The Solar Panels
Solar panels come in a variety of sizes and power outputs. Some are more efficient than others, for example a 3 kw system from one manufacturer may yield more energy despite the kw rating being the same. With this in mind, it is important to look at more than just the kw rating and the price being quoted. For example, the system maybe £2000 cheaper to install but the reduced yield could mean you are worse off on your financial return each year for the 25 year feed in tariff period. This may not be clearly demonstrated by the SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculation, which all installers are required to use, as it does not take into account panel efficiency. This calculation is a standard government approved method of providing customers with an estimate of the yield for a solar pv system. For the South West of England, this may well produce an underestimated result. This is due to the solar radiation level used in the calculation being obtained from the central location of Sheffield. Feedback from our Somerset clients is showing yields substantially higher than predicted. You can see how much if you take a look at our case studies page.
GD Electrical & Solar are "Sanyo Solar Premium Installers" and therefore recommend their hybrid solar panels which are one of the highest yielding and most efficient panels on the market. whilst we are happy to fit any MCS approved panel at customers request, we frequently quote for Sanyo (hybrid), Mage Solar and Suntech modules (both monocrystalline). GD Electrical & Solar believe in giving our customers a range of options and information when quoting to allow them to make their own informed decisions on system choice taking into account efficiency, cost and financial return.
- Hybrid cells are currently exclusive to Sanyo due to their patent. These solar panels use a HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer) construction, where the solar cell comprises of a thin monocrystalline silicon wafer surrounded by ultra thin amorphous silicon layers. This makes them extremely efficient in converting light into energy, which means HIT can generate more power output per unit area then conventional silicon solar cells.
- Monocrystalline cells are essentially a single precisely cut slice of silicon crystal. they must be kept completely rigid and therefore mounted in a solid frame for protection.
- Polycrystalline cells are sliced from a block of sandwiched silicon containing a large number of crystals.
For help with what to consider when choosing a solar panel manufacturer click here
The Inverter
This is a unit which converts the DC voltage from the panels to AC voltage. This unit is also an important safety device making sure that during any loss of power it will isolate the panels. This means that no one will receive an electric shock from your solar panels when working on the electrical systems either inside or outside your house. GD Electrical & Solar prefer to use inverters which are produced by
SMA and
Power One. In most cases the inverter is mounted within the loft void.
The Mounting System
The mounting system is the bars, anchors and clamps which secures the system to your roof. GD Electrical & Solar use the best mounting system on the market made by the German manufacturer, Schueco. The products are engineered to a high standard, tested for wind loading and are recognised throughout the solar industry as being the best on the market. Our installers have received training from Schueco directly on the installation of their products.
Monitoring Systems
You will be able to see how much your system has generated on the generation meter which is generally fitted near your distribution (fuse) board at the time of installation. However wireless desk top monitoring devices are also available on request to allow you to monitor more easily your systems generation. It will also help you to make the most of the energy being produced within your home.
For further independant advice on solar pv you can visit the Energy Saving Trust which is a government backed organisation. They are the uk's leading impartial organisation helping people save energy and reduce carbon emmissions.
