Solar Panel Installation Houghton Regis Bedfordshire (LU5): The installation of solar panels is front and centre of many homeowner's thoughts right now, what with ever rising energy costs and worries about the environment, it's not really surprising - however what are the pluses and minuses of installing solar panels on your home in Houghton Regis? There's never been a felicitous time to look at solar power installations with the Smart Export Guarantee, enabling you to sell back any excess power you produce.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
The harnessing of solar energy for electricity production is known as Solar Photovoltaics (PV). The Houghton Regis region's substantial sunlight levels render Solar PV a good option for electricity generation efficiency. Residents can substantially reduce their utility bills and potentially achieve a modest return on investment by adopting Solar PV and participating in the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). By participating in this scheme, home and business owners can sell surplus electricity back to the energy provider, thereby contributing to a sustainable energy future and securing financial advantages.
It's also possible to get help with funding the cost of your solar energy panels with the recently introduced Green Homes Grant. If you're carrying out green energy improvements on your home in Houghton Regis, you can make an application for this grant, which the Conservative Government announced in the summer of 2020, of between £5,000 - £10,000. So, if you would like to install solar panels onto the roof of your Houghton Regis home at a fraction of the real cost, and in addition receive an income from the energy that they generate, all that needs to be done is to combine the financial assistance of the Green Homes Grant with the benefits of the SEG.
SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS
By using free power from the sun's rays, solar thermal installations will help you to reduce your hot water bills. Even during wintertime there is sufficient sunlight to preheat your home's water and thus lower the quantity of electricity or gas consumed to take the water up to the right temperature. And during the summertime, pretty much all of your needs for hot water can be satisfied by a solar thermal system that's been properly installed on your home.
You're entitled to join the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, if you install a solar powered heating or hot water system on your property in Houghton Regis. The RHI scheme, which had only formerly been open to businesses, was extended for use in households in April 2014, to motivate homeowners to change to renewable technology. The support plan lasts for seven years for all anybody who switch to renewable heating methods. Depending on the type and size of equipment in place, qualified participants of the Renewable Heat Incentive receive a quarterly cash pay out, for the whole seven years covered by the scheme.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR SOLAR
Prior to beginning any solar installation on your Houghton Regis home, there are a handful of elements to bear in mind:
- Do you own a property which may need planning permission to install solar panels? - For most homes and properties in Houghton Regis, solar energy installation will be on the approved list of alterations that can be carried out. Your local authority will offer guidance and advice on planning permission requirements if your property have a flat roof, have a listed building or reside in a conservation area.
- Is your roof shaded by buildings or trees during the day? - Any shade on the solar panels is going to reduce their working capability and may even render them ineffectual.
- Does your roof have a south or south-west facing direction? - This helps to maximise the effectiveness of the solar PV by absorbing the largest possible amount of sunshine.
- What effect on property values can solar panel installations cause? - Solar energy installations have been found to both positively and negatively affect property prices. It really is a tough call to make, but in most instances installing solar panels boosts the value of your home, as people in general are becoming more environmentally aware about their impact on our world.
THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR
Maintenance - Among the most appealing characteristics of solar panel systems is that they require hardly any maintenance. The solar PV panels that are around at this time should last for a minimum of twenty five years and require little more than a clean every year. If your system uses batteries for storage, these will need to be replaced every ten years or so, however as technology is constantly improving, battery life and efficiency is advancing each year.
Generate Income - Any excess electrical power your solar PV installation produces can easily be sold back to your supplier using the SEG, Government funded scheme. This may be applied as a credit towards your 3 monthly electric bill, or as a cash amount paid directly to you. This is arranged as a short contract between your electricity provider and you. By offering short term contracts within the SEG, it provides homeowners the right to change providers and tariffs for more lucrative deals at the conclusion of any contractual obligation.
Lowering Your Carbon Footprint - All solar panel installation you are thinking about, thermal or PV, will produce green, renewable energy for your family. There are no pollutants, no carbon emissions and you can save nearly 2 tonnes of carbon annually from contaminating the atmosphere.
Bill Reduction - The sun is the greatest free energy source that we know. Therefore, why not make full use of all that free energy that is there for everyone? You should discover that your power bills will be reduced, after you've invested in your solar PV installation The size of your solar installation will affect the the amount of savings you can achieve, but the typical solar PV system can save you £90 - £370 (subject to your circumstances) a year on your bills.
Noise Pollution - Solar panels and the associated equipment gives off no sound. Other alternative energy options, like wind turbine generators, can make sounds which certain people in Houghton Regis find distressing. The main reason that solar panel installations do not make any noise is because there are no moving parts.
FINDING A QUALIFIED INSTALLER
If you've got friends, neighbours and family members who have had solar panel installations on their houses, it is a good idea to ask their advice regarding installers in Houghton Regis; however you should still get at least 3 quotes. You should always enquire about current schemes and grants when you're getting the quotes, as this can make your solar panels more affordable and offset some of the costs.
Before you set your sights on any specific solar panel installer, you should ask if you can see some details about work that has been accomplished in the past. To highlight the work they do on all types of homes, an experienced and professional solar installation firm in Houghton Regis will have a comprehensive portfolio of images.
A professional solar panel installer in Houghton Regis ought to have membership or affiliation with at least one green energy association. Offering training, safety regulations and technology advances to their paid up members, these trade bodies are vital for any company or individual in the renewable energy marketplace. Watch out for membership of at least one of these organisations when picking out your solar panel installer in Houghton Regis.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme - Accreditation from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a requirement for all residential renewable energy systems and their installation teams to have throughout the United Kingdom. A contractor that is recognised by the MCS scheme, has a team of technicians who are qualified and fully trained, and installs only the best quality equipment. The MCS champions the following sustainable technologies: battery storage systems, bio-mass, solar photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps (ASHP's).
The Renewable Energy Association - This is the largest trade body in the clean technology and alternative energy industry in Great Britain. It has over five hundred companies who are members and is committed to offering training and influencing UK policy towards a zero carbon economy . The REA is a not-for-profit enterprise and amongst its membership are: service providers, installers, equipment manufacturers, energy generators, project developers and fuel producers. These can be anything from massive multi-national companies right down to sole traders.
The Solar Trade Association - The Solar Trade Association works at the spearhead of technology alongside local authorities, industry and Government agencies, to make the very best solutions in solar technology available to all. It is a highly respected organisation within the solar energy industry and its membership ranges from small domestic installers to large multi-national businesses.
Solar panel installation can be carried out in Houghton Regis and also in: Totternhoe, Leighton Buzzard, Tebworth, Chalton, Sundon, Dunstable, Wingfield, Eggington, Billington, Hockliffe, Harlington, Eaton Bray, Tilsworth, Toddington, Leagrave, Stanbridge, Eddlesborough, Luton, and in these postcodes LU5 5NX, LU5 5FJ, LU5 5JP, LU5 5PE, LU5 5PH, LU5 5DB, LU5 5PR, LU5 5NN, LU5 5AZ, and LU5 5PJ. If they have the phone code 01582 and the postcode LU5, it's probable that they come from the area or someplace nearby. This information is useful if you wish to confirm that you are considering a local solar panel installer. Local property owners can access these renewable energy services anytime they're in need of them. If you click on the "quote" banner or form, you'll get details on solar panel installation in your area.
Solar Panel Inspections Houghton Regis
Efficiency and longevity assurance for solar energy systems in Houghton Regis rely on solar panel inspections. A comprehensive assessment includes examining wiring, inverters, photovoltaic modules, and support structures to spot damage, defects, or issues with performance. Safety measures and electrical connections are confirmed by inspectors while they assess the presence of debris, dust, and shading, which have the potential to impede energy production. The early detection of potential problems, alongside the prevention of costly repairs and the maximiaation of energy output, is facilitated by routine inspections. Additionally, their role in the overall sustainability of renewable energy involves upholding solar installation reliability and ensuring the efficient utilisation of solar energy.
Solar Inverters
To effectively use the energy which is generated by your solar panels, you need a solar inverter to convert the DC electricity into AC. Without a solar inverter in your solar panel system, you wouldn't be able to safely power your home from the DC electricity produced by the panels. In a nutshell, your solar energy is useless for powering your home without a solar inverter to ensure safety.
A solar panel system's efficiency is only as good as its weakest component, thus, a top-notch inverter is crucial to a well-functioning panel setup. The inverter allows you to maximize the energy generated by your solar panels. Your solar panel system can benefit from one of four sorts of solar inverters; string inverters, power optimisers, micro-inverters and hybrid inverters. You need to talk to a professional solar panel installer to find out which is the best solar inverter for your specific system.
Solar Panel Batteries
Solar panel batteries can help you store the solar energy you generate with your solar panel. Your home, phone or appliances can be powered by these solar batteries. The capacity and size of your solar battery will be determined by your requirements. For instance, if you regularly use a fridge or air conditioner, a single battery will not be sufficient.
The DoD (Depth of Discharge) should certainly be taken into account, when you're shopping for solar batteries for your new energy system. The higher the DoD, the longer the battery will last. The least cost-effective batteries are the ones that are degraded or over discharged, because less electricity is stored. The capacity of a solar battery is important, since it determines how much electricity you can use.
The charged solar batteries can then be used to supply power when the sun isn't out and during the evening. This means you will still save money even when your solar panels aren't producing energy. Even on overcast days, your solar panels will still be providing free electricity. You'll also be able to send unwanted electricity back to the grid, and receive payments for it. This is particularly beneficial during power cuts.
Ground Source Heating Systems
Homes and buildings in Houghton Regis can be warmed by ground source heating systems, which use the steady earth temperature as a heat source, also called geothermal heating systems. This renewable source of energy is highly efficient and eco-friendly because it reduces carbon emissions and eliminates the dependence on fossil fuels.
A ground source heating system works by circulating a mixture of water and antifreeze through pipes buried deep in the ground, which absorbs heat from the earth and carries it to a heat pump. Afterward, the heat pump amplifies the heat and circulates it throughout the building.
Ground source heating systems require a higher initial investment than traditional heating systems, but over time, homeowners can save money due to lower maintenance and energy costs. In addition, these heating systems are highly durable and can last for many years, making them a sensible investment for those seeking a sustainable and long-term heating solution.
The ability to reverse the heating process allows geothermal heating systems to cool buildings during the warm months, effectively providing both cooling and heating as an added benefit. By enabling this dual functionality, the system's overall efficiency can be improved, and energy bills can be reduced even more. Financial incentives, such as tax credits and rebates, offered by some governments can make geothermal heating systems more accessible and affordable for home and property owners interested in increasing energy efficiency and reducing their carbon footprint. In brief, with their sustainable and environmentally friendly nature, ground source heating systems offer a durable and cost-effective solution for cooling and heating homes and buildings in Houghton Regis.
Solar PV Upgrades Houghton Regis
Upgrading solar PV systems is crucial to maintaining their long-term effectiveness and efficiency. Upgrading existing solar PV panels can improve their longevity and efficiency, as technology continues to advance. One of the most common upgrades is replacing older solar panels with newer, more efficient units. The generation of more electricity is coupled with a decrease in the solar array's overall footprint. One potential upgrade is the installation of energy storage solutions, like batteries, to store excess energy generated during the day for later use. Another way to improve the system's conversion efficiency is to add micro-inverters or upgrade existing inverters. Upgrading solar PV systems benefits not only domestic and commercial users but also utility-scale solar power plants. Upgrades can help maximise energy output, reduce downtime and maintenance costs, and ultimately improve the reliability of the energy grid.
Is Solar Energy Worth It?
We're likely all aware that making use of solar energy can help combat global warming, although we don't actually know how. Like all other things, there are advantages and there are minuses, and you must be aware of both before putting out any money.
The longer term savings possibilities are perhaps the strongest attraction for people in Houghton Regis installing solar panels. A wonderful benefit of making use of solar panels is that you can say so long to those cash-draining monthly power bills. The disadvantage, however, is that the cost of changing over to solar can be quite expensive. In the beginning, have to fork out a big sum of money for the solar panels and installation, but in the long haul you can expect to save money and you've basically got a free source of energy when you've recouped your investment. Apparently, if you use hardly any energy then it'll take you a long time to recover your initial outlay, but if you use a lot of electricity then you will benefit a lot faster. You could be lucky and get aid with the initial cost from an unforeseen source, as your government could offer an inducement for you to install solar panels.
Many people now are interested in decreasing their carbon footprint, and solar energy scores handsomely in this aspect. Fossil fuels, the traditional sources of power, are burned and give off greenhouse gases in such volume that they cannot be naturally reprocessed, and end up damaging 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 sun is the supreme source of solar energy, and as long as it keeps giving off energy, solar energy will remain freely available to us.
Likewise, solar energy is rather discreet as it can be put on the top of buildings, meaning it's not an eyesore unlike wind turbines; nevertheless, if you have solar panels on the ground, they can blight the landscape just like wind turbines, so it's essential to plan their location and positioning. You need to likewise be sure they're installed somewhere that gets a lot of sunshine, or else they're pretty pointless. They're likewise discreet when it comes to noise and smell, since they make no noise and no awful scents.
Solar energy systems don't demand a lot of upkeep, other than initial installation and they are going to last for many years, meaning you can set them up and leave them there for many, many years. There are issues with solar energy, one of the most essential being they cannot produce energy at nighttime. No sunlight doesn't mean no energy however, since a back-up system such as a battery can be set up. Installation can cost a little, but your solar energy can keep them constantly charged gratis.
You should most definitely check out solar energy as an alternative source of power. Aside from the initial expenses, it costs you nothing, and it's beneficial to the environment. Solar energy definitely appears to be a good way to go if you want to look after the environment and likewise save money on energy.
Houghton Regis Solar Panel Tasks
Your chosen Houghton Regis solar panel installers should be happy to help you out with a range of low-carbon energy services including things like 300w solar panels Houghton Regis, EV charging points, solar PV for business Houghton Regis, solar panel cleaning, solar thermal installations, photovoltaic solar panels, house solar panels in Houghton Regis, solar thermal heating, battery backup systems, cheap solar panels in Houghton Regis, 400 watt solar panels Houghton Regis, electric heating, smart grids & batteries in Houghton Regis, solar panels, the mounting of solar panels, solar panel bird proofing, alternative energy solutions, solar panels for greenhouses, domestic solar panel installation, green energy solutions, renewable energy solutions, solar energy advice, ground source heating systems, smart home technology Houghton Regis, 200 watt solar panels Houghton Regis, solar water heating systems, thermal solar panels in Houghton Regis, industrial solar panel installations Houghton Regis, Tesla Powerwall installation, wind turbines, energy efficiency upgrades, new build solar panel installation, shower heat recovery systems Houghton Regis, solar panel installation, ground mounted solar panels in Houghton Regis, and other similar services in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire (LU5). These are just an example of the tasks that are performed by people specialising in solar panels. Houghton Regis specialists will tell you about their full range of solar services.
Solar Panels Near Houghton Regis
Also find: Tilsworth solar panel installers, Toddington solar panel installers, Sundon solar panel installers, Leighton Buzzard solar panel installers, Hockliffe solar panel installers, Dunstable solar panel installers, Chalton solar panel installers, Eggington solar panel installers, Billington solar panel installers, Tebworth solar panel installers, Eddlesborough solar panel installers, Luton solar panel installers, Wingfield solar panel installers, Harlington solar panel installers, Leagrave solar panel installers, Eaton Bray solar panel installers, Totternhoe solar panel installers, Stanbridge solar panel installers and more. These and other communities and towns are catered for by solar panel installers and associated tradespeople. Local home and property owners can obtain solar panel installation estimates by clicking here.
More Houghton Regis Services
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