AC Power (Alternating Current): Known as standard electrical power and delivered to domestic and commercial buildings for power
Ampere (Amp): A unit of measurement to show how much electricity is flowing through the wires
DC Power (Direct Current): An electrical current which stays constant. Solar panels capture DC electricity but this must be converted to AC for use in the home
Feed-in tariff: The feed-in tariff scheme is an incentive for solar panel installation, paying out for every unit of electricity you generate
Fossil Fuel: A natural resource such as coal, natural gas and oil. These are used to produce energy and solar panels help to end this reliance by using the sun’s rays
Greenhouse Gases: The burning of fossil fuels for energy creates greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Solar panels help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are considered as clean technology
Grid connected systems: This means the solar panels are connected to the National Grid so you can earn from the feed-in tariff and sell excess electricity too.
Inverter: The inverter converts DC power into AC, which can then be used in the home
kW (Kilowatt): The measurement of power for solar panels. Domestic installations range between 1kW and 4kW in size. The larger the system, the more power you’ll generate
Photovoltaic (PV) System: Often shortened to PV, photovoltaic panels produce environmentally friendly electricity from the sun. They’re normally installed onto the roof of your home
Stand-Alone System: A standalone system isn’t connected to the National Grid. These systems often have batteries whereby the electricity created can be stored for use at a later date when the sun isn’t available
Tilt Angle: This is the angle in which your solar panels will be tilted towards the sun. The tilt will normally be optimally positioned to receive the most sunlight throughout the day
Utility Grid: The infrastructure of the power grid which provides energy to homes and businesses around the country. The grid is owned and managed by electric utility companies
Volt (V): The amount of force required to drive a steady current. Electrical systems of most homes use 120 volts.
Watt (W): Named after James Watt, this is the standard unit of power by capacity or demand. Light bulbs for example are measured in Watts.
Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share
- [tweetable alt=””]Solar panels are now priced at a record low, providing an excellent return on investment for every buyer.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]The feed-in tariff scheme will help homeowners earn over £500 annually with solar panels.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Solar panels will help to reduce your yearly electricity bills by over £100, providing over two decades of savings.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]The generous export tariff ensures no electricity is wasted as it’s sold to the National Grid for a set price.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]As gas and electricity prices continue to increase year-on-year, solar panels offer a way to guarantee your energy future.[/tweetable]