What is Solar PV?

Solar PV Maintenance & Installation Services

What is Solar PV?

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems provide free electricity to your tenants, helping to combat fuel poverty but they also generate potentially lucrative returns on investment through subsidies and power purchase agreements.

Solar PV systems consist of several photovoltaic cells built into a solar module, of which many are installed upon a roof. The modules are connected via DC cabling and feed back to inverters which transform the DC power to AC electricity ready for the property to consume. The generated power is metered and used as the primary source of power to the building, with any excess demand being topped up by the national grid, any excess supply of solar power is exported back to the grid.

With climate change continuing to manifest globally through devastating floods, droughts, and wildfires, the need for solar PV systems increases. In Britain, renewables have generated more power than coal and other fossil fuels. A decade ago, just 3% of the country's electricity was generated from wind and solar. This year, renewables have supplied 37% of electricity compared to 35% for fossil fuels.

Unlike other energy sources, solar energy does not produce pollution nor emit harmful greenhouse gases. By switching to solar power, you can directly reduce CO2 emissions, help preserve valuable fossil fuels, and ensure a safe and liveable planet for future generations.


Why install Solar PV?

At current rates of consumption best estimates are that we will run out of oil in less than 50 years. The fact that we are quickly burning through our finite supply of oil is reason enough to develop and implement sustainable alternatives like solar power. But it is not even the most compelling reason. Climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels is altering the face of the planet as you read this.

If we do not take concrete steps now to move away from the use of fossil fuels our children and grandchildren will not only inherit a world without oil, they may also be forced to live in a world beset by rising oceans, shrinking food production and environmental chaos.

Can solar photovoltaic panels alone stop that from happening? No. But the solar energy they produce can be an integral part of a comprehensive renewable energy strategy that will.

With those big picture facts in mind here are some other reasons why you should consider solar panel installation:

  • Reduce electricity bills - Solar Photovoltaic systems produce FREE electricity meaning property owners can reduce their electricity bills by utilising this FREE electricity generated during daylight hours which therefore means purchasing less from the national grid year on year.

  • Easy way to meet building regulations - For builders or developer in the new build market, solar photovoltaic systems are a great way to help meet SAP targets, energy reports, The Code for Sustainable Homes, BREEAM ratings, Part L and local planning requirements such as the London Plan.

  • Reduce your carbon footprint - Solar PV generates renewable energy, meaning it doesn’t produce any harmful pollution. This technology is a way that each property can help towards protecting the environment and tackling climate change by utilising natural sustainable resources.

Why install Solar PV

Why Maintain Solar Photovoltaic Systems?

Why maintain Solar Photovoltaic Systems?

Solar PV systems have no moving parts, require low maintenance, and are made to last many years. This means many solar panel installation companies offer long warranties and maintenance packages as part of their system cost. That said, proper care and precautions are still necessary to ensure the longevity and year-round efficiency of your system.

During a solar PV routine maintenance, we’ll carry out a comprehensive check of all cracks and defects and conduct an electrical component test.

An engineer will check for potential issues such as:

●       Broken glass, discoloration, or burn marks on solar panels

●      Corrosion on electrical enclosures or the rack system

●      Corrosion or erosion of system supports

●      Excessive cracking or wear on the inverter

●      Loose or exposed wiring

●      Missing bolts

●      Roof drainage issues

●      Signs of pest infestation

●      Vegetation growth on the roof

●      Water damage from roof penetrations

Identify issues early

A specialist can identify any problems before they happen, saving you money on repair and solar PV reactive maintenance costs. With regular servicing, you can rectify any damage before the issue worsens. 

Enhance safety

The sooner you resolve issues in your system, the lower the risk of accidents or injuries for your tenants and any electrical workers handling the distribution network. 

Increase efficiency

Accumulated dirt, dust, bird droppings, grease or any other particles in the air can be detrimental to your PV panels. They can block sunlight, create hotspots, and decrease the efficiency of the system. Planned solar PV maintenance will keep unwanted dirt from the surface of the panels and ensure high performance.

Why Trust Ecolution for Solar PV Panel Installation

For more than 20 years we have been leaders in the movement to embrace alternative energy sources. No one in the UK is better qualified to handle the installation of solar PV panels on your home or business. That installation process typically involves the following steps:

1: Assessing the site - Before solar PV panel installation can commence our engineer needs to assess your home or business from an energy standpoint. They will determine how much generated electricity you need, whether you have a south-facing roof and more.

2: Dealing with permits and other paperwork - Regardless of the amount of electricity that will be produced you will need planning permission and have to obtain building permits and other documentation. We handle most paperwork for you.

3: Obtaining the necessary equipment and scheduling installation - Once we know what you need and have taken care of the necessary paperwork, it’s time to order the equipment and schedule the installation.

4: Installing solar PV panels - Actual solar PV panel installation may seem anticlimactic only because our team are so adept and efficient. They boast full MCS accreditation, meaning you can be sure the work will meet rigid quality standards.

5: Flipping the switch - Once installed your solar PV panels will need to gain official approval before you can flip the switch and connect to the grid. We will be there with you through the entire process.