If you’re the kind of person who feels a little foggy at the first hint of technical talk, or whose face clouds over at the prospect of renewable energy choices, this article is for you. We hope our introduction to the world of photovoltaic solar panels will shed a ray of light on this topical way of investing in your home.

Let’s start at the very beginning. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are panels that are attached to your roof in order to harness energy from natural light. Each panel contains a layer or two of semiconducting material, usually silicon. When natural light shines on the panel, an electric field is created across the layers. A special device called an inverter, which is usually installed in the loft, converts the direct current (DC) created by the PV panels into alternating current (AC) which is used in buildings. A cable runs from the inverter to an electricity meter and then to your fusebox. So the electricity from the solar panels can be used directly by your lights and appliances. Now that wasn’t too difficult, was it?

If the panels are creating too much energy for you to use in your home, you have a couple of options. You can store it in special batteries for use at a more convenient time. Or you can sell it to your normal electricity supplier via a meter installed in your home. In a bid to encourage people to produce their own energy in their own homes (microgeneration), a scheme was launched in April 2010 paying homeowners a guaranteed rate for selling any excess electricity produced by PV solar roof panels. We’ll mention those financial incentives a little later in this article.

The sharp-eyed amongst you will have noticed that we talked about natural light triggering the electricity field – and not sunlight. This is because – contrary to popular myth – solar panels work in daylight, and not just on bright sunny days. Clearly, the brighter the sunshine, the more electricity is produced. And a south-facing roof is the best position for a solar panel to capture maximum sunlight. But you’ll also generate some output from panels on east, west or north facing positions. And, even in a south facing position, the effectiveness of your solar panel will be limited if the roof is shaded by trees or neighbouring buildings.

Now that we’re on the subject of the neighbours, this is as good a time as any to mention planning consent. Many authorities will require you to apply for permission for panels – particularly if you live in a listed building or a conservation area. It’s advisable to check with your local authority what their exact requirements are. If aesthetics are an issue, it’s reassuring to know that solar panels come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours so you can source panels that complement your existing roof materials. There are even transparent panels for use on conservatories and glass.

So back to the crucial issue – do solar panels make financial sense? Essentially, every household is different, and there are a number of variables that need to be taken into account when trying to work out whether solar panels will work for you. The whole raison d’être of the scheme is to provide worthwhile financial reasons to install panels, and, according the Energy Saving Trust, householders can expect to benefit in three ways. Firstly, your electricity bills should be greatly reduced. It’s unlikely that you’ll escape electricity charges entirely, but you should find them considerably lower. Secondly, you will be paid tax-free for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you produce – even if you use the electricity yourself. The figure currently quoted is 41.3p per kWh – but do please check that this rate is applicable to you. Thirdly, if you export your excess electricity back to the National Grid, there’ll be an additional bonus – currently 3p per unit - that you generate. The Energy Saving Trust has a helpful online calculator on their website (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) to help you with the initial number-crunching.

Your solar panels could be even more cost-effective this summer as we’re offering savings on the electrical aspects of their installation costs. We’re offering 10% off our normal labour rates for cabling and connecting your panels to your domestic supply and the National Grid from now until August 31st. So if you really want to get the most out of every daylight hour, why not call us on 020 8451 0345. And let the sun shine in!