What are Solar Photovoltaic Panels?

As part of our mission to practice and deliver sustainability wherever possible, Platform is always looking to implement new features into our homes.

One of our key new features is photovoltaic (PV) panels, often referred to simply as solar panels. Solar electricity panels capture the sun’s energy and convert that into electricity that can be used throughout your home. 

By installing solar panels across our developments, we’re ensuring that residents can harness free sunlight to generate renewable electricity, potentially saving around one tonne of CO2 a year.

To maintain transparency with our customers, we wanted to take the time to break down exactly how these panels work and the benefits they might offer our residents.

How do PV panels work?

A solar panel is made up of thin layers of semiconducting, chemically treated material that reacts when hit by light, creating an electric field that produces direct current (DC).

This is converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter so that it can be used by various appliances throughout the home.

PV panels are often used alongside other sustainable features such as battery storage solutions, air source heat pumps and immersion heaters. Battery storage is particularly effective as it enables the resident to store and use the electricity at a time that suits them.

These panels, when placed on a 40-degree pitched roof facing south, can deliver an estimated output of up to 3,900kWh per year, provided they’re kept clean and debris-free.

Since the modules within the panels react to light, solar panels can generate electricity all year round, although the output can be impacted if the weather is heavily overcast. This also means temperature doesn’t typically affect the panels; they don’t necessarily require a hot sunny day, and generally, a clear, cold day is ideal.

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What are the benefits of PV panels?

Aside from helping residents reduce their carbon footprint, solar panels also benefit homeowners financially. By using the electricity at the time of generation, residents can benefit from direct energy savings whilst also potentially receiving export payments under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.

If the homeowner creates a surplus of solar electricity, they may be paid by the grid. The export price paid by the grid (the price per kWh units of electricity) is much less than what the homeowner would pay their domestic electricity supplier.

With this in mind, it’s much more efficient to time energy usage with peak energy generation. If the homeowner uses intensive appliances such as electric car charging, washing machines and dishwashers during peak energy generation times (such as noon on a clear day), it’s significantly cheaper in terms of energy savings.

How should you look after your PV panels?

Solar panels don’t require much maintenance, provided they’re kept clear and free of debris. In most cases, residents simply need to make sure that no trees or other obstacles are overshadowing the system.

If you live in an area with more dust in the air, or the panels are mounted at floor level, the panels may need to be cleaned occasionally. 

Since they have no moving parts and are largely self-cleaning, solar panels can be expected to operate for at least 25 years before needing serious maintenance. The inverter inside doesn’t last as long as the panels and may need replacing at some point over the 25 years.

Once they’re fitted, simply keep an eye on the system and how much power it’s generating, as this is an easy way to figure out if something is wrong.

What to do when you move in: 

• Read the user guide and keep it safe.
• Register your details with the PV supplier to activate the warranty.
• Find an energy supplier that also offers SEG payments.
• Complete your SEG application form.
• Ensure that you’re doing any energy-intensive tasks at peak daylight hours.
• Keep panels clear of obstacles and free of debris.
• Provide meter readings as specified by your electricity supplier.
• Make sure that the inverter panel, usually in the loft space, is clear.