solar panel system guide

Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular way to make your home more energy efficient. They offer the opportunity to harness renewable, low-carbon electricity from natural sunlight, which could help reduce your reliance on the national grid and lead to lower energy bills.

This article covers the essentials of solar energy systems, from inverters to installation, solar battery systems and smart energy storage, as well as the benefits of fitting a solar panel system to your home. Whether you're looking to cut your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint through renewable energy or gain energy independence, our handy guide will help to streamline your transition to greener solar power.

Solar energy systems - also known as photovoltaic systems (or PVs) - convert renewable sunlight into electricity, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional power sources. At the heart of these systems are solar panels, which capture solar radiation and generate direct current (DC) electricity. 

Solar panel inverters play a crucial role by converting DC into alternating current (AC), suitable for home use. With Screwfix's range of solar energy systems, you have access to high-efficiency solar panels and innovative inverters, ensuring optimal energy conversion. This section will cover how these technologies work together to power your home, reduce reliance on the grid and create potential long-term cost savings.

Solar panels offer a great way to generate your own low-carbon and renewable energy, which you can use, store for later or even sell back to the grid in some cases. Although the initial cost of the solar energy system and installation is relatively high, it can help to save you money in the long-run, as well as assist you in moving towards a renewable energy solution.

However, there are a few important factors to consider before buying a solar energy system.

• How much space is needed for solar panel installation?

  It’s essential to look at your available space for fitting solar panels, and work out whether the conversion rate between square metres and kilowatt peak is worthwhile. Kilowatt peak (kWp) is the amount of power which the solar panels will produce in bright sunlight. This is different to kilowatt hour (kWh), which measures how much power you are using. If your potential space is too small for your home size or occupancy, or not well positioned enough to generate enough power to meet your needs, it may not be a worthwhile investment. It’s also important to consider the stability of the space, whether the roof is the correct type - as wood or thatch is a fire risk - and if it’s in good condition before the solar panels are installed.

• Which direction should solar panels face?

  To maximise the amount of solar energy produced, solar panels are best installed on a south-facing roof, ideally at a 35° angle. Solar panels can be installed on a west-facing or east-facing roof too, but these won’t generate as much power. A north-facing roof will receive the least direct sunlight, so is not recommended.

• Will a solar panel work in shade?

  Any amount of shade on solar panels reduces their solar efficiency and energy output, so it’s essential to install your panels where they won’t be shaded by trees, structures or other buildings. Experts often recommend using a solar panel optimiser to monitor and help improve the performance of your solar panel system.

• Do I need permission for solar panels?

  Although many homeowners are able to have a solar panel system installed under ‘permitted development’, there are occasions when planning permission is required - typically if your house is a listed building or if you live in a conservation area. It’s best to check with your local planning authority beforehand. You may also need to register your energy asset with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before any installation takes place by an appropriately registered MSC-certified installer.

When it comes to the exciting field of solar energy systems’ rapidly evolving technology, Screwfix offers a selection of V-Tac solar products and accessories which are at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.

The solar panels are the cornerstone of any solar energy system, and Screwfix's solar panels are designed to deliver not just energy, but efficiency, reliability and a great aesthetic too. We stock sleek, high output and weather resistant solar panels, with an adjustable mounting bracket and USB-C connection. Explore solar panels, which are MCS certified, for top-tier performance and available for both tiled or slate roof types.

A solar panel inverter (or solar grid inverter) is a key part of your solar panel system, as it converts the power from the sunlight (direct current, or DC) into alternating current (or AC), which can be used as energy in your home. This important electrical converter makes it possible for your domestic appliances to be able to use solar power, or to be able to release the energy back into the main grid.

Types of Inverters:

There are different types of solar panel inverters available, and the ideal option depends on your type of solar energy system. Both String solar panel inverters and Microinverters offer various pros and cons, as well as offering a choice of On-Grid vs Hybrid inverter types, which your installer - or Screwfix solar expert - will be able to discuss with you prior to installation.

Screwfix’s choice of robust On-Grid or versatile Hybrid Inverters are each designed for seamless energy conversion and integration. Inverters are pivotal in transforming solar power into usable home energy, and your solar energy system cannot work without it. Screwfix provides two primary types of solar panel inverters:

• On-Grid Inverter
  • These devices convert DC from your solar panels into AC, integrating seamlessly with the home's electrical grid. They are ideal for those looking to offset their existing electricity use and benefit from net metering.
• Hybrid Inverters
  • A step-up in solar solution sophistication, hybrid inverters not only convert energy but also allow for the connection of a solar battery system to store power. They enable energy storage for when sunlight is scarce, maximising the use of generated power and providing energy security.

Both types of solar panel inverters are engineered for ease of installation and come with warranties, ensuring reliability and confidence in your solar investment.

On-grid solar panel inverters are usually cheaper and simpler to install, and are ideal for those on a budget, or for homeowners with optimal solar panel positioning and/or sunny climates which will see plenty of regular sun. However, they offer limited storage and backup options. 

Hybrid solar panel inverters are considered more reliable, as they provide uninterrupted power with backup from the main grid, when needed, as well as being able to store energy for use at a later point. However, these can be significantly more expensive.

The best solar panel inverter for your property will therefore depend on your location, power usage pattern, frequency of blackouts in your area and your budget.

You can enhance your solar panel system capabilities with Screwfix’s solar battery storage solutions, to keep the power flowing even when the sun sets or when you’re in the depths of winter.

Solar battery storage is a game-changer in the realm of solar energy, allowing you to store excess power for when you need it most. Screwfix's range includes V-TAC batteries designed for efficiency and adaptability:

• Wall and Rack Mounted Options

  Tailor your installation to your space with wall-mounted or rack-mounted solar batteries, ensuring flexibility and ease of integration.

• Expandable Storage

  Start with what you need and expand as your energy needs grow. V-Tac batteries are capable of additional storage, ensuring your system can evolve with your demands.

• Smart Monitoring

  With the Solarman app, you can track energy production and consumption, manage your solar battery health and optimise usage patterns for maximum benefit.

  With the V-Tac solar battery storage solutions, you're not just capturing energy; you're ensuring a constant, reliable supply, enhancing your home's energy efficiency as well as your peace of mind.

Complete your solar panel system setup with a variety of essential accessories, from sturdy mounting rails to weather-resistant cables.

Completing a solar installation requires the right accessories, and Screwfix has you covered with a range of reliable V-Tac products. Discover our solar panel fixings and solar cables as well as our range of other fitment and installation components including:

• Mounting Systems

  Ensure a secure fit for your solar panels with our robust mounting rails, hooks and clamps, designed for different roof types.

• Cables and Connectors

  Our durable solar power cables and MC4 connectors guarantee a safe and efficient power transfer from panels to inverters.

• Protective Equipment

  From earthing plates to adjustable clamps, each component safeguards your solar panel system against the elements and electrical issues. These accessories not only make installation smoother, but also enhance the longevity and performance of your solar energy system.

A solar panel system can offer plenty of benefits for homeowners, including the opportunity to harness free, renewable power from the sun. After installation, maintenance should be minimal, and you may be able to reduce your energy bills as well as potentially earn a small amount of money back - through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme - if your system (and supplier) allows excess energy to be put back into the main grid.

A solar energy system helps to make homes more energy-efficient, with the added benefits of offering energy independence, keeping your energy bills down and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

Lower your monthly outgoing

Solar panels offer a great way to help save you money on your electricity costs in the long term. Although supply and installation can be expensive, a solar energy system is thought to be a worthwhile investment for most UK homes. By harnessing your own solar energy, you may be able to cut your energy bill costs, and some homeowners can potentially earn some money for additional power which is fed back into the main grid as part of the Smart Export Guarantee (which replaced the Feed-in Tariff scheme from 2020 onwards).

Reduce your carbon footprint

A solar energy system provides free, quiet low-carbon energy from the sun, with no carbon emissions or greenhouse gases produced after manufacture and installation. Your carbon emissions can be significantly reduced by switching to solar, which has been identified as playing a key role in achieving net-zero.

Backup option in a blackout

Adding a solar battery option to your solar energy system helps give you energy independence from the main grid, meaning you won't need to worry about power cuts. Solar energy may also not be available every day, all year round, so the option to add a solar battery means you can save energy for another time - maximising the efficiency of your solar panel system

Easy to install

Solar panels are easy to install by approved professionals, but their complexity means you shouldn’t attempt this unless you’re fully trained. Depending on the size and intricacy of your solar panel system, the setup can usually be put in place in a single day. After installation, maintenance is minimal, and most solar panels come with a guarantee to last at least 25 years or more.

Many households find that a solar energy system is a good investment as it can help to save money on electricity bills. How much you are likely to save will depend on the type and number of solar panels you have, which sort of system you have, whether you have a solar battery, whether you sign up to an SEG scheme, the position of your panels and - of course - the weather. 

To sum up, solar panel systems are an increasingly popular way to generate your own renewable electricity, and Screwfix are here to help. As well as potentially saving you money on your energy bills, a solar power system will provide you with an independent source of low-carbon electricity whilst making an energy-efficient improvement to your home. Explore our solar panel kits to kickstart your renewable solar energy journey.