Q How does solar equipment work?

A Solar panels turn daylight and sunlight into electricity. The cells absorb the light and produce electric voltage, solar cells do not store any electricity so all power produced is fed through a regulator to the battery and stored there.


Q Do solar panels require maintenance?

A The only maintenance is cleaning with a damp cloth from time to time.


Q How long do solar panels last?

A Life expectancy is greater than 25 years depending on type. All parts are designed for outside use.


Q Is there something to stop electricity flowing back into the solar panel at night?

A Some solar panels have bypass diodes integrated into the panel to stop this but it is always worth checking on any proposed purchase.

Q What angle should my solar panel be positioned at?

A Try using a volt meter on the panel on a fairly bright day to see what is best for your location, but generally for the UK an angle of 35 - 45 degrees would be suitable.

Q Do solar panels still produce power on cloudy days?

A Solar panels continue to produce power but on a reduced basis.

Q Is the electricity produced by a solar panel different from other sources?

A The current produced is the same

How to measure the size of solar panels needed - EXAMPLE

According to the above example 500 watt hours per day usage would need solar panels equivalent to approximately 125 watts output (much bigger if mid-winter) for 5 hours exposure to produce enough power to cover the power consumption required. See other pages with solar systems examples Getting Started

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Global Warming - it's why we are making changes to our way of life!

David Bellamy has a very interesting article on global warming where he gives another point of view, Read the article