Solar Panel Installation Hampshire

Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert radiation from the sun into electricity.  A typical PV cell consists of a wafer of semi-conducting material, usually silicon, manufactured with two electrically different layers.  When sunlight hits the cell it excites the electrons within the silicon, creating an electric field across the layers and causing a flow of electricity.

Yes, solar panels are highly effective in Hampshire’s climate. They don’t require direct sunlight to generate electricity, just daylight, making them suitable even on cloudy days – Hampshire also has more than 1750 sunlight hours each year making the county one of best areas for solar power in the UK.

An optimally orientated, un-shaded 1kWp array will, each year, generate approx 850kWh (units) of electricity.

PV systems are modular, allowing a great degree of flexibility in design and specification. The physical size of individual panels varies. Smaller output panels tend to be smaller in size and the very high output panels are much larger. The size of an array is determined by the available roof space and energy requirement of the property. We work with our customers to ensure that we provide a system that meets their requirements and available roof space.

Most of the time the answer is no. However, if you live in a protected area such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a National Park such as the New Forest, then you may need permission, but not always. We can advise you on this.. Some authorities will ask that you have a bat or bird survey first or that your system meets certain aesthetic criteria such as it being an ‘in-roof’ system where the panels sit flush with the roof tiles. We can work with your needs and design a system that meets the necessary criteria. Some new build properties may also have restrictions on what can be installed. In these cases, we recommend that you check with your estate management company.

Solar panels can be mounted in a range of locations, from a roof to the ground and even bespoke frames. We install on a range of roof types, including flat roofs. Ground mounted systems use ballast or specially designed mounting frames. Solar panels are best if they are south facing, but east and west facing roofs are are suitable, although output will be slightly less. A roof pitch of between 10 and 50 degrees is best and preferably with little or no shade. If shade cannot be avoided then we can include optimisers to reduce the shading impact.

Any shade, such as from trees or neighbouring buildings, can have a large impact on the performance of a PV system. Because modules are constructed from a number of PV cells interconnected together, if one cell is shaded it has a knock-on effect that prohibits the whole module from generating electricity. To work effectively, we recommend that whole PV array needs to be free from shade for the majority of the day.

Installing solar panels can potentially increase your property’s value in Hampshire. Buyers are increasingly seeking energy-efficient homes with lower running costs, making properties with solar installations more attractive in the property market.