Do you need a solar panel system to be energy independent?

If you want to be fully energy independent, you will need more panels and a solar battery big enough to store the excess energy you generate. As long as you install a solar panel system powerful enough to cover your household’s energy usage, you can rely on solar electricity for all your energy needs.

Are solar panels connected to the National Grid?

These solar panel systems are not connected to the national grid, and they are most common in remote areas where connection is not possible. During daylight hours, stand-alone PV panels generate electricity to power your home, storing any excess electricity in solar batteries.

Will solar panels generate enough electricity year-round?

Whether they'll generate enough electricity for your home year-round will depend on: if your solar panel system works in a power cut. It may be more realistic to think about whether you can be self-sufficient for the brighter parts of the year, and then top up your energy use from the grid at other times.

How many solar panels are there in the UK?

There are now 1.5 million solar panels on homes across the UK. As well as saving you money on energy bills, solar panels can earn you cash. And don't worry, they can still generate electricity on gloomy days, vital when the weather's as dull as dishwater.

What is a photovoltaic system?

A photovoltaic system is a system that generates renewable energy via photovoltaic cells and then converts it into usable electricity. Photovoltaic systems consist of one or more solar PV panel along with an inverter. Step-by-step guide to how photovoltaic systems work:

Are all solar panels the same?

This is where solar panel terminology can become confusing. Solar panel is a general term that often refers to photovoltaic systems and solar panels – but you should know that while all PV systems are solar panels, not all solar panels use PV technology. Here’s the difference: Solar PV panels: use the photovoltaic effect.