solar pv

the technology, explained

A PV (or Photo Voltaic) system captures the sun's energy and converts it into electricity that you can use in your home, to charge an electric vehicle. . .  or store in batteries for later use.

A typical system consists of three primary components:  SOLAR PANELS to absorb and convert daylight into electricity, a solar INVERTER to convert the panels' output to Alternating Current (AC) and BATTERIES to store excess energy.

An increasing common addition to Solar PV Systems are EV VEHICLE CHARGERS.

 

panels

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Arrays will be designed, and specified in your FREE ENERGY REPORT, to give you the optimum kWh output per square meter. . .  blue skies not required!

The type of panels fitted will be dictated by;  the area available, the safe load bearing capability of your roof, the desired kWh output and, of course, your budget.

Panels are 1m wide, with lengths ranging from 1.6m (weighing 18kg) to 1.9m (weighing 21.6kg), and power outputs from 250w to 400w.

inverter

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Solar Photo Voltaic panels generate electricity in Direct Current (DC), which is required for battery storage (or EV vehicle charging), but most of your existing home appliances and lighting need electrical power supplied in Alternating Current (AC).

The job of an 'Inverter' is simply to convert the Direct Current coming directly from the panels, or from your batteries, into useable AC.

Inverters are rated according to their conversion capacity, measured in Kilowatt Hours. . .  so the greater your system's generating capability, the higher the rating of Inverter you will need.

batteries

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Any electrical power that your solar panels generate and not used immediately (or exported to the grid) can be stored in batteries. . .  to provide power after dark, when your panels are not producing.

Whilst not an essential part of a solar PV system, your FREE ENERGY REPORT will include details of the battery options that are most compatible with your proposed system's output.

Solŵr Wales ONLY install Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries for solar energy storage.  Unlike 'lead acid' batteries, Li-ion are effectively maintenance free and have a higher 'cycle rate', which means that they can be charged and discharged many more times without losing their storage capacity.

ev charging

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Although an electric vehicle (EV) can be charged from a standard household 3-pin plug socket, domestic supply is not designed for the loads that EVs require. . .  which can cause overheating.

All EV chargers supplied by Solŵr Wales are installed on dedicated circuits, specifically designed to handle increased car charging loads.  Each unit offers fast charging (at 7kW), with type 2 connectors compatible with most plug-in EVs, are protected against the elements and App-controlled.

The majority of EV charging at home takes place overnight, when demand for energy from the grid is at its lowest and cheapest, but using solar panels to charge your EV during the day adds an extra layer of convenience.

Note:  Most domestic properties have single phase power, which limits the maximum charging rate for EVs to 7kW.  Faster chargepoints (such as a 22kW unit) are usually only suitable for commercial properties with a three phase power supply.

installation

Installations are meticulously planned and can usually be completed in a single day, depending upon site access, the scaffolding required and work necessary to integrate the system.

Solŵr Wales operate a non-invasive, clean site policy.  You won't even know the engineers are there until the time comes to locate the Inverter indoors. . .  and batteries if you've chosen to add storage!  Call our engineers for their advice.

call free on 08000 30 27 77

Whilst roof mounted panels are the most common, they are by no means the only option.  If you have outside space that is not subject to excessive shading, you may wish to consider a ground mounted array.

Although slightly more costly to construct initially, ground mounted panels can be more accurately aligned to optimise their efficiency, and are more easily accessible for cleaning.

Bonus content:  WHERE CAN SOLŴR WALES INSTALL?