Man UK households are starting to ask about Solar Power. The environmental arguments are very strong, but the real kicker is proving to be financial. There is the chance to sell electricity generated back to the grid, and 40% of your costs could easily be met by solar power. So what is involved in installing a solar power system?
Thermal solar panels simply heat water. They could heat water at the bottom of a swimming pool, or be attached to a water tank. It is unlikely that thermal panels will be able to heat all the water for a household or business. More likely, the solar tanks will feed into a convection boiler; electricity offers support for the times when the sun stop shining!
Photovoltaic panels actually convert the solar power into electricity, no need for water to be heated. The panels are then connected to a battery in the house, which stores and releases the electricity as needed. The % of your electricity which could be provided depends on your circumstances. However, the average household will spend up to £10,000 on a photovoltaic system, and 40% of an average household's electricity can be provided. You need a sunny wall or roof (ideally south facing) and a warm space for the battery.