Solar panel guide
This page gives information about how solar panels work and how you can get the most from the electricity they produce
Solar panels explained
Solar panels are often referred to as PV, this is short for photo voltaic. This means that voltage is produced from sunlight (or photons).
Solar PV panels are installed on roofs and fixed using light weight roof frames and roof hooks. The hooks fix to the roof rafters underneath the tiles and are designed to hold the panels in place.
How can I monitor how much electricity my solar panels are producing?
You can see how much electricity your solar panels have produced by using your 'generation meter', which is installed in addition to your existing electricity meter.
The electricity produced is measured in kilowatt hour (kWH) units. The amount of electricity generated will vary from day to day and throughout the year, depending on the weather conditions.
You don't need to provide meter readings to anyone unless a fault occurs with the meter itself, but you can see the generation figures on the screen for your own interest.
Monitoring how much energy is being produced can be a great way to maximise the efficiency of your solar panels. It's important to know when your panels are producing the most amount of energy so that you can use high energy consuming devices/appliances during these times.
You can tell how much energy is being produces by using the red kWh energy indicator on your generation meter. When it's flashing, it means the generating system is producing electricity, and the faster is flashes, the more electricity you are producing. If the indicator is permanently on, it means no electricity is being produced.
How can I use my solar panels efficiently?
There's several things you can do to make sure you're making the most out of the energy your solar panels are producing, here are a few of them:
- Limit how many appliances you're using at one time - Using multiple appliances/devices all at the same time can use a significant amount of energy. To make the most of your solar panels, it's suggested that you should spread out your daily tasks (washing, drying, hoovering etc), to make sure you don't use all your energy up at one time.
- Use high energy consuming appliances during the day where possible - Even the most efficient washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers can easily consume 1kWh per cycle. It can be better to run these appliances when your panels are producing the maximum amount of electricity - which is typically between 10am and 4pm.
- Make the most of the sunny weather - When the sun is shining, and your solar panels are producing a significant amount of energy (which you can find out by using your generation meter), take advantage and charge devices/use high energy consuming appliances.
Got any questions?
If you have any questions or concerns around your solar panels, please speak to us. You can contact us via info@tch.org.uk or by calling 01892 501480.
Need some financial support?
If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, our Money Support team is here to help. Please get in touch with us via info@tch.org.uk or by calling 01892 501480.