How Do Solar Panels Work in the UK?

Ever wondered how solar panels work in the UK?

It's all about harnessing sunlight to produce electricity. Photovoltaic cells in the panels convert sunlight into power through the photovoltaic effect, creating a flow of electricity. By installing solar panels on your house, you can generate your own electricity, reducing your electric bill and contributing to a cleaner environment.

In recent years, sustainable energy sources have been gaining increasing popularity as concerns about climate change and rising energy bills grow. Solar panels, in particular, have become a familiar sight on rooftops across the UK, harnessing the power of the sun to generate electricity.

But how do these solar panels work, and how exactly do they save you money on your energy bill?

Let's explore the answers to some commonly asked questions about solar panels in the UK. We’ve tried to make our explanations as simple as possible, for added help.

How do solar panels work?

Inside every solar panel is a collection of photovoltaic cells, also known as PV cells. These cells are the key technology behind converting sunlight into electricity.

In simple terms, when sunlight strikes the surface of a PV cell, it stimulates the electrons, causing them to bounce and create momentum - a flow of electricity is made.

There’s a lot more science behind the scenes, but all you really need to know is that through these cells, energy is created from the free energy of the sun's rays.

Imagine sun rays bouncing up and down on a trampoline, and being able to harness the energy from their movement.

How do solar panels work with your electric bill in the UK?

Installing solar panels on your house can reduce your electric bill by up to 90%. At CRG Direct, we usually see savings of around 70-80% on average.

So how does it work?

Simply put, instead of buying electricity at a premium from energy companies, you have your own energy supply on your roof.

The panels generate electricity, the electricity is fed through an inverter, and it is transformed into usable AC (alternating current) for your home. If you have a battery, excess energy can be stored in a storage battery, or if you don’t have a battery, it can be exported to the grid.

You can get paid for your exports as part of the SEG scheme.

So, instead of paying your usual energy bill, which can be hundreds of pounds a month, you just use the energy from your system, saving money on your bills.

You may still have to buy some energy from the grid, for example, at night panels won’t be able to generate anything as the sun won’t be out.

It's important to note that the savings you receive will vary throughout the year, depending on factors such as the size of your system, your energy habits, and the amount of daylight hours you receive where you live.

Please also note, you will always need an inverter as well as panels to be able to power your home.

You can always try out our free solar panel cost calculator tool to get an idea of your potential savings.