Sunday 27 October 2013

Do Solar Panels Generate during a Power Cut?

In the UK solar panels that qualify for FIT (Feed in Tariff) payments will not generate during a pwoer cut as they switch off immediately a grid failure is detected.

This is to protect any engineers working on the grid repairs so that electricity isn't being supplied into the system while they are working.

Solar Panels - What About Storm and Wind Damage?

With the predicted storm approaching the UK this weekend there may be people wondering about their solar panels being damaged by the wind and stormy conditions.


Solar Panels Storm Wind Damage
Solar Panels Storm Wind Damage

Solar panels are designed to withstand strong winds and are attached directly to roof beams if correctly fitted. The main problem that could be expected is damage to solar panels from flying debris or falling trees rather than the wind affecting them directly. And of course if we have power lines down and power cuts as a result then we won't get any electricity generation as the panels/inverter shut down when the grid is off.


Rain on Solar Panels - Can they be damaged by Storm Winds
Rain on Solar Panels - Can they be damaged by Storm Winds

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Poor September for Solar as Sunshine Drops After Stunning July & August

September has been a disappointing month for the solar panels with a lowly 278kWh generated compared to 356kWh for September 2012.


Poor September for Solar as Sunshine Drops After Stunning July & August
Poor September for Solar as Sunshine Drops After Stunning July & August
July and August 2013 have been fantastic months for our solar panels with 484kWh and 411kWh generated respectively but with September now poor we are currently running at 86kWh less than 2012.

Weather for September hasn't actually been bad - it has been a fairly warm month and with very little rain in Kent but equally quite cloudy with few sunny days. You can see the details in the breakdown of monthly generated solar power.

You can also view the yearly solar panel electricity generation here