There are many terms associated with solar panel installations in the UK, and it can be confusing to understand them all. Here is a brief explanation of some of the most common ones:
- Solar cell: A solar cell is a device that converts the energy of sunlight directly into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. Assemblies of cells are used to make solar panels .
- Solar panel: A solar panel, also known as a solar module, is a packaged, interconnected assembly of solar cells that can generate electricity from sunlight. Solar panels can be mounted on roofs, ground, or other structures .
- Solar array: A solar array is a group of solar panels that are wired together to form a larger system. A solar array can vary in size and power output depending on the number and type of panels used .
- Inverter: An inverter is a component of a solar panel system that converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used by appliances and devices in your home or business. Some inverters also have additional features such as monitoring, optimization, and safety functions .
- Solar battery: A solar battery is a device that can store excess electricity produced by a solar panel system for later use. Solar batteries can help you reduce your reliance on the grid, increase your self-consumption of solar energy, and provide backup power in case of blackouts .
- Solar-plus-storage: Solar-plus-storage is a term that refers to a solar panel system that also includes a solar battery. This combination can offer more benefits and flexibility than a standalone solar system .
- Mounting Frame – secure the panels to your roof. There are a number of different options and we will ensure the correct one is chosen for your roof.
- Grid-tied: A grid-tied solar panel system is one that is connected to the utility grid and can send or receive electricity from it. Grid-tied systems can take advantage of net metering or feed-in tariff schemes that pay you for the excess electricity you export to the grid .
- Off-grid: An off-grid solar panel system is one that is completely disconnected from the utility grid and relies solely on its own generation and storage capacity. Off-grid systems are usually more expensive and complex than grid-tied systems, but they can provide independence and security for remote locations or areas with unreliable grid access .
- Hybrid: A hybrid solar panel system is one that can operate both as a grid-tied system and an off-grid system. Hybrid systems can switch between modes depending on the availability and cost of grid electricity, as well as the state of charge of the battery .
- Generation meter – measures how much electricity the system officially generates so you can inform your feed-in tariff supplier. Similar to your electricity meter, except the figures relate to how much energy is being generated instead of used! Our ones are all Ofgem approved.
- Net metering: Net metering is a policy that allows you to sell your excess electricity generated by your solar panel system to the utility company at a retail rate. This way, you can offset your electricity bill and reduce your net energy consumption from the grid .
- Feed-in tariff: Feed-in tariff is a policy that pays you a fixed rate for every unit of electricity you generate and export to the grid from your solar panel system. This rate is usually higher than the retail rate you pay for grid electricity, which means you can earn money from your solar system.
- Monitoring Systems – Offer a detailed insight into how much energy is generated by your renewable energy installation. It details how much energy has been produced and can break it down into hours, days, weeks, months and years. The ones we recommend upload data to web-portals allowing you to remotely access data at all times.
- Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): RHI is a scheme set up by the UK government to reward you for using renewable heating systems, such as solar thermal panels, which use sunlight to heat water or air for your home or business. RHI pays you a fixed amount for every unit of heat you produce from your renewable system for up to 20 years .
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): EPC is a certificate that gives your property a rating from A to G based on its energy efficiency. EPCs are required for selling or renting properties in the UK, and they can also affect your eligibility for some renewable energy incentives, such as RHI or feed-in tariff .
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS): MCS is a quality assurance scheme that certifies renewable energy technologies and installers in the UK. To qualify for RHI or feed-in tariff payments, you need to use an MCS-accredited installer and product for your solar panel system .