Photovoltaics
Highly Efficient Solar Panels
Solar PV Panels, Storage Batteries and EV Chargers for Homeowners
Leading Commercial Solar PV Installers in UK with Proven Track Record
Accredited solar panel installers
a Solar Energy Company
Speak to our solar electrical engineers about the most suitable solar panel for your solar system.
See what's possible. Click your area from the key locations below.
how do solar pv panels work?
Solar PV panels, also known as photovoltaic panels, are modules that convert sunlight (UV rays) into electricity, offering a sustainable energy solution for both homes and businesses. These panels harness solar energy to generate clean power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering energy bills. As the demand for renewable energy grows, so does the potential for solar installations to provide significant financial and environmental benefits.
For homeowners, solar panels enable the generation of electricity from a clean, renewable source, often resulting in substantial long-term savings on energy costs. Businesses can leverage solar power to enhance their sustainability profile while reducing overhead expenses associated with energy use. Solar Panel Installers UK are equipped to guide you through the installation process, ensuring that you benefit from the full potential of solar technology.
Understanding how solar PV panel’s function is key to appreciating their advantages. These modules capture sunlight through solar cells, generating direct current (DC) electricity, which can then be converted into alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses. By choosing solar energy, you are investing in a cleaner future and contributing to the fight against climate change.
The Science of Photovoltaics
The photovoltaic effect is the underlying principle that enables solar cells to generate electricity. When sunlight, composed of photons, strikes a solar cell, it energises electrons in the semiconductor material. This interaction creates an electrical current, as the freed electrons move rapidly through the material.
Solar cells are primarily made from silicon, which functions effectively as a semiconductor. Silicon can be doped with other materials to create two types of layers: n-type (with extra electrons) and p-type (with a deficiency of electrons). These layers form a p-n junction, which activates and causes the generation of voltage.
To improve all round efficiency, solar PV panels/cells often feature an anti-reflective coating, minimising the loss of sunlight. This coating significantly increases the amount of light absorbed, allowing for optimal performance in generating electricity.
When the Lights Go Out: Could You Cope Without Power?
On 28 April 2025, at 12:33 CEST, Spain experienced a massive nationwide power cut. Whole towns plunged into darkness. Fridges stopped. Broadband died. Mobile phone networks were overloaded. Businesses halted. Homes sat in silence, no heating, no cooling, no clue how long it would last.
Now imagine for a moment:
It’s 6:30PM in November.
You’re halfway through cooking dinner.
The power cuts out.
And stays out.
No lighting. No Wi-Fi. No heating.
No way to charge your phone.
No updates. No clue what’s going on.
It’s not just inconvenient. It’s helpless.
“But I’ve Got Solar, So I’m Covered, Right?”
Not necessarily.
Most grid-tied solar PV systems automatically shut down during a power cut. Why? Safety, so your system doesn’t send electricity back to the grid while engineers are working on repairs.
That means even if the sun is shining and your battery is charged, your home might still go dark, unless you have something else in place…
Introducing: Full Home Back-Up
A full home back-up system is exactly what it sounds like, a way to keep your entire home running during a power cut.
Here’s how it works:
Your solar panels and battery charge as normal during the day.
If the grid goes down, a smart backup inverter kicks in automatically.
Your battery powers the circuits in your home; lights, fridge, Wi-Fi, sockets, without interruption.
If you’ve got enough storage, you can run your home for hours or even days.
Who Needs Full Home Back-Up?
Families who want reassurance that the heating will stay on, the oven will still cook dinner, and the kids won’t be left without a nightlight.
Homeworkers and business owners who rely on broadband, laptops, and a stable environment to keep things running.
Anyone who values energy independence and doesn’t want to rely on the luck of the grid.
Peace of Mind You Can Feel
Power cuts are no longer a third-world problem. The UK grid is under pressure, and the risk is growing, whether from weather, ageing infrastructure, or energy demand spikes.
With a full home back-up system:
Your lights stay on.
Your food stays cold.
Your home stays liveable.
It’s about comfort, control, and confidence, no matter what’s happening outside.
Want to Know If It’s Right for You?
We’ll show you what’s possible based on:
Your energy needs
Your home layout
Your existing (or planned) solar system
There’s no guesswork, no jargon, and no obligation. Just clarity.
Get in touch for a free, personalised quote and discover how solar, battery storage, and full home back-up could keep your home powered, even when the rest of the street goes dark.
What are the best solar panels for home use?
Types of Solar Cells
Solar cells can be categorised into several types based on their manufacturing processes and materials. The two primary types are monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells.
- Monocrystalline Solar Cells
Made from a single crystal structure, these cells are known for higher efficiency and longevity. Their uniform black appearance is a sign of their high purity and better performance in low-light conditions. - Polycrystalline Solar Cells
Comprised of multiple silicon crystals, polycrystalline cells tend to be less efficient than monocrystalline cells but are usually more affordable. Their bluish hue results from the rougher texture of the silicon material.
Both cell types are used in solar PV systems, offering varying benefits based on efficiency, cost, and installation requirements. By understanding these options, homeowners and business owners can make informed decisions regarding solar technology tailored to their own energy needs.
Advantages of Installing Solar PV Panels
Installing solar PV panels offers significant economic benefits and a positive environmental impact, making them an attractive option for both home and business owners. These systems generate solar energy to produce electricity, which can lead to considerable savings permanently and contribute to a sustainable future.
Economic Benefits
One of the primary advantages of solar PV systems is the potential for reduced electricity bills. By generating your own electricity from sunlight (UV rays), you can significantly lower your reliance on grid electricity, thus decreasing your monthly/quarterly energy bill.
Any excess energy produced can be sold back to the grid. This means that during sunny days, your solar panels can help you earn money as well as saving it.
Recent data is showing that investing in solar panels can increase your property’s value. Studies indicate that homes with solar installations sell for approximately £15,000 more than those without, making it a wise investment for the long term. (Property size, location and other factors apply.)
In addition, as solar panel efficiency improves, newer systems can generate more electricity even in low sunlight conditions, further enhancing their financial appeal.
Environmental Impact
Solar PV panels play an important role in the reduction of your carbon footprint. By utilising clean energy from the sun, these systems minimise reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution and climate change.
Each kWh of electricity generated from solar power reduces harmful emissions, improving air quality for communities. Transitioning to solar energy can contribute significantly to the UK’s goals of reducing carbon emissions and meeting sustainability targets.
Solar panels operate quietly and efficiently, making them suitable for various environments without disrupting local ecosystems. The move towards renewable energy sources like solar power not only benefits individual users but also supports a larger shift toward a sustainable energy future.
Investing in solar technology is not just an economic decision; it also represents a commitment to environmental responsibility and a healthier planet for our younger and future generations.
Not sure where to start? Read the guide that fits you best:
Call our expert solar panel technical services for answers to your questions.
FAQ's
How do you size a solar PV system for my property?
We size your system to your usage, roof space and budget, using roof measurements, shade analysis and your energy data to forecast generation and savings.
Will installation disrupt my home or business?
Most home installations take one to two days, with power off for a short period during commissioning. Commercial projects are planned around operating hours to minimise disruption.
Do I need planning permission?
Most domestic systems are permitted development, subject to limits on height, placement and conservation rules. We check this before work starts and handle any applications if required.
Can I add a battery later?
Yes. We can pre-wire for future storage so adding a battery later is straightforward.