What are Solar Photovoltaics?
Photovoltaic or PV technology is more frequently known as solar panels. Essentially, it’s a way of generating power using devices which absorb energy from sunlight before converting it into electrical energy via semiconducting materials, displaying the photovoltaic effect.
A single PV device is called a cell. One of these is usually small and will normally produce 1 or 2 watts of power. Cells comprise various semiconductor materials and are typically narrower than four human hairs.
Cells are joined to create bigger units – called panels or modules. You can use these as standalones or hook up a number of them to create ‘arrays’. One or more of these can then be linked to the electricity grid as part of a complete solar PV system.
To make them durable and capable of withstanding the elements for years, these cells go between layers of protective plastic and maybe glass materials.
One of the great advantages of this solution is that you can structure a PV system to meet just about any electrical power need you may have, small or large.
There are other components to a solar PV system – such as mounting structures which position panels towards the sun, plus the parts which take the direct-current electricity the modules produce and convert it into alternating-current (AC) electricity to power all your home’s devices and appliances.
What are the Benefits of a Solar PV solution?
If you use solar PV installers to fit one of these solutions, you can look forward to various long-lasting benefits. Some of these include:
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Slashing Energy Bills
You obviously don’t pay a penny for any energy you generate yourself. Typically, solar panel installers can fit a system which produces around half the electricity a household uses, so you can look forward to vastly reduced bills. You just pay for the electricity you use when your panels aren’t actively producing energy, i.e. at night (or you can use a battery for storing excess electricity until required).
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Enhancing your Carbon Footprint
Solar PV systems use sunlight to generate zero-carbon electricity in an eco-friendly way. They don’t release any potentially harmful carbon dioxide. Equally, most panels are made with silicon, derived from sand – a plentiful natural resource.
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Less Dependent on Power Suppliers
UK energy prices have soared in recent years, due to increased demand as economies reopened post-Covid and other natural and unnatural world disasters. With a solar PV solution, you reduce your reliance on grid-supplied electricity and the big suppliers, protecting yourself against future price rises.
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Low Maintenance – High Durability
Solar PV systems have been around for decades, but technological improvements since the 1990s have cut prices as their popularity has soared. These solutions have no moving parts, so require very little in the way of maintenance.
Typically, you can expect them to last for at least 25 years.
Solar PV Solutions in Hampshire
At Solar Powerful, we’re solar panel installers and renewable energy specialists based in Hampshire. We believe generating your own power shouldn’t be the luxury of the few. We’re the first port of call for domestic and business customers looking for solar panels in Hampshire and beyond – as well as a number of other efficient services including high-quality electric car charging points, energy storage to maximise your savings, heat pumps and electrical contracting.
When it comes to solar PVs in Hampshire, we offer an end-to-end service from design through to installation and beyond for domestic, commercial and industrial clients. Over 14 years, we’ve developed an enviable reputation for high-quality workmanship and superlative customer service, discover out solar portfolio for more.
And with prices starting from just under £8,000, we’re not tied to any manufacturer. So, we can install and maintain products from a wide range of suppliers.
Contact us today for more details or to arrange an initial appointment.
