Integrated Solar Panels: When and Why you Should Consider Them

Integrated Solar Panels: When and Why You Should Consider Them

With rising energy costs and unpredictable changes to energy caps and fuel allowances, more and more homeowners are turning to solar panels to regain control over their electricity bills. Yet, despite the financial and environmental benefits, some people shy away from installing traditional solar panels due to concerns about their appearance. If that sounds familiar, Integrated Solar Panels might be the perfect solution for you.

What Are Integrated Solar Panels?

Integrated Solar Panels blend seamlessly into your roof design, offering a more attractive and streamlined look compared to traditional panels mounted on rails. Instead of sitting on top of your roof, these panels are built into it, maintaining the aesthetics of your home without sacrificing the efficiency of standard photovoltaic (PV) panels. Plus, they generally come with the same energy output specifications as their regular counterparts.

When Should You Consider Integrated Solar Panels?

Since integrated panels are designed to sit flush with your roof, they’re most suitable when you're planning a new roof installation. If you’re already thinking about replacing or upgrading your roof as part of home improvements, this is the ideal time to explore integrated solar options.

Why Choose Integrated Solar Panels?

Beyond the enhanced curb appeal, Integrated Solar Panels provide all the benefits of traditional solar energy while preserving the sleek, natural look of your home. They're an excellent choice for anyone who values both style and sustainability.

Technological Advances

Integrated solar panels have improved significantly in recent years, with better energy efficiency and higher energy production per square meter. Modern versions now incorporate cutting-edge technology like monocrystalline solar cells, which are known for their high efficiency, particularly in limited space, making them perfect for smaller roofs.

Some systems are also integrated with smart home energy management solutions, allowing homeowners to monitor and optimise their energy consumption via apps and smart devices, further maximising savings.

The Process of Converting Solar Energy into Usable Electricity

This information has been created to provide a basic overview of how solar works. It should be noted that there are different confgurations, batteries and inverters that could change depending on requirements.

The process of capturing solar energy, storing it in a battery, and using it involves several steps. Here's a breakdown of how solar energy is captured, stored, and used through a solar battery system:

1. Solar Energy Generation

Solar Panels Capture Sunlight: Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, typically mounted on the roof or ground, absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.

Inverter Conversion: The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is sent to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity, the type used by most household appliances.

Diagram of standard solar power process utilising a DC to AC inverter and storage battery.

2. Power Flow Management

Once the solar panels generate electricity, it is managed in different ways:

Direct Usage: The AC electricity can be used immediately by the home or building to power devices and appliances.

Excess Electricity: If more electricity is produced than used, the excess is either stored in a battery system for later use or sent back to the grid (if no storage system is present or full).

3. Battery Storage

Charging the Battery: When there's excess electricity, instead of sending it to the grid, the solar system directs it to charge the battery storage system. These batteries store the energy as DC electricity.

Battery Type: Most solar energy storage systems use lithium-ion batteries, although lead-acid, flow, and other types of batteries can be used.

4. Energy Usage from Battery Storage

Discharging the Battery: When solar energy is not available (e.g., at night or during cloudy periods), the stored energy in the battery is used. The battery discharges its stored DC electricity.

Inverter Use: Before being used by household appliances, this DC electricity from the battery passes through the inverter again, converting it to AC electricity.

Energy Supply to Appliances: The AC electricity from the battery then powers the home or building.

5. Backup Power (Optional)

During Power Outages: Many solar battery systems are designed to provide backup power during a grid outage. In this case, the battery system automatically switches to power critical loads like refrigerators, lights, and other essentials.

6. Grid Interaction (Optional)

Net Metering: If the battery is full and the solar panels continue to produce electricity, the excess can be sent back to the grid. In many areas, utility companies offer net metering, where you get credit for the electricity you send to the grid, offsetting your future electricity costs.

Grid Usage: If the battery is depleted and solar generation is low, the home or building will pull energy from the grid as a last resort.

Key Benefits of Solar and Battery Storage:

• Energy Independence: Reduce reliance on the grid by storing your own solar energy.

• Peak Shaving: Use stored energy during high-cost peak hours, reducing utility bills.

• Backup Power: Maintain power during grid outages with stored energy.

• Energy: Rely on clean, renewable solar energy, reducing carbon emissions.

This process ensures that solar energy is efficiently captured, stored, and used when needed, providing flexibility and energy savings.

Take Control of Your Energy Future with Solar Power!

With the energy price cap set to rise by 10% this October and another 3% increase predicted for January 2025, there’s never been a better time to protect yourself from unpredictable utility bills.

Why Go Solar?

• Lock in predictable energy costs for the medium and long term, so you’re no longer at the mercy of rising prices.

• Enjoy a strong return on investment, with an average ROI in as little as 7-8 years.

• Earn money back by exporting excess energy to your supplier through the SEG* program.

• Stay powered up during outages with a reliable backup solution.

• Make the most of summer by using solar energy to heat your water, saving on your gas costs.

Get ahead of rising costs! Sign up for a FREE, no-obligation quote today, and start planning for a brighter, more affordable future.

WHAT IS THE ENERGY PRICE CAP?

The energy price cap was introduced by the government and has been in place since January 2019, and Ofgem is required to regularly review the level at which it is set. It ensures that an energy supplier can recoup its efficient costs while making sure customers do not pay a higher amount for their energy than they should. The price cap, as set out in law, does this by setting a maximum that suppliers can charge per unit of energy.

Find out more on the OFGEM website

*Exporting back to the grid depends on surplus power and choosing the right tariff.

UKGEI Achieves Platinum Status as a GivEnergy Installer!

We’re excited to announce that UK Green Energy Installation (UKGEI) has earned ‘platinum’ status as a certified installer for GivEnergy batteries and inverters.

What does this mean for you?

• Proven Excellence: With over 25 successful GivEnergy installations and glowing customer reviews, you can trust our experience to deliver exceptional results.

• Expert Knowledge: Our team undergoes continuous GivEnergy training, keeping up with the latest innovations to ensure you receive top-notch service and installation.

• Priority Access to Products: As a Platinum Installer, we receive priority access to the latest GivEnergy products, ensuring you get the most advanced, efficient energy solutions available.

• Superior Customer Support: Platinum status gives us direct access to enhanced GivEnergy support, so any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, keeping your system running smoothly.

• Tailored Solutions: Our expertise allows us to design customized energy solutions that best fit your home or business, maximizing energy savings and sustainability.

Come and See Us at B2B Expo 2024 in Farnborough

Got Questions About Solar and Battery Storage?

Visit our stand at the B2B Expo 2024 in Farnborough! Our team will be there to chat with you about solar and battery storage and answer all your pressing questions, like:

• How large are the batteries and inverters?

• How soon will I see a return on investment?

• Do the solar panels and batteries come with a warranty?

Plus, you can check out a live demo featuring a battery and inverter from GivEnergy—right at our stand!

Whether you're curious about the tech or ready to invest in renewable energy, we’ve got you covered.

See you at B2B Expo 2024!

Understanding Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) and Smart Export Guarantees (SEG): Can You Modify Your Solar System?

The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) was an older government initiative that provided high payments for every unit of energy exported to the grid. While FITs are no longer available to new applicants, many homeowners still benefit from this scheme. In contrast, Smart Export Guarantees (SEGs) are the current standard, allowing homeowners to earn money by exporting excess energy to the grid through agreements with their energy suppliers.

A common question for those with an existing FIT contract is whether they can make changes to their solar system without affecting their tariff.

Can You Modify Your Solar System Under a FIT Agreement?

The ability to make changes to your solar system—such as replacing solar panels or inverters—generally depends on the specifics of your FIT agreement. Most contracts state that as long as the output values are not altered, you can make modifications to both panels and inverters.

Example 1: Replacing Solar Panels

If you currently have 16 solar panels on your roof totaling 3KW under a FIT agreement, changing these panels could potentially increase your system's output beyond the 3KW limit. However, you could opt to replace the 16 panels with 10 more efficient panels that keep your system's output under the 3KW threshold.

Example 2: Replacing the Inverter

If your existing 3KW inverter is a few years old and needs to be replaced, you can typically swap it out for a different make and model, provided the new inverter also stays within the 3KW limit.

Always Check with Your Energy Supplier

Before making any changes, it's essential to check your agreement with your energy supplier to confirm what modifications are allowed. Be sure to document their response so you can refer to it if needed in the future.