With households constantly looking to save money on energy bills, renewable methods could be easier to access than ever. Experts at Severn Wye Energy Agency, a sustainability charity based in Gloucestershire, explain how solar panels have become an accessible way to generate clean energy that can work for most homes.
Renewable energy is becoming a focus for many homeowners across Gloucestershire and the rest of the UK, with innovative technologies advancing year-on-year — and it couldn’t come at a better time as the energy crisis continues to affect household bills.
Solar panels have been around since 1954, but were seen as largely inaccessible for many homes, due to being expensive or difficult to install.
They are now one of the most popular ways of producing renewable energy and are a common sight on the roofs of houses and businesses across the county.
Severn Wye Energy Agency has more than 25 years of experience advising Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire homeowners on their sustainability journey. Its team offers comprehensive home energy audits and recommendations, including advice on whether solar is the way to go and the best tariffs to be on.
How do solar panels work?
There are two types of solar panel: solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which produce electricity; and solar thermal panels, which produce hot water.
Solar panels capture the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells. When light shines on the cells it creates an electric field across the layers of semi-conducting material that make up the cells, which allows electricity to flow.
Read more: SoGlos
