Frequently Asked Questions

PV (Photovoltaics) are panels that produce electricity from solar energy. These are often mounted on the roof and facing towards the Sun. They capture the Sun's energy and convert it into renewable electricity. This electricity can then be used in our homes and sold to the electricity grid.

The Sun's energy is converted into DC electricity by PV Panels on the roof. An Inverter converts the DC Voltage in AC electricity that we use in our homes and businesses. A generation meter records its production. The generated electricity is then used by your home and its appliances during the daytime. Excess electricity not used during production is then sold back to your electricity provider or stored in a battery.

KW means Kilowatt. The greater the KW, the larger the PV system and typically the greater the KW, the greater the energy generated from the Sun.

Solar Panels produce DC electricity which is different to the AC electricity we use in our homes. An Inverter is installed to convert the DC electricity to match your home's AC supply. DC (Direct Current) electricity flows in one direction, like a lightning bolt or a battery. AC (Alternating Current) electricity, changes direction multiple times a second. AC is used in our homes because it is safer and easier to transport across great distances. Our electricians therefore need to be well trained and hold multiple accreditations to work on PV systems.

Solar PV's can convert almost any day light into electricity, which we can then use for free. Generating your own electricity means that you will be buying less from your utility supplier. As the PV panels have no moving parts there is very little maintenance, noise or operating cost. They provide clean, green, renewable energy with zero emissions from their generation. The systems expected lifetime on most parts is over 25 years and you can sell your excess electricity back to the grid.

An Inverter converts the variable DC electricity into stable AC electricity to be used in your property.

Often sited in lofts, cooler air is better and most could even be installed outside. Our design team will run over the locations most suitable for your property when you get your quote.

These are intelligent devices that use the excess power generated by solar PV panels to heat an immersion in your hot water cylinder. Electricity not being used by your home can be used to heat a hot water cylinder rather than exporting the electricity to the grid. This can help to save your boiler from having to turn on, thus increasing a boiler's life and lowering your bills and maintenance. Some can also divert to a second cylinder, an electric towel rail, or even electric underfloor heating.

In most cases - No. Unless you live in a conservation area or listed building. It’s your responsibility to check and see if you do need any planning permission.

Shading on a PV Panel is a problem, as even one shaded cell could reduce the power output of the module or string to zero. Objects as small as a tree branch, a pipe, or a building on the horizon will cause a decline in the possible output of a panel. Systems need to be designed either away from shading, or with the shading in mind using a SolarEdge system to minimize the effect. Shading certainly shouldn't stop a system being installed, but production calculations will need to be adjusted where shading is affecting the system. Do not worry as we look at this as part of the free and no obligation design call.”

The size of a PV system is vital to determining if a rooftop is adequate. With an Array design determined, you will need to tell us and take photographs of the inside and outside of the roof. It's not just the weight we take into account but also the uplift from wind and snow loading. This can often be completed using our project calculator with a few details from you. Details of the existing roof are vital to a sound and long lasting installation. It is your responsibility to get your roof checked by a structural engineer should you have any doubt or concerns.

PV systems by design require very little maintenance. Because there are no moving parts, very little or nothing is needed to enable operation. Panels could need cleaning if debris, droppings or grime gets on the panels. GLANtech SOLAR does not provide this service, you can find a local cleaning company who will do this for you. Energy production should be checked often to ensure there hasn't been a failure. Visual inspections of the upkeep, alarms and adequacy of components installed. If the system changes ownership or if there is a requirement for a Periodic Inspection. Just give us a call and we will be happy to help.

The pay back period is the time in which it takes for you to recoup your initial spend on your solar system.