Ten Minute Guide to Solar Energy

Interested in how you can harness the sun’s power but not sure where to begin? Separate solar energy facts from fiction with our Ten Minute Guide to Solar Energy.

Our Ten Minute Guide series of e-books cover a wide range of topics which will be of interest to self-builders or potential self-builders, or anyone thinking of building or renovating their own home. This particular guide will separate the solar energy facts from the fiction.

Solar power has long been touted as the renewable energy source of the future. It’s not a new phenomenon, but advances over the last decade or so have made it affordable for the average homeowner. So what do you need to know when deciding if it’s for you?

We look at the basics of solar power, and how government incentives have been introduced to support those using it. We explain the differences between solar thermal panels and photovoltaic (PV) panels, and how to decide whether you should use one or both systems. There’s a brief science lesson, as we give you a crash course in how the panels work, and examine the long-held concern that the UK climate just isn’t made for solar energy.

We also consider the relative costs of installing solar panels, and whether ‘rent-a-roof’ or ‘free panels’ offers are worth looking at. Our guide also reflects on the optimum setup for a solar panel installation, and looks to the future and where the technology may go next.

If you’re looking to learn the basics of solar energy and want things explained clearly, in plain English and without waffle, this is the guide for you. Give us ten minutes of your time and we’ll give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

Current edition published November 2016. All details correct at time of publication.