Solar power is probably one of the best-known forms of sustainable energy, and in recent years it is commonly deployed in residential and commercial properties. The main reason for the growing popularity of this technology is its beneficial impact on the environment – some case studies indicate that solar panels alone can reduce our carbon footprint by 5-10%. Given that in the UK, EU, and other countries there are generous government incentives to decrease carbon emissions, solar panels are also becoming one of the most economical ways to generate energy.

Naturally, larger organisations with significant energy usage, stand to gain even more from solar energy, which is why there is a lot of interest among corporate customers at the moment. EnviroTech can play the role of a technology partner and help organisations reduce their dependence on the grid. 

How do photovoltaic panels work?

At the core of the solar PV tech, there is a simple principle that allows for the transformation of sunlight into electricity, which is then transformed into normal AC power. The process starts with the positioning of photovoltaic cells in places where they can be exposed to the radiation of the sun directly (typically on the roof or sides of a building). If the panels are deployed locally, it’s possible to use the collected energy to power any electrical appliances without the need to draw power from the grid. Alternatively, this energy can be sold to energy companies or stored for later use. This is a clean process that can help home and business owners achieve energy independence and save money.

How does weather impact solar energy collection?

Naturally, the amount of available sunlight is in direct correlation with the amount of energy collected, so the process is far more efficient in warmer climates or during summer months. Contrary to popular belief, solar PV panels work even when the skies are cloudy, although direct sun rays are of course preferable.

How much can you gain by installing solar PV?

The answer to this question depends on several different factors, including your standard energy requirements as well as the local climate and the number of installed panels. When the conditions are optimal, it’s not rare for organisations to save up to 30,000 pounds per year through lower electricity bills. In the United Kingdom, the initial costs are relatively moderate and are estimated at a little above 6,000 pounds per kWp, although the Feed-in-Tariff scheme that rewards those who exported electricity back to the grid makes this investment very attractive. Various case studies imply that the average payback period is between 15 and 25 years, but working with an agnostic technology partner like EnviroTech can help to shorten this interval.