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5 (Non-Solar) Ways That You Can Be Good to the Environment
Thursday 2nd August 2018Blog
We love solar energy here at Project Solar (obviously), but we do know it’s not the only way to help Planet Earth. We’re just as enthusiastic about the other ways – from the small-scale changes in habit, to the large-scale projects that take huge group effort.
Here are some of our favourites to help you get inspired.
1. Avoid Single-Use/Disposable Plastic
You’ve probably read and/or heard quite a lot about various big companies and organisations moving away from plastic, especially the single-use kind, because it is ending up in places where it doesn’t belong – such as our oceans.
The more plastic there is in our oceans, the more damage it will do to all types of sea-life. We’re even harming ourselves when we’re polluting the seas, because many of the fish that we end up eating are inadvertently consuming microscopic pieces of plastic before they get to us – which, yep,
means that the fish-eaters among us are likely eating microscopic pieces of plastic every now and then.
Of course, no living creature on Earth is designed to eat plastic, so we need to stop it from entering all food supplies.
And although most developed countries around the world now recycle, not even 10% of the plastic we produce ends up actually being recycled. Most of it ends up in either the environment, in the oceans, or in landfills, and then some of it just gets burned (which causes further pollution).
We could talk about the plastic issue all day, but we’ll stop there. You get the idea! Here are some ways that you can be more plastic-conscious and fight plastic pollution:
Buy more fruit and veg from local/independent greengrocers – ones that don’t use unnecessary plastic packaging. Supermarkets are generally terrible for that.
Ask for paper straws (rather than plastic ones) when eating out in restaurants or drinking in pubs and bars – and if you go somewhere that doesn’t have paper straws as an option, pipe up and try to get them onboard!
Get a Brita water jug and a Klean Kanteen bottle instead of buying packs and packs of bottled water – it tastes just as clean and fresh, we promise! And it’s cheaper.
Get some BPA-free food-containers instead of using sandwich bags – think Sistema, Addis, and other brands like that. (The BPA-free bit is important, otherwise it will be the sort of cheap plastic which contains harmful chemicals that transfer onto your food.)
Buy some reusable shopping bags rather than getting those 5p bags each time you go shopping (the cupboard under the sink would probably thank you for this if it could speak!).
2. Eat Less Meat and Less Dairy
This point isn’t about the ethics of consuming animal products – it’s not our place to comment on that, so we won’t. Our sole focus here is the health of the wider planet.
And, environmentally speaking, the fact is that producing meat and dairy takes a toll. A big toll.
If you had to guess, how much water would you say is needed to produce one kilogram of beef?
The answer is 15,000 litres – i.e. 190(ish) bathfuls of water. And, to put this into perspective, that’s just two regular-sized packets of beef mince. Seems like a lot of water for not very much meat, doesn’t it?
Other everyday meats aren’t far behind: one kilogram of lamb requires just over 10,000 litres; one kilogram of pork requires almost 6,000 litres; one kilogram of chicken requires almost 4,500 litres.
Only 2.5% of the water on Earth is fresh (i.e. fit for our consumption), but even the vast majority of this 2.5% is logistically unreachable (frozen in glaciers, etc.). So, when we get down to it, a tiny 0.007% of Earth’s water is actually available to us. With that in mind, we should we be using this precious resource in such vast quantities just for producing meat?
Then there’s the methane that all of this livestock produces, plus the carbon emissions from the transportation of the finished product.
Now, we’re not saying that we think everyone should become vegan or even vegetarian. What we’re saying is that the planet would undeniably be better off if we all cut down. You might have heard the term ‘flexitarian’: someone who does buy and eat meat but is making a conscious effort to do so sparingly.
3. Take Shorter Showers
We all know that having a shower is more economical than having a bath, but the shower still uses a great deal of water – more than you might realise.
Let’s say that a five-minute shower is a ‘short’ one (it is). You’d probably guess that a shower like that would use up about four or five pints of water, but it actually uses between 40 and 50 litres – or 80-90 pints. That’s a heck of a lot, isn’t it?
As such, it makes sense to save the water for the parts of the showering process where you need it most. We don’t need the water flowing when we’re lathering ourselves, do we? We only really need the shower-head to be on at the very start and at the very end – maybe a minute for each, so two minutes of flow in total, which will use up around 20-25 litres.
4. Get a Hybrid Car
In July 2017, the government announced plans to ban the sale of petrol-powered and diesel-powered vehicles by 2040. In the time since, some environmental groups have called for that ban-date to be brought further forward.
One thing is clear: we are now actively looking to make our car market greener, so we will all need to get onboard sooner or later.
As such, getting a hybrid car would be a strong move. (For those who want an exact definition, a hybrid car is one that runs via electric power as well as petrol or diesel – typically, the car will run on electricity when it’s going 30mph or slower, resulting in less overall CO2 emission.)
The UK car market already has plenty of hybrid models for you to choose from – and it’s not just those humble Toyota Priuses and Yarises; the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, and more have got in on the action, and some of the resulting cars are definite headturners.
5. Become an Exemplary Recycler
Most of us now recycle to one degree or another, with different wheelie bins for different types of waste, but there are recyclers and then there are RECYCLERS.
A used baked-beans tin is no good to the recycling plant if it’s still got bean-juice and a few stray beans in it. Your best bet is rinsing out any food tin or bottle before popping it in the recycling bin.
Also be mindful of your council’s rules for recycling, because these can vary from borough to borough. What’s okay in one borough’s brown bin might not be okay in the next borough’s, and vice versa. If you end up putting a few items of the wrong material in the wrong bin, that whole bin’s worth of rubbish may well end up being thrown in with the non-recyclable waste – some councils can be ruthless like that.
Another thing to do is watch what you’re throwing in public bins while you’re out and about. For example, an empty Coke can shouldn’t really go in one of those black general-waste bins, so try to hold onto it until you can put it in a recycling bin.
Let’s Work Together to Save Our Planet
How do all of those sound to you? You’re probably doing some of them already, so it makes sense to take it to the next level. Teamwork and vigilance are the keys to preventing more harm to our environment – if we all make huge efforts and stay mindful of our day-to-day habits, we can make a significant positive impact.
Of course, our real area of planet-saving expertise is solar power. We’ve already helped thousands of households just like yours, transforming them into eco-friendly homes that run via renewable energy.
Read more about the benefits of switching to solar energy here, and get in touch with us to arrange a no-pressure consultation where we’ll discuss your needs.
The Dangers of Fossil Fuels and Why Solar is the Best Alternative
Friday 13th July 2018Helpful Guides
Fossil fuels have a devastating effect on the environment, and yet we continue with the production of fuel through these harmful means. We’re all aware of the costs of fossil fuel production – it’s a major player for the worldwide economy – but do we really know that much about the hidden costs? The costs to our health, the environment, and our ecosystems?
All of this is at risk. This guide, ‘The Dangers of Fossil Fuels and Why Solar Is The Best Alternative’ shines a light on the dangers of fossil fuel production, and looks at why solar is the best way to go.
Europe’s First Solar Panel Recycling Plant Opens in France
Thursday 28th June 2018News
Many solar panels in the UK are reaching the end of their 25-year lifespans, and are being decommissioned and removed from rooftops. For a long time, the process after decommission involved the panels being recycled in all-purpose glass recycling facilities, which for all its benefits does result in some wastage. Glass recycling only salvages glass and aluminium materials, and the remainder is burned in cement ovens.
Until now, that is.
1,300 tonnes of recycled solar panels
Europe’s first solar-panel recycling plant has landed in France, and it has a contract to recycle 1,300 tonnes of solar panels in 2018. Working alongside solar-recycling organisation PV Recycle France, the new plant even wants to increase the number to 4,000 tonnes by 2022.
The company in charge of spearheading the new plant is French water-and-waste group Veolia. According to Veolia, the first wave of ageing PV panels are now beginning to be removed from rooftops quickly enough to warrant building the recycling plant.
How it’s going to work
Veolia’s advanced machinery will disassemble the panels, recuperating all of the materials needed to build new panels. Those materials include glass, silicon, copper, silver, and various plastics.
The Veolia vision actually reaches beyond France, as the company wants the practice of dedicated solar-panel recycling to grow internationally and to become an industry standard.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), building dedicated recycling plants makes complete sense, especially for the long term. IRENA has even predicted that recovered PV materials could be worth $450 million (£343 million) by 2020, exceeding $15 billion (£11 million) by 2050.
Live greener with us
The solar industry is fast-paced, and it seems like every other week there’s a new development. Fortunately for us and for you, we’re always up to date. Be part of solar’s future by giving us a call on 0800 112 3110, or fill in an enquiry form here. It’s a future that you’ll want to be part of.
Celebs Gone Solar: Which Famous Faces Have Embraced Solar Panels?
Monday 25th June 2018Blog
Solar energy has never been more affordable, and these celebrity advocates want you to know it. In this blog, we’re going to run through our favourite celebrities whose homes are all generating solar energy.
We think it’s important to raise awareness any way we can, and seeing as these celebs are doing such a good job at it, we want to celebrate them. Here we go!
Edward Norton
Known for Fight Club among other hit films, actor Edward Norton has been fighting against a whole other cause than consumer capitalism. For years, he’s rallied against pollution and global warming as the UN’s Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity. Impressive!
He even works on the BP Solar Neighbours Program, which gives a low-income family a solar panel system each time a celebrity switches to solar.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is also involved in Solar Neighbours with Fight Club co-star Norton, while remaining an active supporter of building eco-friendly houses in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
His foundation, Make It Right, has successfully launched 150 storm-resistant, solar-powered, energy-efficient houses in New Orleans.
Rachel McAdams
Rachel McAdams is far from a ‘mean girl’ – in fact, she’s become a celebrity sweetheart for her efforts within the environmental community.
Her palatial Canadian home is fully decked out with solar panels; she rides a bicycle to run errands; she runs a website called GreenIsSexy.org; and she’s one of the most active environmentalists in Hollywood. Do we need to say more?
Julia Roberts
The Hollywood actress is so highly regarded for her advocacy that in 2014 she played ‘Mother Nature’ in a series of short films commissioned by Conservation International. With breathy tones, she warns us about a world turned upside down by climate change and recites the fact that “I don’t really need people but people need me.”
Aside from this, the actress’s Malibu home is a self-sustained haven, powered completely by solar energy. Plus, she was in Notting Hill, which is good enough for us.
Pierce Brosnan
Ex-Bond actor Pierce Brosnan is the proud owner of a £6.5 million ‘eco palace’ in Malibu. Complete with a purpose-built recycling plant, a waste disposal plant, and custom-built energy-saving lighting, he’s certainly doing his bit for the environment.
Cate Blanchett
The Australian actress is one of the world’s foremost leaders for the application of solar energy within theatres. She and her husband Andrew Upton are co-artistic directors of the Sydney Theatre Company, and together they made possible the 1,906 solar panels that currently sit on the theatre company’s home (the Wharf on Sydney Harbor).
According to Blanchett, “If theatre doesn’t engage with the big issues that face human beings and society generally, then it very quickly becomes irrelevant.”
Solar is for everyone
Of course, whether you’re famous or not, we can all do our bit to save the planet. If you want to learn more about what solar can do for you, give us a call on 0800 112 3110 or fill out an enquiry form here.
Listed Buildings & Solar Panels: What Are The Rules?
Saturday 23rd June 2018Blog
When you think about it, installing solar panels onto a listed building is really combining the past and present (with plenty of future, too). A coming-together of age-old architectural structures and the modern technological feats of solar energy. A pretty interesting match, right?
Sometimes, it can go wrong. It requires meticulous planning for it to work, as well as the involvement of local councils and professional solar consultants. You also need to respect the original infrastructure of the building, no matter how noble your energy-saving endeavours might be.
So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know about installing solar panels onto a listed building.
Permitted development
The main difference between solar panel installations on listed buildings and solar panel installations on regular buildings is this: regular buildings come under the ‘permitted development’ bracket, which means that planning permission is not needed as long as standard guidelines are adhered to.
Installing solar on listed buildings is more complicated. You’ll need to make a case for what’s known as ‘listed building consent’ (LBC), and you’ll need to make your case strongly. For listed buildings, consent from local councils is granted on a project-by-project basis, so you’ll have to stand out from others who are going down the same route.
You may also have to get planning permission even if you do receive LBC, so keep that in mind.
One way that you can do this is by being creative in the placement of your solar panels. Show that you’ve considered the project, and maybe even speak to building professionals to get their opinion.
Be sensitive about it
Think about it – you’re effectively disturbing the historial materials of the building by introducing a new-fangled layer. You should think about the aesthetic of the building, and do your best to stay in-keeping with it. You don’t want to potentially damage materials that hold historic value(not to mention sentimental value within the community that lives near the building).
This means using materials that complement the existing materials, and most importantly: find out what these existing materials are. You’ll need to know if they can support a solar panel system. If not, you can use a bracket instead.
Can you remove the panels if needs be?
As you can tell, it’s a sensitive procedure. If, after installation, you need to remove the panels, you’ll want to do it quickly and with minimum fuss. Make sure that you can do this before choosing a system that is difficult to remove.
According to Historic England, two things that they look out for when considering solar installation on listed buildings are ‘minimum intervention’ and ‘reversibility’. This means that you should install the panels in a low-key, discreet way and, crucially, it should be easy to reverse.
Where to put electric meters?
If you’re planning on connecting the solar panels to the national grid, you need to think about where to place the electric meters. Again, discretion is key. You don’t want to put bulky electric boxes all over a beautiful building, so think strategically and look at the logistics.
You’ll probably want to consult a professional engineer for this part, as they’ll know the best places to put the meters. Keep the aesthetics in mind.
What material is the roof?
As you can imagine, some materials just won’t support solar panels. If you’ve got a thatch roof, for example, then solar definitely isn’t suitable. Thatch degrades over time, getting thinner and thinner. Most PV systems come with 25-year guarantees, which is the main reason why Historic England routinely rejects solar installations on thatch roofs.
You’ll want to consult with your solar installer to see if your building is suitable. Most slate roofs can support solar, whereas lead roofing can be tricky. There are so many variables that you’ll need a professional perspective.
Let us help
You can get that professional perspective from us. We’re experienced solar tradespeople, with years of providing high-tech solar solutions to homes, businesses, and all kinds of buildings.
Call 0800 112 3110 to arrange a consultation – it’s just a short, casual conversation where we talk through your options. You can also fill out an enquiry form here.
Solar Beats U.S. Import Tariff to Become Biggest Source of Power
Thursday 21st June 2018Blog
In the U.S., solar energy generated more electricity in the first quarter of 2018 than both gas and wind put together. The rate of solar panel installations (in the U.S.) increased by 13% in the first four months of the year, making solar accountable for a huge 55% of all new electricity generation.
In fact, solar has beaten new wind turbines and natural-gas turbines for a second consecutive quarter. According to figures from the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research, developers installed 2.5 gigawatts of solar in the first quarter of 2018 alone.
The biggest achievement for the U.S. is that all this came about in the face of the import tariffs that were introduced by President Donald Trump at the end of January 2018.
Unaffected by import tariffs
The import tariffs, which placed a 30% fee for all overseas materials coming into the U.S., were thought by many to be damaging to the U.S. renewables sector. But actually, solar has come out stronger and more popular than ever.
It just shows that the demand for solar has future-proofed any legislation changes that the U.S. government can throw at the industry. The demand, alongside the industry’s resilience, has continued to overcome its challenges.
A common-sense option
According to SEIA Chief Executive Officer Abigail Ross Hopper, this marks a milestone for solar energy and the renewables sector in general:
“Solar has become a common-sense option for much of the U.S., and is too strong to be set back for long, even in light of the tariffs.”
Fantastic news – but what can we do here in dear old Blighty?
As happy as we are for our cousins across the pond, we naturally want to better them. Solar is increasingly popular in the U.K., and our efforts have been strong, but we’re still slightly behind.
It’s all about sharing knowledge. See our Trustpilot page – it’s full of customers who love being part of the solar community. If you’d like to be part of it too, give us a call on 0800 112 3110, or fill out an enquiry form here.
The History of Renewable Energy: Where It All Began
Monday 18th June 2018Blog
It’s safe to say that we’re passionate about renewable energy. Not just solar, but all forms of energy sources that pose no threat or danger to Mother Earth. If you hadn’t noticed, we’re always talking about the future of renewable energy – where the technology is going, how fast it will take to get there, and so on.
What we often don’t appreciate is the long, much-trodden path that led us to where we are now. It’s a history of intrepid, bold inventors, scientific explorers, and the savviest of businesspeople.
In this blog we’re starting at the very beginning. Here is the full history of renewable energy; a story of the great strides taken in the name of environmental health.
200 BC – Waterwheels
Renewable energy – defined as energy that can be renewed, unlike fuels like gas, oil, or coal – started in Europe over 2,000 years ago. Of course, this was a brute form, but it created the premise for today’s technological feats.
It all started with ‘waterwheels’, which mimic the workings behind hydropower.
A waterwheel converts the energy of moving water into mechanical or electrical energy. It uses a rotating shaft to convert the kinetic movement of the water into mechanics, so that it drives any attached machinery to serve its function.
1590s – Windmills
Staying in Europe – the Netherlands, to be exact – we now look to the year 1590, when the popularity of windmills was at its peak. You know the type: those towering edifices that speak for a large part of Dutch industry and culture.
Windmills had come years before, in horizontal form and across large parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, in around 635 AD. The technology that influenced today’s wind turbines, however, was perfected in the Netherlands.
These were a far cry from the highly specialised wind turbines you see today. A windmill works through its blades and rotor shaft, so when the wind blows it pushes the blades to motion, causing them to spin. At this early time, windmills were used primarily to pump water and to mill grain.
1860 – The world’s first solar energy system
Now we’re off to France, where in 1860 the world’s first solar energy system was invented by French investor Augustin Mouchot. After his predictions that one day our coal supply would run out (we think he was on to something), Mochet ran trials on his ‘sun meter’.
Here are a few words from the man himself:
“One must not believe, despite the silence of modern writings, that the idea of using solar heat for mechanical operations is recent. On the contrary, one must recognise that this idea is very ancient and its slow development across the centuries has given birth to various curious devices”.
Indeed, the techniques at the heart of solar power have been practised for generations; Mouchot was just the first to perfect it.
1876 – You can use solar cells to generate energy!
Picture the scene: it’s London in 1876, and you are William Grylls Adams, Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College. You and your understudy have demonstrated to a board of fellow professors just how you can use selenium cells to harness rays from the sun and generate electricity. Success! Recognition! Acclaim!
Adams’s findings would prove instrumental in furthering the field of solar study. We’ll toast to that.
1887 – Windmills, round II
It wasn’t until the end of the 19th century (1887) that wind turbines were built and had started to generate (geddit?) interest in and around Europe. Just a year later, in 1888, Charles F. Brush invented the first windmill used to generate electricity on a farm in Cleveland, Ohio. By 1908, there were 72 wind turbines generating electricity in Denmark. And by the time the 1930s rolled around, they were widespread across the US.
The technology accelerated throughout the 20th century, alongside the increasing need to generate clean, renewable energy. In 2016, it was found that there are approximately 341,320 wind turbines in operation around the world. It’s reached such a scale that the global wind industry accounted for 1,555,000 jobs at the end of 2016.
1905 – Albert Einstein and the ‘photoelectric effect’
Famed physicist Albert Einstein perfected the ‘photoelectric effect’, which examines just how light-cells carry potent forms of energy that can be harnessed to power buildings across the civilised world.
The photoelectric effect is best described as the emission of electrons when light is shined upon certain materials. Einstein would win a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921, awarded especially for his work in solar energy.
That said, one Edmond Becquerel actually discovered the effect back in 1839, when experimenting with the effect of light and how it interacts with electrolytic cells. Now you can understand how protective these inventor-types can be when it comes to their work…
1927 – Wind turbines go commercial
1927 saw the first sale of commercial wind turbines, sold for a considerable sum (back then, anyway) to a group of remote US farmers.
This was the first instance of renewable energy making a splash on a large, commercial scale. People began to take notice.
1935 – Hoover Dam
This Colorado landmark was built to control the water-flow along the Colorado River and to provide Southern California and Arizona with a steady water supply. At the time, it was the largest hydroelectric facility in the US.
Over 5,000 workers were employed during the five years it took to build, and at full capacity it can hold enough water to cover the state of Connecticut 10 feet deep.
It’s regarded as one of the world’s renewable powerhouses, and it’s certainly one of our crowning achievements. It cost $165 million to build, which we reckon is a bargain when you think about its scale and its positive effect on the environment.
We’d go as far to say an absolute steal.
1958 – Solar goes to space
1958 saw the first US satellite use solar energy as its power source. The Vanguard 1 launched on St. Patrick’s Day, and it left behind a legacy that’s remembered on par with the American moon-landing that came 11 years later.
1978 – One whole village goes solar
The Tohono O’odham Reservation in Arizona became the first solar-powered village in the world. There would be many more to come, but this tribal community was the first.
1996 – The SOLAR Project
Located in Spain, the Mojave Desert (California), and wider regions of the US, the SOLAR Project consists of three solar power-plants, all built with the collective aim of furthering the technology and coming up with more efficient ways to harness and, ultimately, store the energy.
In 1996, the work of Solar Two – a plant in the Mojave Desert – succeeded in finding this better, more cost-efficient way. Instead of using oil or water to store energy (as Solar One did), the team at this particular plant used a combination of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate.
This combination allowed the energy to be stored for much longer periods of time, especially for when clouds obscure the light. This meant that systems could remain at full operation for up to three hours after the sun had set: a massive advancement for its time.
2013 – Ivanpah
2013 saw Ivanpah: the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant, built in the South California Mojave Desert. Its staggering scale is testament to how far the technology has come, and its construction is a landmark moment not just for solar fans like us, but also for the worldwide renewable community in general.
It covers 4,000 acres of land and it cost $2.2 billion to make. Again, an absolute bargain (in the grand scheme of things).
Modern solar solutions
As you can tell, we’ve come a long way, and we continue to innovate in every facet of modern life. But without the keen experimentation of years gone by, who knows where we would be.
We’re proud to be part of the movement, and we want you to get involved.
If you’re thinking about the potential of solar energy for your home or business, get in touch by calling 0800 112 3110. You can also fill out an enquiry form here – we’re happy to talk through your options.
Solar Panel Accessories You Should Know About
Thursday 14th June 2018Blog
Being part of the solar energy movement is great, isn’t it? That feeling that you’re part of something that is always moving, progressing at a quicker speed to give the world a greener future? We’re all about that.
Because we want you – our customer – to feel the same, and to get the most out of your system, we want to talk about some of the fantastic products that are available to use alongside our solar panels.
Did you know, for example, that you can get batteries that store excess electricity throughout the day so you can use it at night?
There’s more where that came from. Here are the solar panel accessories you need to know about.
Eco7 Smart Charge
The Eco7 Smart Charge is a simple solution to one of solar’s most long-standing issues. What this product does is allow batteries to charge during the time of off-peak tariff. Because most meters measure both on-peak and off-peak tariffs, the electricity stored from the grid passes straight back through your generation meter and shows as increased usage.
Now, with the Feed-in Tariff, this would usually mean more money in your pocket, right? Wrong: in this scenario, providers of the FiT are alerted to the additional energy and could potentially halt your FiT payments.
These Eco7 products are made so that you can top up your charge from the low-rate Economy 7 tariffs – i.e. late at night. You won’t lose out on FiT payments, either.
Modules
When we say ‘modules’, we’re referring to the panels themselves. Because the panels come in endless shapes, sizes, and materials – all according to the specs of the property – we provide three different categories of modules. You can learn more about them here.
Sun Power
As a business, the folks at Sun Power are leaders of the residential, commercial, and utility solar energy markets, and the company has more than 200 patents for solar energy technology. We trust their products because of the amount of research and cutting-edge technology that goes into each and every one of them.
Evolution Max
The Evolution Max solar modules are extremely durable: tested against the elements, they consistently perform to a high standard and are even resistant against corrosion.
With a lifetime warranty and fantastic cell efficiency levels (21.7%), these modules are built to last.
Evolution Ultra Smart
Just as robust as the Evolution Max but with a smarter monitoring system, the Evolution Ultra Smart modules make your system that bit more cutting-edge.
Inverters
Solar inverters are integral to your system, and you cannot go without one. Their primary task is to convert the direct current (DC) of a photovoltaic panel into an alternating current (AC) – only the AC current is compatible with the commercial grid or an off-grid local network.
You can learn more about our inverter products here.
We provide SolaX inverters as well as Tigo inverters – both of which give you peace of mind that your system is optimised for the modern-day commercial grid network.
Battery Solutions
Provided by SolaX, our storage solutions are one of solar technology’s crowning achievements, letting you store more electricity than you use throughout the day so that you can use it at night. This way, you won’t have to rely on the national grid and you can be green 24/7.
You can learn more by visiting our Battery Storage Solutions page.
Boiler Controllers
If you have a boiler system and are conscious about how much energy you’re using, one of our boiler controllers would be perfect. Our Dr. Boiler systems help you monitor your usage with intuitive controls and high-quality design.
Using these controllers can save you up to 20% on your gas bill! Learn more here.
Mounting Systems
Like modules, mounting systems are integral to the infrastructure of your system. They give your panels a sturdy, reliable platform. Exclusive to us, the Blackline mounting systems are state-of-the-art products, built from anodised aluminium, and with a 25-year guarantee.
To find out more, visit our Mounting Systems page.
Hot-Water Controllers
Our hot-water controllers work alongside your solar panels, using the energy generated from your system to heat up the water. They’re easy to use, and they give you full insight into your usage.
You’ll also get full compatibility between your immersion heater and your solar panel system: our hot-water controllers bring them together in perfect harmony.
Voltage Optimisers
With our voltage optimisers, you can control the incoming voltage to get the right power for your home or business. You’ll use as much energy as you need: no more, no less.
You can learn more about our voltage optimisers here.
Monitoring Systems
With an intuitive dashboard and supporting Apple and Android apps, our OWL monitoring systems give you complete insight into how much energy you use. You’ll learn much more about your usage habits.
Find out more by taking a look at our Monitoring Systems page.
Get the most from your system
Each of our products helps you to maximise your cost-saving potential while boosting the health of the environment. Getting solar panels installed onto your property is an investment, we know – it makes sense to capitalise on your investment, right?
Talk to a member of our expert team; we’re more than happy to talk you through these products. Call us on 0800 112 3110 or fill out an enquiry form here.
A Guide: How Do Solar Panels Work?
Wednesday 30th May 2018Helpful Guides
Whether you own a solar panel system at your home or business or you’re looking into a potential purchase, it’s important that you know how they work.
While it’s perfectly fine for your panels to sit up there, doing their job and making you real money, a little knowledge goes a long way. Understanding how solar technology works will help you get more from your installation, so you can see just how much energy your property uses.
With that in mind, we’ve created a guide that shows you how solar panels work. It’s easy to understand and gives you all the essentials.
The Raw Power of the Sun and Solar Energy
Monday 28th May 2018Helpful Guides
The sun is a fascinating thing, isn’t it? The way it’s just up there, doing it’s thing. But, you know what’s just as fascinating? How we mere humans have harnessed solar energy to power homes and businesses across the world. Now that is an achievement.
While we’re more than happy to leave it to the science buffs, it’d be great to know a bit more about that big blazing phenomenon we call the sun. So, here it is: The Raw Power of the Sun. It’s full of facts and stats to help spread awareness around solar energy.