HOW MUCH SUN DO WE NEED
Not surprisingly this was a popular question - given the range of weather we experience all year round (or as one person commented especially on bank holidays!).
Q Does the system work when there is no sun?
Q How much power does it generate?
The sun doesn’t have to be producing a heat wave to provide solar energy. But remember that the summer months usually generate 10 times more solar energy than during the winter.
In the UK we receive enough energy from the sun annually to match the output of 1,000 power stations!
We don’t need direct sunlight for solar-powered systems to operate. Even on cloudy days they are hard at work.
But let’s be realisitic the sunnier the day the more power will be generated - but whatever system you have chosen, water heating or generating power, you will benefit from cutting your bills.
Q Will heavy rainfall or hailstorms affect the solar panels?
The material used to construct solar panels is high-impact tempered glass. The solar industry standard dictates that panels should be able to withstand three-quarter inch hail at 60 mph.
Although there is always the chance that hail stones could cause damage it is unlikely - and there is evidence that solar panels have withstood the impact of hail stones of up to 2 inches in diameter.
It is always a good idea to check with your house insurer to see if you are covered for storm damage - just in case.
Another point to check with the company your purchase your solar panels from is that they do contain an anti-freeze to combat against the winter chill.
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