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The Greening Chiddingly blog page

Bring Me Sunshine - Going Solar

19/3/2023

3 Comments

 
In this blog post, David Nash, describes his experience of installing a solar panel array at his home in Gun Hill...

Like the majority of households in Chiddingly Parish, we have to rely on oil for our hot water and central heating. In the medium term, we intend to install either a ground- or air-sourced heat-pump to lower our carbon footprint, but this is beyond our current budget. Instead, as a first step towards “greening” our energy supply, we decided to investigate solar. I thought it might be helpful to share our experience to assist anyone considering installing their own solar array.

We started our journey in the summer of 2022 – coincidentally the hottest summer on record in the UK and when energy prices were soaring due to the war in Ukraine. Seemingly everyone with a bit of spare cash was looking to install solar. We wanted to use local suppliers, and contacted half a dozen renewables companies in East Sussex. Those that replied – three didn’t even bother – explained that demand was high and there was a shortage of panels and batteries. In short, there would be a long lead-in time. However, this wasn’t a big deal to us as we were in no rush.

Rather than having solar panels installed on the roof of the house, we wanted to have an array set up on our garage roof, with a battery system in the garage itself. This has advantages in that the panels are less visible from the road. Also, unlike solar panels mounted on a fixed-aspect sloping roof, the panels catch the sun all day round. Installing solar on an out-building does, of course, raise some challenges. For starters, you need a fair bit of electrical work and additional cabling to get the solar-generated power into the house. We had power in the garage, but the cable from the house was inadequate for the additional electricity transfer. Panel systems for flat roofs are also heavy. The panels are mounted on a metal frame and held down by ballast, so we needed a structural engineer to confirm that the garage wasn’t going to collapse.
View of a garage roof with solar panelsPicture
Picture
Twelve-panel 4.2 kWh solar array on the garage roof.
Inverter and battery set-up.
The company we eventually selected was able to assess our initial requirements, including estimating the number of solar panels we needed and the payback time, using online tools such as Google Earth. Two site visits were needed to determine the electrical connection work. Installation of the 4.2 kWh solar array (in February 2023) was relatively quick. The frame and 12 solar panels were set up within a day, but the electrical work took a bit longer. In addition to an inverter (which converts DC power from the solar panels into AC) and 5.8 kW battery, we needed a new fuse box in the garage, new cabling to the house and a new junction box on the wall above our current meter box. While we were doing the work, we had an electric vehicle charging point installed, so we also needed a new earth point.

All this electrical work took about five days. However, I’m now typing this on a laptop powered entirely by the Sun. It is a bright but cloudy day in early Spring, and we are generating enough solar energy to power a washing machine, iron, kettle and background electricals (fridge-freezer etc.), top up the battery and feed excess power back into the grid. We have an app connected wirelessly to the inverter that shows the solar power being generated, what we are using at any given time, the electricity stored in the battery, the energy going back into the grid, and the amount of money (and kilograms of carbon) we have saved. The battery is currently 100% full. This will see us comfortably through the evening and overnight, but we might draw a little mains power at breakfast time. I’m sure that the novelty will wear off in time, but I am now solar-obsessed!

Based on our experience, solar is definitely worth exploring as part of your domestic energy mix. Energy prices are likely to remain high for some time, and we all need to reduce our carbon emissions. Once your system is set up, you will benefit from solar power immediately. Note that there is a little paperwork required to register for the Smart Export Guarantee, so that you can feed excess generated power into the grid, but your supplier can explain this. You will also need a smart meter installed – we already had one so this wasn’t an issue.

If you want to talk about our experience and/or arrange a visit to look at the panels and battery set-up, just email
[email protected].
3 Comments
Jim Thomas link
19/5/2023 08:49:45 am

I recently read your blog post titled "Bring Me Sunshine: Going Solar" and wanted to express my appreciation for highlighting the benefits and process of going solar. Your article provides valuable insights and encourages readers to consider solar energy as a sustainable and eco-friendly option. I found it to be informative and inspiring.

Your article effectively outlines the environmental advantages of solar energy, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for energy independence. By emphasizing the positive impact that solar panels can have on the environment, you encourage readers to explore this renewable energy source as a viable option for their homes or businesses.

I appreciated the practical information you provided about the process of going solar, from assessing the feasibility of solar panels to selecting the right installation company. The inclusion of resources and links to further information adds value to your article and empowers readers to take the next steps towards implementing solar energy solutions.

Moreover, I found it helpful that you addressed common concerns or misconceptions, such as the initial costs of installation and the perceived limitations of solar energy in cloudy or overcast regions. By dispelling these myths and providing accurate information, you help readers make more informed decisions and overcome potential barriers to adopting solar energy.

Your article also showcases real-life examples of individuals and organizations who have successfully adopted solar energy, adding a personal touch to the topic. These case studies demonstrate the practicality and benefits of going solar, making it relatable and inspiring for readers who may be considering a similar transition.

Reply
Steve Thomas link
11/7/2023 11:37:24 am

Your article not only educates readers about the advantages of solar energy but also inspires them to take action. By presenting the topic in an engaging and positive light, you effectively convey the message that transitioning to solar power is not only beneficial but also achievable for individuals and communities.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights on the topic of solar energy. Your article is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the potential of solar power and its role in creating a greener future.

Reply
Adam link
19/9/2023 03:39:11 am

This Blog is truly uplifting and enlightening blog! The title alone radiates positivity, and the content lives up to it. Going solar is not just about harnessing the power of the sun; it's about bringing hope and brightness to our lives and our planet. This blog beautifully captures the essence of transitioning to solar energy and the numerous benefits it brings, from reducing our carbon footprint to saving money. It's an inspiring read that encourages everyone to take a step towards a cleaner, brighter, and more sustainable future. Thank you for spreading sunshine through your words and ideas!

Reply



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    The Greening Chiddingly blog page contains short posts written by residents of Chiddingly parish on environment-themed topics.

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  • Home
  • Climate Change
  • 9 things you can do
    • Eat greener
    • Reduce your car use
    • Reduce your energy use
    • Reduce your consumption
    • Cut back on flying
    • Enhance green spaces
    • Think about where you invest
    • Make your voice heard
    • Talk about the changes you make
  • Green Weekend 2025
  • Restoring nature
    • Our 2035 vision
    • Project locations
    • FARMSCAPE community arts project
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    • Aquatic biodiversity monitoring
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