Solar Panels: they’re growing in popularity quickly and no matter where you look in the UK, you’ll be sure to find various buildings that are benefiting from solar energy.

A solar panel is a group of electrically connected solar cells, enclosed in a frame, which will convert sunlight into electricity.

As a homeowner, you’re likely aware of solar energy as an energy solution, however are you aware of the vast list of benefits that solar energy brings? If not, make sure to read on, as we go into more detail with 10 facts that you need to know about solar panels, written in collaboration with The Roofing Company Bristol Ltd, leading provider of solar panels Bristol.

Fact 1: Solar energy is free and completely renewable

Once you have covered the initial cost of the solar panels themselves, you will not need to spend out on the electricity they produce.

You’ll also be able to reduce your carbon footprint by choosing solar energy, since it is totally renewable. In fact, solar energy users will save as much as 75 million barrels of oil and 35 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually!

What’s more, as there is simply so much power that can be harnessed from the sun, in just an hour the Earth will receive more energy than it would consume in an entire year!

Fact 2: There are two types of solar panels

Photovoltaic, or solar PV as they are also known, panels will convert sunlight into electricity, whilst solar thermal panels will heat water using the sun’s warmth and use the hot water to heat your home.

Fact 3: A solar panel system won’t need direct sunlight to work

Of course, a solar panel system will reach maximum efficiency when the sun is shining. However, the system will still produce electricity on a cloudy day and throughout the winter.

The system won’t produce electricity at night, but a storage system can solve this issue. This solar battery storage system will also be eligible to pay off using excess energy to the national grid and once paid off, you’ll be 100% energy independent.

Fact 4: You won’t need planning permission if…

You will not need to apply for planning permission to install solar panels onto your home, as long as they do not protrude more than 200mm.

If they do and the system is too large, you’ll need permission from local authorities, as well as if you are installing them within a protected system.

Fact 5: They require very little maintenance and could last up to 40 years

Once you have installed your solar panels, they’ll require very little maintenance. The only thing you’ll need to do is make sure that they’re clean and not shaded by anything.

If your roof is titled, the panels won’t need cleaning as much, since rain helps to remove the dirt.

With the correct maintenance, your solar panels will have an incredibly long lifespan. Typically, they’ll carry a 25-year warranty, but they could last up to 30 or even 40 years!

Fact 6: Harnessing energy from the sun is not a new invention

Did you know that the first to predict that solar energy would become a reality was Leonardo Da Vinci, in the 15th Century! Following that, the first solar cell was developed in the 19th century, however its solar efficiency was only 1%.

Fact 7: You could even earn from your solar panels!

The ‘feed-in tariff’ is a payment you receive from the government for all of the renewable energy that your household generates, regardless of how much you use. The tariff you receive will depend on the EPC grade of your home, with higher grades of A-D receiving more.

We hope that the above article has given you all of the information you need about solar panels. Choosing solar panels can be an excellent decision to make, both for your monthly bills and the planet as a whole.