Apple Solar Energy 1

S O L A R E N E R G Y

Home grownenergy

Apple Solar Energy 14

A common myth is that solarelectricity generation depends onheat or direct sunlight. Not true.It is dependent on light intensity.Which is why it works onovercast days and during thewinter months.

Another important fact about solar energy isthat there are no emissions or moving parts.Maintenance, therefore, is as good as nil.

How solar electricity systems workPut simply, solar panels installed on your roofcreate (DC) direct power. This is converted to230v AC, via an inverter, and is then fed intoyour home. Actually, this is similar to the wayelectricity is supplied by your conventionalenergy company. Then, if you generate anysurplus energy in this way, it is automaticallychannelled into the national grid through yourconsumer unit.

If you are considering a Photovoltaicsystem, consider these factors first:

• Solar panels work most efficiently ifmounted on the south facing roof of your home. However we design bespokesystems for southwest, southeast and westand east facing roofs.

• The pitch of your roof will have a bearingon your system's efficiency, as will its size.The more panels you install, the more lightcan be captured and the more energy youcan generate.

• Properties with north facing, thatched,asbestos roofs, have overhanging trees orhave shadows from surrounding propertiesare usually unsuitable for a solar energy system.

• Listed buildings will usually be subject toplanning restrictions which can make itdifficult to install a solar energy system.

It's less about feeling the heat,more about seeing the lightUnderstanding solar electricity systems

Apple Solar Energy 18

Our solar electricity systems are a highly efficient, cost effectivemethod of harnessing the sun'srays and converting them toelectricity for your home.

Our innovative and leading edge photovoltaicmodules work in this way:

• Our high performance photovoltaicmodules, better known as solar panels, aremanufactured from multiple interconnectedpolycrystalline silicon solar cells.

• They are linked together to form what is known as a photovoltaic string.

• As ours is a bespoke system, the array canbe designed, dependent on your roof'ssize, your needs and your budget.

• We will ascertain the correct size of arrayneeded to generate the right amount ofsolar electricity for your home.

• The array is then securely fastened to theroof of your home using tough, longlasting and reliable aluminium mountings.

• The cells of your array capture solar energyand convert it into direct current (DC),which is fed through cables to yourinverter. This is carefully selected to matchyour array and optimise its output.

• Your inverter converts the direct current(DC) from the panels to alternating current(AC), which is fed via a meter into your home.

• Your meter records how much electricityyou are generating for your Feed in Tariff.

The technology behind solar electricityHow it works

The components of your system

Solar panelsApple’s solar panels are engineered from siliconlayers which respond to light radiation togenerate direct current (DC). They aremanufactured with 60 individual solar cells,linked together to form a photovoltaic module.Then, a number of modules are connected tocreate a photovoltaic array, designed to generatethe optimum electricity.

The more panels you install the more electricityyou will generate but we will advise you on theoptimum number for your individual situation.

InvertersDomestic electricity systems which power the homes of the UK run at 230v alternatingcurrent (AC). The inverter changes the directcurrent (DC) from the solar panels on yourroof to alternating current (AC). As no twosystems are necessarily the same, neither will the choice of inverter that's best suited to your home and installation. As the aim isto maximise the output from your solarpanels, without effecting the aesthetics ofyour home, your inverter will usually beinstalled in your loft.

IsolatorsFor your safety and peace of mind we installisolators into your system. This safety deviceprotects electricians who may be required toaccess or service the system in the future.

WiringYour solar system is wired into your home'sexisting electrics by one of our expert andqualified electricians. They will install yournew solar system and your solar generationmeter to record the amount of free electricityyour solar array generates.

Apple Solar Energy 19

www.applesolarenergy.com

Call Apple today

0800 808 9237For a FREE, no-obligation quotation

S O L A R E N E R G Y

PORTSMOUTH239-241 Commercial RoadPortsmouth · PO1 4BJOpen 7 Days

MORE BRANCHES COMING SOON TO A LOCATION NEAR YOU

BOURNEMOUTHParley Cross · West ParleyBournemouth · Dorset · BH22 8EDOpen 7 Days

CASTLEPOINTCastlepoint Shopping CentreBournemouth · Dorset · BH8 9UZOpen 7 Days

SOUTHAMPTONHamilton Business Park · Botley RoadHedge End · Southampton · SO30 2HEOpen 7 Days

EXETERApple Lane · Sidmouth Road (opp park & ride)Exeter · EX2 7HAOpen 7 Days

NEW MILTON114-116 Gore Rd · New MiltonHampshire · BH25 6SJOpen 7 Days

ISLE OF WIGHT68 High Street · NewportIsle of Wight · PO30 1BAOpen 7 Days

HEAD OFFICE & FACTORY397 Aviation Business Park Bournemouth International AirportChristchurch · Dorset · BH23 6NWBy Appointment Only

SALISBURYClarendon Centre · Salisbury Business ParkSouthampton Road · Wiltshire · SP1 2TJOpen 7 Days