Experts in Solar system design and installation.

Ardenham Energy offers a full  design and installation service for solar PV and solar thermal systems to commercial, agricultural, public sector and domestic clients nationwide.

Our customers like the security of dealing with a nationwide company, while having the reassurance of a local project management team.

Solar photovoltaic panels (PV) use energy from the sun to create electricity. PV requires only daylight – not direct sunlight – to generate electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers, causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity…

PV arrays now come in a variety of shapes and colours, ranging from grey ‘solar tiles’ that look like roof tiles, to panels and transparent cells that you can use on conservatories and glass to provide shading as well as generating electricity. As well as enabling you to generate free electricity they can provide an interesting alternative to conventional roof tiles.

Is my property suitable for Solar PV?

You can use PV systems on any building with a roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees of south, as long as no other buildings or large trees overshadow it. If the roof surface is in shadow for parts of the day, the output of the system decreases.

If you intend to have major roof repairs carried out it may be worth exploring PV tiles as they can offset the cost of roof tiles.

Grid connected systems require very little maintenance, generally limited to ensuring that the panels are kept relatively clean and that shade from trees has not become a problem. The wiring and components of the system should however be checked regularly by a qualified technician.

Stand-alone systems, i.e. those not connected to the grid, need maintenance on other system components, such as batteries.

Solar hot water heating systems use heat from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater. They can provide almost all of your hot water during the summer months and about 50% year round.

Solar hot water heating can be used in the home or for larger applications, such as swimming pools.

For domestic hot water there are three main components: solar panels, a heat transfer system, and a hot water cylinder. Solar panels – or collectors – are fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun’s radiation. The heat transfer system uses the collected heat to heat water. A hot water cylinder stores the hot water that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later.

Is my property suitable for Solar Hot Water?

Preferably you will need 2-4m2 of southeast to southwest facing roof receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day. You’ll also need space to locate an additional water cylinder if required.

What best suits your needs depends on a range of factors, including the area of south facing roof, the existing water heating system (e.g. some combi boilers aren’t suitable)

Solar hot water systems generally come with a 10-year warranty and require very little maintenance. A yearly check by the householder and a more detailed check by a professional installer every 3-5 years should be sufficient.