Below is an outline of the steps we will take when fitting your panels. This is not an instruction manual.

SOLAR PV PANELS

There are many brands of solar panels available. We use only our own "Use The Sun" brand. But they are all fundamentally the same with solar cells in a solid aluminium frame which gives the panels the rigidity they need to allow them to be screwed or clamped into position.

Panels come in large variety of power, measured in watts. Their weight and size will then depend on their power output. Panels can then be joined together in series or parallel to create the desired power output. The Feed in Tariff offers 41.3p per kilowatt (1,000 watts) for solar PV systems of less than 4kw. The Distribution Network Operators specify that a Small Scale Electricity Generator produces 16amps or less, watts = amps * volts, UK power supply is 230 Volts so to remain inside the 16amp rule systems should be no more than (230 * 16) 3.68kw (peak power). Our 3.68kw system is made up of 16 panels of 230 watts.

ROOF MOUNTING SYSTEM

Use The Sun uses an aluminium mounting system that is both lightweight and durable, Roof tiles are removed and the connection piece is screwed to the roof, the tiles are replaced and the lip protrudes.

        

Once firmly in place Aluminium rods are connected to the lip.

        

The panels are then clamped to the aluminium rods.

Roofs are not all standard so we have a variety of methods for connection.

SCAFFOLDING

Again there are a variety of options. We prefer to use our own scaffold towers with planking and ladders to protect the tiles and help us when the roof is slippery. However we may need to use a full scaffolding system and when that is necessary we will source locally to the fit.

There is always a possibility that tiles maybe broken. Broken tiles will be repaired or replaced where necessary.

THE INVERTER

An Inverter takes the power made by the panels which is DC (direct current) and converts it to AC (alternating current, as used by the National Grid). In converting the power the Inverter also ensures that the output meets the power and harmonisation requirements of the UK National Grid (every Inverter comes with a G83 certificate)

Our Inverters are specifically designed for each of our systems with a power input and output range to ensure maximum conversion of solar generated power to mains electricity.

WIRING FOR A SOLAR PV INSTALLATION

Our panels come pre-wired simplifying the connection process. The size of the system and the inverter (voltage and ampere) determines how the panels are connected. For example our small systems have a single series leading to a single inverter our largest system has several parallel series leading to a single inverter. We do larger bespoke systems which may have a single larger inverter or multiple inverters.

Where possible the Inverter is placed in to the roof space and the cables lead under the eaves as unobtrusively as possible. Shading and panel positioning can also influence the design of the wiring.

METERS

Finally a single wire is led from the Inverter to your existing meter. The final placement will depend on each house. A second meter is installed which can read the amount of Electricity your panels have produced and could read the amount of Electricity you export. All meters are OFGEN accredited. We do not use a standard meter but offer a choice to our customers.

SO WHERE IS THE ELECTRICITY I AM USING COMING FROM

Good question. Are you making your own electricity or buying it from the grid?

The system is set up so that your house never runs short of Electricity.

During the day when the sun is shining and you are not in your home still needs electricity, for example the fridge, electric clocks, TVs on standby etc. It will draw as much electricity as it needs from the panels and all excess will automatically be exported back to the National Grid.

At night or at times of large usage your system will draw all the power it can from the panels and any extra electricity needed will be taken from the grid.

AM I BEING PAID FOR WHAT I EXPORT?

Yes there are two systems currently in place.

1.   It is assumed that you will export 50% of the electricity you make and you only need a single meter

2.   You can purchase a dual meter which reads exactly how much is exported

Then four times a year send off your meter reading to your electricity provider.

IS THIS EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW?

NO! If you choose to install the system yourself then it will come with full instructions. If you would prefer us to fit it then the installers will talk you through everything else you need to know.