Solar P.V. absorbs the sun’s energy and turns it into electricity that can be used in the home, when a Solar P.V. System generates electricity, it produces D.C. (direct current). In our homes, we use A.C. (alternating current), so an inverter changes the energy from D.C to A.C. allowing us to use the energy in our electrical appliances.

When the sun shines electricity flows from the connected panels through to the inverter, then from the inverter it goes to the distribution board (often called the ‘consumer unit’ where all the trip switches are) and then around the house where it is needed.

A typical domestic Solar P.V. system consists of 8-14 panels, an inverter, D.C and A.C isolator switches and a generation meter so you can see what your system has generated. The panels are secured to the roof securely via a mounting system where hooks are fixed to the roof structure and a rail system is fastened to the hooks. The panels are then fixed in place to the railing system.

Solar P.V. does not require bright sunshine to be able to generate electricity, just daylight, so even on cloudy days, your system will generate energy. In general, solar systems perform better in the summer months compared to that in the winter months.

A common misunderstanding of solar is that when the sun is shining you can turn everything on in your home. This isn’t the case and it is important to understand how much is being generated and when you can use it to maximise the benefits of your system. Additionally, with battery technology now becoming more popular, electricity is generated that you may not be able to use (because you are out of the house), can be stored and used later.

All Dynamis Solar P.V. installations will be suitable for a battery upgrade and our installations are also future-proofed, allowing our in-development technology to be retrofitted into your system*. This could include Air Source Heat Pumps, a battery or both.

The best time for solar generation in the summer, this is because the sun shines brighter and the days are longer. If the sun rises at 6 am and goes down after 9 pm, that’s a lot of time for energy to be generated.

The optimum generation conditions for a solar P.V. system are bright sunshine but cool ambient temperatures. That is why per hour, we see the best generation in spring because it brings bright conditions and relatively cool temperatures, meaning that the inverter can operate within its optimum operating window. However, as mentioned, because the daylight hours in the summer are greater, the amount generated in the day in summer is higher.

Bright days where there is cloud cover can also generate strongly, that’s because the reflection of light from white clouds can increase the electricity generated.

*Not included as part of this system.

Before your installation, we need you to make sure that our teams can access all the areas required. This means that your roof space will need to be clear. Your inverter will be secured in the roof space and there will be some cabling that needs to be fastened in place. Please make sure that all areas of the loft are accessible for our teams.

Our installers will also require access to external areas, so please ensure that there are no obstructions along the wall of the side where the solar is being installed. This is so that the access decking or scaffolding can be erected. Additionally, if there is side access to the house, it will need to be clear to allow our teams to move the materials with the minimum amount of disruption to you.

The installation should take no longer than 1 day, with most installations being completed in half a day.

All panels will come with a manufacturer’s performance warranty of 20-25 years. This ensures that if your system starts to underperform because of a manufacturing fault, the underperforming part of the system will be replaced by the manufacturer. We also provide a 2-year workmanship warranty for peace of mind about the installation on the property.

No, a system can also generate energy from east and west-facing roofs. Whilst south facing is the most desirable, it is not a requirement.

Whilst the panels come with a warranty of up to 25 years, P.V. systems generate energy long in excess of this. There are many Solar P.V. systems that are still generating 40 years after they were originally installed.

During a power cut, your inverter will switch off, so your system will not generate any energy. This is a safety mechanism for engineers that will be working on the line so that they can fix the power cut without risk.

No, they will not power your whole house, remember that at night time when the sun isn’t shining you will need lights, and the energy won’t be able to be generated from the system. Also remember, as mentioned in this document earlier it depends on how much is being generated at the time.

Remember, don’t turn everything in your home on, kettle, washing machine and dishwasher at the same time, just because the sun is shining (particularly in the winter). It all depends on what is being generated at that time. Monitors are available for purchase that can show you what you are generating and when - which will help you make better decisions about what to turn on and when.

Any energy not used will be exported back to the National Grid, this is of course unless you have a battery, where it will then be used to charge the battery for later use.

Solar PV is designed to be a largely ‘fit and forget’ technology, meaning you should be able to leave the PV system to generate electricity. However, regular maintenance can help to maximise the generation of your system saving you more money over the long term. The inverter will also need replacing after approximately ten years.

Dynamis Associates provide various maintenance packages, we can monitor your system for you and rectify any issues before you know about them. If we notice a drop in output over a sustained period, we will call you to arrange a visit at your convenience. We also provide a package with standard annual checks which include callouts if you notice your system has an issue. Please speak to us to find out more about these packages.

Currently, there is the SEG, which means that your energy company is required to pay you a rate for all the electricity that you don’t use in your home and is exported to the grid. If your energy company has over 150,000 customers, then they are legally obliged to do this. Please speak to your energy company for more details on this and if you qualify.