What Is Solar and How Does It Work?
Solar energy is one of the most accessible forms of renewable energy available today. It uses the sun’s natural energy to generate electricity, helping homeowners and businesses reduce their reliance on energy from the grid while making better use of renewable resources.
At NewFrame, we specialise in solar solutions that combine renewable energy generation with practical, attractive structures. From traditional solar panels to innovative solar glazing, carports and canopies, there are now more ways to generate solar power than simply installing panels on a roof.
What is solar energy?
Solar energy is energy produced from sunlight. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology converts the sun’s light into electricity that can be used to power appliances, lighting, heating systems, electric vehicles and other electrical equipment.
Solar PV systems contain photovoltaic cells. When sunlight reaches these cells, it creates an electrical current. The electricity initially produced is direct current (DC), which then passes through an inverter. The inverter converts DC electricity into alternating current (AC), making it suitable for use within your property.
Any electricity you generate can be used within your home or business. Depending on your system and energy requirements, excess electricity can also be stored in a battery or exported to the grid.
How does a solar PV system work?
The process is relatively straightforward:
1. Sunlight reaches the solar cells
Solar panels or photovoltaic glass absorb energy from daylight.
2. The cells generate electricity
Photovoltaic cells convert the energy from sunlight into DC electricity.
3. An inverter converts the electricity
The inverter changes DC electricity into AC electricity that can be used by your property.
4. You use the electricity generated
Power can be used immediately to run appliances, lighting and other electrical systems.
5. Surplus energy can be stored
With a smart battery system, unused electricity generated during the day can be stored and used later, including when solar generation is lower.
This can be particularly useful for households that are away during the day but use more electricity in the evening.
What is solar glazing?
Solar glazing takes the same basic photovoltaic principle and incorporates it into glass. Instead of having to install conventional panels separately, photovoltaic glass can become part of a structure such as a carport, canopy, veranda, conservatory, greenhouse or other glazed space.
NewFrame solar glazing is available in transparent and semi-transparent options, allowing natural light to pass through while the photovoltaic technology generates electricity. This means a structure can provide shelter and usable space while also contributing towards your energy generation.
For example, a solar carport can provide covered parking while generating electricity that can be used in your home or to help charge an electric vehicle. Similarly, a solar canopy can create a comfortable outdoor space while making productive use of an otherwise unused roof area.
Can solar work in the UK?
Yes. Solar PV systems generate electricity from daylight, rather than requiring constant bright sunshine. The amount of electricity generated will vary depending on factors such as the system design, available daylight, orientation, shading and the technology being used.
This makes solar a practical renewable-energy option for UK properties, provided the system is appropriately designed for the location and intended use.
Why consider solar?
Generating your own electricity can help reduce the amount of power you need to purchase from the grid. Adding battery storage can also allow more of your generated electricity to be used when you need it.
For homeowners considering a new outdoor structure, solar glazing offers another possibility: rather than treating solar technology as an addition to your property, it can be incorporated directly into the design.
At NewFrame, we design solar solutions around the property, available space and how you want to use it. Whether you are considering solar panels, a solar carport, canopy or bespoke solar glazing, the right solution can help you make better use of daylight while creating a practical addition to your home.
Interested in finding out what solar could do for your property? Speak to NewFrame about a tailored solar solution designed around your home, lifestyle and energy requirements.