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Why solar energy is the perfect solution for surviving heatwaves and saving on energy bills
As a nation, we must start considering what hotter summers mean for our families and homes. And in particular, our relationship with the energy in our homes. Will we, for example, need to consider cooling our homes in summer? We don’t really do air-con in the UK in our homes, but is it something we must consider in the future? Of course, the irony of air-con systems is that during the summer, when needed most, they cause building energy consumption and prices to rise.
UK homeowners should consider the role solar energy and solar PV panels can play in their homes. Unsurprisingly, during heatwaves and periods of hot weather, we get a lot of enquiries about solar panels and battery storage. We also get a lot of questions about how solar works in hot weather. And disappointingly, we also hear the same old tired untruths and misinformation circulating about solar panels and how effective they are in the UK and the hot weather.
We hear it all the time. The UK doesn’t get enough sun for solar energy. This is a common myth. While it is true the UK experiences its fair share of cloudy days, solar PV systems can still generate significant amounts of electricity and certainly enough to make considerable savings to your energy bills over the year.
Solar irradiance is the term that refers to the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface. Despite the UK’s reputation for cloudy weather, it still receives considerable solar irradiance, especially during summer. Solar panels can harness a significant portion of the sun’s energy, even on cloudy days. Furthermore, the sun’s angle in the UK is more favourable during the summer, resulting in higher solar irradiance levels. This optimal positioning allows solar panels to capture more sunlight and generate more significant amounts of electricity.
Solar panels don’t solely rely on direct sunlight but can harness diffused light. Even on cloudy days, diffused sunlight penetrates the clouds, allowing solar panels to produce electricity. The UK receives a surprising amount of solar radiation, making it a viable location for solar energy generation.
During the summer solstice, typically around June 21st, the UK experiences its longest day of the year. This means more hours of daylight for solar panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. With the sun rising early and setting late, solar panel systems have an extended period to generate renewable energy. The longer the days, the more time solar panels have to soak up the sun’s rays and produce clean power for homes and businesses.
The combination of extended daylight hours and higher solar irradiance translates into increased energy production for solar panel systems in the UK during the summer. More sunlight means more photons hitting the solar panels’ surface, leading to a higher solar energy conversion rate into electricity. This surplus energy can be utilised to power homes, charge electric vehicles, or even be fed back into the grid through net metering.
Net metering, a billing mechanism available in the UK, allows homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the grid. This means that even on cloudy days, the surplus electricity generated during the long summer days can offset energy consumption during less sunny periods, resulting in more significant cost savings.
The UK government’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), an example of net metering, ensures homeowners are paid for the excess electricity they export to the grid. This means on those long summer days when your solar panels generate more electricity than you need and can store, you are paid for the energy you generate back to the grid. So, you get a pocketful of sunshine towards your energy bills.
Advancements in solar panel technology have greatly improved the efficiency and performance of PV systems. Modern solar panels are designed to capture more sunlight and convert it into electricity, even in low-light conditions. Solar battery storage, has revolutionised solar energy for homeowners. They allow households to capture and store solar energy for their homes when needed. This means that UK homeowners can benefit from the latest innovations in solar technology, maximising energy production from their residential PV systems.
All life and energy come from the sun. So, why not harness this energy ourselves for our homes? Solar energy is a free, clean and renewable energy source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. By generating electricity from the sun, you can also significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the UK’s sustainability goals. Investing in solar power also helps diversify the energy mix, reducing our dependency on fossil fuels and promoting a greener future for the next generation
Solar panels thrive on sunlight; when the weather is warm and sunny, they work at their peak efficiency. The intense sunlight provides an abundant energy source, enabling the panels to generate more electricity. This means that your solar system will produce more clean, renewable energy, maximising your savings on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint. So, embrace the sun and let your solar panels soak up those rays!
Higher temperatures and heatwaves can strain the power grid as the demand for electricity often increases. Solar panels with battery storage systems allow homeowners to be less reliant on the grid, which might be strained. Solar panels can ensure a continuous energy supply and enhanced resilience against heat-related grid failures.
While solar panels are built to withstand various weather conditions, the combination of hot temperatures and bright sunshine may lead to a buildup of dirt, dust, or other debris on the surface. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure optimal performance. A simple rinse with water or a gentle wipe with a soft cloth can help remove obstructions and keep your panels operating at their best. Additionally, inspecting the panels for any signs of wear or damage is essential to address potential issues promptly. Always consult professionals to clean your solar panels if you think it is necessary.
Solar panels rely on adequate airflow to prevent overheating. High temperatures can cause the panels to heat up, potentially reducing their efficiency. That’s why ensuring proper ventilation around your solar system is crucial. Make sure that there is sufficient clearance between the panels and the roof to allow air circulation. Consult with a professional installer to determine the ideal placement and design for your solar panels, considering the local climate conditions.
Proper installation is vital to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your solar panel system, particularly in hot weather. When setting up the system, it is crucial to consider factors such as the panel’s orientation, tilt angle, and shading. Orientation refers to the direction the panels face, ideally south in the northern hemisphere or north in the southern hemisphere. The tilt angle determines how the panels are angled relative to the sun’s position. Correct orientation and tilt angles help maximise energy production and mitigate the impact of high temperatures. We pride ourselves on our installation at Select Solar Limited
This is where the most common misunderstanding is that solar panels do not work when it is very hot.
Solar panels have a temperature coefficient that indicates how their performance is affected by changes in temperature. Typically, solar panels experience a slight reduction in efficiency as the temperature rises. Most panels are designed with this in mind and have a negative temperature coefficient. This means that the panel’s output decreases at a predictable rate as the temperature increases. It is crucial to understand your panel’s temperature coefficient and how it may impact its performance during hot weather conditions.
High temperatures can cause the electrical components of solar panels to heat up, potentially decreasing their efficiency. To combat this, most modern solar panel designs incorporate heat dissipation mechanisms. These mechanisms help dissipate excess heat and keep the panels operating within an optimal temperature range. Additionally, some installations use technologies like air gaps or passive cooling techniques, like water cooling, to enhance the panel’s cooling capacity, but this is only needed in the hottest locations. The UK does not have enough consecutively sweltering days to justify such systems. A good professional installer will ensure your solar panel system is adequately designed for heat dissipation in your specific climate.
Just like your mobile phone or laptop, excessive heat can impact the lifespan of the electronic components in the solar panels. However, manufacturers rigorously test their products to withstand extreme conditions. By choosing reputable solar panel brands and working with certified installers, like Select Solar Limited, you can ensure that your solar system is equipped to handle the heat and keep powering your home for years.
So, when the sun beats down, and the thermometer rises, solar panels should be allowed to revel in the glory of the sun’s rays. They thrive in hot and sunny weather, converting the sun’s rays into clean, renewable energy. So why not embrace the power of solar and take advantage of the summer heat and future summers to maximise the benefits a solar panel system can bring to your home?
For further information please give us a call
01708 233733 ask for Colin or Jaques
Filed under: General News Posted at 13:20
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