If you are a homeowner annoyed by the skyrocketing electricity bills and considering the “energy saving” prospects of domestic solar energy, then you are on the right track. If you are sceptical about whether the UK is sunny enough for solar, then here is an insight from Eco Angels.
Doubt is justified, considering the UK’s temperate climate and cloudy weather. As one of the leading suppliers of domestic solar panels in the UK, let us assure you that this region has enough sunlight to power your home, and fulfil the energy needs of your entire family.
Typical Energy Needs of British Homeowners Compared to Average Solar Energy Yields
Let’s consider a family of four to five people in a typical 3-bedroom house. Multiple hot showers, multiple PCs, mobiles and chargeable electronics, a full-size refrigerator, a large washer and dryer, a cooking range and extractor, and where everyone enjoys binge-watching on the large screen TV. Does that cover your urban lifestyle and energy needs?
For a 3-bedroom house/apartment with 3-5 inhabitants and typical urban electrical needs, the average energy consumption is roughly 8-10 kWh per day and 3,100 – 3650 kWh per year.
Theoretically, the energy demand could be achieved with 4kW (8-10 440W solar panels), which may yield somewhere between 1,800 – 2700 kWh of electricity per year.
However, the calculation is based on assumptions, considering average conditions while having excellent solar exposure and orientation. You must know that solar panels don’t produce the maximum amount of energy as per the output rating and are prone to system losses.
Our experts at Eco Angels recommend a more generous capacity of 6kW or 7kW array of 16-20 440W residential solar panels in the UK. This has to be supplemented with an inverter and battery system to sustain the output.
Importance of Solar Batteries and Inverters to Optimise Power Sources
Now, all this while, we have been talking about domestic solar panels, but what about solar batteries or inverters? Why do you need them and what for?
We have already mentioned the importance of inverters in our previous blog, speaking of the things to consider when getting solar panels. It converts the DC into AC, making it safer and more stable. So, what is the best capacity to go for? We would recommend a 5kW to 6.0kW solar PV inverter in the UK.
Now coming to battery systems. They store your energy during peak hours and low demand. You can use this stored power at night and off-peak hours. To match the “average” output, we can recommend a minimum 8.2kWh solar battery in the UK for a 4kWp PV system. And up to 13.5 kWh of usable capacity for substantial use.
How Sun Exposure Works for Solar PV Systems to Generate Electricity
Sun exposure indeed determines the energy output of solar systems. However, just because you live in a colder, cloudier climate doesn’t mean that you cannot get enough sun exposure for your solar panels.
Sun exposure for solar panels works by harnessing light, not heat. This is the main reason why they continue to work even in overcast areas and on extended cloudy days. You can get enough solar radiation in the UK. There is enough daylight to power your house.
However, the vital factor that makes it all work for domestic solar PV systems in the UK, is the design and configuration and use of proper products.
Get The Best Products to Maximise Energy Efficiency
You can check out the perfect products we have on offer for you to maximise the efficiency of the domestic solar PV system in the UK. But there are several parameters to determine—what are the available types of solar panels? What is the better option between hybrid and non-hybrid solar PV inverters in the UK? Should you go for single-phase or dual-phase systems? You can always turn to expert contractors for advice and guidance on designing the optimal solar PV system for your home.