Solar PV

Understanding Solar PV

To help you better understand your investment, here's a brief overview of how Solar PV systems work, along with key factors that influence their performance.

How Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Works

Solar panels capture daylight and convert it directly into DC power (Direct Current). This DC power is then fed into an inverter, which transforms it into AC power – the type of electricity your home appliances use. Any excess electricity not immediately used by your home can either be sent back to the national grid or, ideally, stored in a battery storage system (BSS or ESS).

How Solar Energy Flows Through Your Home

:3,500 kWh/yr

Solar:4kW

Battery:10kWh

12:00 AM

12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM12 AM

100%

Sunlight

DC / Grid Import

To Home / Export

Battery Charging

Battery Discharging

Key Factors Influencing Your System's Performance

The efficiency and output of your Solar PV depend on several important factors:

Roof Suitability: The orientation (e.g., south-facing is generally ideal) and pitch of your roof, as well as the available unshaded space, are crucial for optimal daylight exposure and panel placement. East and west orientations are also suitable for solar panel placement; it just means at certain times of the day, one side of the roof will have more daylight than the other.

Panel Stringing: Solar panels are connected together in "strings" to build up the required amount of power to activate and efficiently run your inverter. The orientation of your roof areas (e.g., panels on a south-facing roof versus an east or west-facing roof) often dictates how these strings are designed and connected, sometimes requiring separate strings or inverter inputs to maximise energy capture throughout the day.

Shading: Nearby trees, chimneys, or adjacent buildings can cast shadows on solar panels, reducing their output. Even partial shading on one panel in a series string can significantly reduce the output of the entire string, impacting overall energy generation. Our design considers these factors to minimise their impact. To counter the impact of shading or individual panel performance variations, we can install Tigo Optimisers. These devices work at a panel level to ensure that each solar panel produces its maximum possible energy.

Your Energy Consumption: Understanding your household's current and future electricity usage patterns (e.g., when you use the most energy) helps us size the system correctly to maximise your self-consumption and savings.

Battery Sizing: The right battery capacity depends directly on your daily energy usage, how much solar power you generate, and your goals for energy independence.

Benefits You Can Expect

Investing in Solar PV offers a wide range of advantages for both your finances and the environment.

Lower Energy Bills: Generate your own free electricity and reduce your reliance on expensive grid power.

Energy Independence: Protect yourself from rising energy costs and gain more control over your power.

Eco-Friendly: Significantly reduce your carbon footprint by using a clean, renewable energy source.

Increase Property Value: A Solar PV system is an attractive feature for potential homebuyers.

Low Maintenance: Solar panels are incredibly durable and require very little upkeep.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): You can get paid for exporting surplus electricity back to the grid.

Insurances & Guarantees

Choosing GM Electrical Services means choosing reliability and security. We are proud to be RECC Approved (Renewable Energy Consumer Code), ensuring we adhere to strict consumer protection standards for the supply and installation of Solar PV and Battery Storage installations. This means you can trust that we operate with integrity, transparency, and fairness in every project, giving you confidence in your investment. For more details on consumer protection, please visit the official RECC consumer information page.

Furthermore, for Solar PV (up to 50kW) and Battery Storage projects, we offer IWA Deposit and Workmanship Warranty. This crucial protection safeguards any deposit you pay us and provides an independent, insurance-backed guarantee on our workmanship for a period of 2 years. This comprehensive warranty ensures your investment is secure, even in unforeseen circumstances. To learn more about how the IWA warranty protects you, please visit the IWA Insurance Backed Guarantees page.

Domestic Solar PV

Transform your home's energy with our expert domestic Solar PV installations in Preston, Lancashire, and the North West. We handle everything from design to commissioning, ensuring a seamless fit for your property and lifestyle. Our systems are designed to maximize your energy savings and reduce your reliance on the grid.

Another view of domestic solar panel installation

Why Choose Solar for Your Home?

Cut Your Electricity Bills

Future-Proof Your Home

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Minimal Maintenance Required

Increase Your Property Value

Commercial Solar PV

Power your business with a smart, sustainable investment. Our commercial Solar PV solutions are engineered to meet the demands of your operations, significantly reducing energy costs and enhancing your company's green credentials. We provide scalable systems for businesses of all sizes, available nationwide across the UK.