - In most cases you should not require planning permission for the installation of solar panels to your house in Hitchin. But if you own a listed building, reside in a conservation area or have a flat roof, you will need to double-check with your local authority of any constraints that may exist.
- Does the installation of solar panels on my house have an effect on its market value? - The simple, but not really useful assessment from the Homeowners Association is that solar panels can have both a positive and negative effect on the market value of your property. Recent research shows however, that owing to the growing environmental awareness, solar energy installations are having more positive impacts on property prices than at any other time.
THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR
Generate Income - There's a fair chance that your solar array will generate more electricity than you actually need. In which case this unused electricity can be sold back to your utility provider through the Government supported SEG. This may be in the form of a credit to your power bill every three months, or as a cash payment. This is in the form of a short contract which is set up between the electricity provider and the homeowner. Moving from one provider to another to get a better tariff when a contract expires is then possible, and you're not bound to one company.
Low Carbon Footprint - To help lessen your carbon footprint, the installation of either a solar thermal or solar PV system on your dwelling in Hitchin will mean that you can create renewable, green energy. Approximately 2 tonnes can be removed from your polluting carbon emissions each year, through the employment of such "green" systems.
Reducing Bills - The greatest available source of free energy is the sun. So, you should make the most of the opportunity! Apart from the initial outlay of installing your solar panels, there are little or no maintenance charges to worry about, and you will start to notice a lowering of your power bills fairly quickly. Property owners in Hitchin can save as much as £370 per year on their electricity bill (2020 prices), with an average sized solar installation.
Noise Pollution - This is a form of silent technology, with no sound emitted by the solar panels or their associated equipment. Even in small household based situations, some property owners are annoyed by the noise given off by wind generators. Essentially there are no moving components with a solar PV system, therefore there is nothing that can make a noise.
Low-Maintenance - The low maintenance needs of solar power systems makes them even more appealing. The solar panels that are available right now should last for something like 25 years and generally need little more than a yearly clean. The components which might have to be changed are the batteries (if you go for this kind of storage solution), although these are becoming better with developments in battery technology.
FINDING A CERTIFIED INSTALLER
Try to get a minimum of three estimates from different providers in Hitchin and don't hesitate to ask friends, neighbours or family for advice if they've had a solar installation on their property. You should enquire about grants and schemes when you are obtaining the quotations, because this can make your solar PV system more affordable.
Before you set your heart on any particular solar installation company, you should always ask if you can see some information about work that has been accomplished in the past. A professional and experienced solar installation firm in Hitchin will have a portfolio to showcase the quality of their workmanship on all sorts of properties.
An established solar panel installer in Hitchin really should have affiliation with or membership of at least one alternative energy trade body. Offering training, safety regulations and technology advances to their paid up members, these professional bodies are vital for any individual or company involved in the green energy marketplace. When you're searching for a contractor to carry out your solar installation in Hitchin, you should give preference to one that is a registered member of at least one of the following trade bodies.
The Solar Trade Association - Continually at the forefront of low-carbon technology, the STA works alongside Government, industry and local councils to provide solar solutions across the country. Well respected by the solar sector, the STA has members ranging from multi-national corporations to localised residential installers.
REA - This is the primary trade body in the alternative energy and clean technology sector in the UK. It represents roughly five hundred and fifty company members and is committed to providing training and moulding Government policy towards a zero carbon economy . The REA (Renewable Energy Association) is a non-profit organisation and its members include: project developers, equipment manufacturers, service providers, installers, fuel distributers and energy generators. These cover anything from massive multinationals down to sole traders.
MCS - Only Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified companies must carry out solar PV system installations in Hitchin. It shows that an engineer is fully trained in the proper methods of the installation of any renewable energy equipment, and that the system provided has been authorised for this use. The MCS advocates the following low-carbon technologies: ASHPs (air source heat pumps), biomass heating systems, solar photovoltaic panels and solar battery storage.
It's not only in Hitchin where you can hire solar panel providers - neighbouring places like: Weston, Ashbrook, Ickleford, Pegsdon, Holwell, Lower Stondon, Offley, Letchworth Garden City, Lilley, Pirton, Gosmore, St Ippolyts, Kings Walden, Walsworth, Little Wymondley, Preston are also covered. Solar panel installers from the local area should have the phone code 01462 and the postcode SG4. This information is useful if you wish to check that you're considering a local solar panel installer. Local householders can access these renewable energy services as and when necessary. If you want to obtain solar energy info for your area, click on the "quote" form or banner.
Is Solar Energy Worth the Investment?
We're likely all aware that using solar energy will help battle global warming, although we don't really know how. As with all other things, there are advantages and there are cons, and you have to know both before expending any cash.
The longer term savings promises are perhaps the strongest attraction for folks in Hitchin getting solar panels. Getting your energy needs from a solar installation immediately starts to save you money through not having to pay for electrical energy. The disadvantage, however, is that the cost of converting to solar can be rather high. Yes, you end up with free power, but your initial monthly savings over a period is going to go towards recouping your considerable upfront cost for the solar panels and installation. Your payback period will apparently be longer if you are a light user of electricity, compared with someone who is a heavy user. Some governments offer incentives for using solar energy, which may help towards the cost of installing solar panels.
Many people right now are concerned about decreasing their carbon footprint, and solar energy scores well in this area. Fossil fuels, the traditional energy sources, are burned and emit greenhouse gases in such volume that they cannot be naturally reprocessed, and end up doing damage to our environment and our health - solar does none of these things. The immediate consequence is that neither global warming nor acid rain is added to. The energy buzz-words, renewable and sustainable, are relevant to solar energy as it will be available to us as long as the sun keeps shining.
Also, solar energy is rather discreet as it can be put on the top of buildings, meaning it's not an eyesore unlike wind turbines; nonetheless, if you have solar panels on the ground, they can affect the landscape just like wind turbines, so it's important to think about their location and placement. Of course, to generate energy in an efficient manner, the panel should be placed in direct sun. Likewise, solar panels don't make any noise and odorless, so pull in no attention in this way.
Another fantastic thing about solar systems is that as soon as they're installed, you can essentially leave them, since they require little maintenance. Among the handful hassles with solar, though, maybe the worst is that they can't work in the night. In order to have energy at night, you can put in a battery, or other back-up system. The only cost here is for putting them in place, because they can be recharged for free with solar energy.
If you're searching for another power source, solar is a very great pick. It is going to cost you a bit to get it set up, but later on it will save you money in the long haul, added to which there is no harmful effect on the environment. Solar energy by all odds looks like an excellent way to go if you want to look after the environment and also save money on energy.
Solar Panel Batteries
If you wish to store the electricity which is produced by your solar PV panels for later use, this can be achieved with batteries. Your home, appliances or phone can be powered by these batteries. The capacity and size of your batteries will be based upon your needs. If you regularly use a refridgerator or air conditioning, for example, just one battery will not be sufficient.
When shopping for solar batteries for your new system, you should certainly take into account the DoD (or Depth of Discharge). The higher the depth of discharge, the longer the battery will last. The least cost-efficient batteries are the ones that are degraded or over discharged, because less power is stored. The capacity of a solar battery is important, because it will determine how much electricity you can use.
The battery can be charged up to be used at night or during times when the sun is not out. This can save you money on your energy bills. Free electricity will still be available, even on overcast days when less power is being produced. You can also receive payments back from the utility company for electricity you don't use.
Solar PV Upgrades
Solar PV upgrades are a vital component in maintaining a solar power system's effectiveness and efficiency over time. As technology continues to advance, upgrading existing solar power panels can improve their durability, increase their output and extend their lifespan. Replacing older solar panels with newer, more efficient models is a typical upgrade for solar power systems. This not only increases the amount of electricity generated but also reduces the overall footprint of the solar array. Installing energy storage solutions, such as batteries, is another option for upgrades, allowing for excess energy to be stored and used during periods of low sunlight. Additionally, upgrading inverters or adding micro-inverters can improve the conversion efficiency of the system.
Solar Panel Inspections Hitchin
Solar panel inspections play a vital role in guaranteeing solar energy systems' efficiency and longevity. Wiring, photovoltaic modules, inverters, and support structures are subject to a thorough examination during these assessments to pinpoint damage, defects, or issues with performance. Checking for debris, dust, and shading that might obstruct energy production, inspectors also validate safety measures and electrical connections. Maximising energy output and avoiding expensive repairs, regular inspections play a pivotal role in detecting potential issues early. Their contribution extends to bolstering the overall sustainability of renewable energy, as they maintain the reliability of solar installations in Hitchin and ensure efficient solar power utilisation.
Solar Panel Maintenance Hitchin
Investing in solar panels for your Hitchin property is a shrewd decision since they offer a dependable source of green energy, but that investment is only worthwhile if you maintain them correctly. The recommended cleaning frequency for solar panels is between two and four times a year, according to producers. The use of a monitoring system can help you identify if your panels are producing less energy than they should be. This issue could be caused by dirty panels due to an accumulation of debris. By maintaining your panels regularly, you can make sure they are functioning at their highest efficiency. Ground mounted solar panels are simpler to keep in good condition compared to roof mounted options. Mud splashes and bounce-back can affect ground-mounted panels during heavy rain, based on the ground they are installed upon. The panels must be inspected after thunderstorms, hail or snow to ensure they are in good condition.
How Many Solar Panels Does it Take to Run a House?
The variation in the number of solar panels needed to power a house is influenced by factors like panel efficiency, energy consumption, location, and available space. Approximately 3 to 5 kilowatts (kW) of power can be produced by a typical residential solar panel system as a rough estimate in the UK. Those needs can be fulfilled by installing approximately 5 kW of solar panels, assuming an average daily electricity consumption of 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Wattage, efficiency, and various other factors play a role in determining the precise number of panels required. For a more precise assessment that takes into consideration your specific requirements and conditions, it is advisable to consult a qualified solar panel installer.
Ground Source Heating Systems Hitchin
The constant earth temperature serves as a heat source for ground source heating systems, also known as geothermal heating systems, which warm homes and buildings located in Hitchin. Highly efficient and eco-friendly, this renewable source of energy decreases carbon emissions and eliminates the necessity for fossil fuels.
A ground source heating system works by circulating a mixture of antifreeze and water through pipes buried deep in the ground, which absorbs heat from the earth and carries it to a heat pump. Following this, the heat pump amplifies the heat and transfers it throughout the building.
While ground source heating systems have a higher initial cost than traditional heating systems, they can save householders money in the long run through reduced energy bills and lower maintenance costs. These heating systems are perfect for those who want a sustainable and long-term heating solution due to their high durability, which allows them to last for many years.
The ability to reverse the heating process allows geothermal heating systems to cool buildings during the warm months, effectively providing both heating and cooling as an added benefit. Governments can provide financial incentives, such as rebates and grants, to homeowners who install geothermal heating systems, making them a more affordable and accessible option for those interested in increasing energy efficiency and reducing their carbon footprint. In summation, with their environmentally friendly and sustainable nature, ground source heating systems offer a durable and cost-effective solution for cooling and heating homes and buildings in Hitchin.
Applications of Solar Power Panels
- Solar Lighting
- Solar Heating
- Solar Powered Aircraft
- Solar Portables
- Photovoltaic Power Stations
- Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems
- Solar Hybrid Power Systems
- Solar Panels on Space Stations
- Solar Pool Heating
- Standalone Photovoltaic Systems
Hitchin Solar Panel Tasks
Your chosen Hitchin solar panel engineers should be glad to help you out with a variety of green energy services including things like Tesla Powerwall installation, battery storage solutions, solar thermal energy solutions in Hitchin, 400 watt solar panels Hitchin, sustainable energy solutions, solar panels for garages, green energy solutions, the mounting of solar panels, 300 watt solar panels Hitchin, solar thermal heating installations, solar panel accessories, 100w solar panels Hitchin, solar panel maintenance, solar panel mounting, shower heat recovery, photovoltaic solar panels, solar energy advice, energy efficiency upgrades, solar thermal installations Hitchin, the installation of solar panels Hitchin, ground source heating systems Hitchin, solar PV inverters in Hitchin, air source heat pumps in Hitchin, EV charging point installation, 500 watt solar panels Hitchin, solar hot water system installation in Hitchin, solar panel installations Hitchin, solar water heating systems in Hitchin, solar panel installation, solar panel replacement, solar panels for shed in Hitchin, roof solar panels Hitchin, 200 watt solar panels Hitchin, smart grids & batteries, electric vehicle charging solutions, and other solar related services in Hitchin, Hertfordshire (SG4). These are just a selection of the tasks that are handled by those specialising in solar panels. Hitchin specialists will inform you of their entire range of solar services.
Solar Panels Near Hitchin
Also find: Weston solar panel installers, Kings Walden solar panel installers, Preston solar panel installers, Pirton solar panel installers, Walsworth solar panel installers, Letchworth Garden City solar panel installers, Little Wymondley solar panel installers, Lower Stondon solar panel installers, Lilley solar panel installers, Pegsdon solar panel installers, Ashbrook solar panel installers, Offley solar panel installers, St Ippolyts solar panel installers, Ickleford solar panel installers, Gosmore solar panel installers, Holwell solar panel installers and more.
Solar Panel Installer Services Hitchin
- Solar PV Inverters
- Solar Panel Maintenance
- Solar Panel Fitting
- Solar Panel Repairs
- Solar Panel Cleaning
- Residential Solar Panels
- Hot Water Systems
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Panels
- Solar Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Replacement
- Solar Panel Installers
- Solar Water Heating
- 100w Solar Panels
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Solar Panel Installation in SG4 area, (dialling code 01462).
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