Frequently asked questions about solar panels
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels are made up from a layer of photovoltaic cells.
Photovoltaic cells are made from a semiconducting material, usually
silicon, that work by converting the energy from sunlight into
electricity. It is these cells that convert the sun’s energy into
electricity.
How do solar panels work when there isn’t any sun? Do solar panels
work in the UK?
Solar panels don’t need blazing sunshine to work and the UK gets more
than enough sunlight for solar panels to work. Solar panels work as long
as there is daylight. However, in winter, when the days are shorter,
your solar panels will produce less electricity than in summer. How much
energy your solar panels produce relies on the amount of sunlight they
receive as well as their voltage.
If I don’t get my electricity from my solar panels, how will I get it?
Your solar panels are are connected to the National Grid, so if you stop
producing free electricity, you can buy it as normal. It will be a
seamless transition, so you won’t have to worry about your lights
cutting out if your solar panels stop producing electricity.
How can I find solar panels for my area?
Enter your postcode in our solar panel
comparison and we'll show you the best deals for
free solar panels
or solar panel providers if you want to
buy solar panels outright.
Why would I pay for my solar panels when I can get them for free?
The government
Feed-in Tariff scheme means that any surplus electricity you use can be
sold back to the National Grid - a great way of not only saving on
your electricity bills but also making your solar panels profitable.
If you choose free solar panels, the company which installs your solar
panels will normally keep this income. If you don’t have the money
upfront to install solar panels but want to keep your
Feed-in Tariff income, it is a good idea to get a
solar panel loan -
you make the payments on the loan using the money generated from your
Feed-in Tariff payments. Once it is all paid off, you can keep your
Feed-in Tariff income.
Learn more about solar panels with our
solar panel guides.