Solar Power

Solar roof panelsRenewable energy is no longer just a pipedream. Using radiant energy from the sun to create solar power is the savvy consumer’s practical, cost-effective, eco-friendly solution to an ever-increasing demand for energy and an ever-shrinking supply of expensive, environmentally toxic fuels like petroleum or diesel.

In this section Northern Tool + Equipment provides you with illuminating information on how to use this viable technology to generate electricity, heat water, power lights, charge batteries, decrease utility costs and reduce your carbon footprint.

The Basics: How Does Solar Energy Work?
Every minute of every day, enough of the sun’s energy reaches the earth to meet the world’s energy demand for an entire year. Using photovoltaic technology through solar panels, solar energy is created by converting the heat and light that comes from the sun into electrical energy.

Each solar panel is made up of many solar cells containing both a positive and a negative layer. Much like a battery, these layers generate an electric field. As the sun’s energy is absorbed by the cells, electrons are created and then travel toward the bottom of the panel and exit through a connecting wire. This flow of electrons produces electricity, which can be used in the same way as electricity generated by other non-renewable energy sources.

Main Benefits of Solar Renewable Energy:

    There are a huge number of benefits in collecting solar energy - it is free, abundant, easy to collect and as well as benefitting your pocket it has benefits for the whole planet.
    • Reduce your electricity bills (level of savings based on the average number of sunlight hours on your site, and current usage).
    • Get paid up to £0.12 for each unit of power generated, whether you use it yourself or not (you may have to change suppliers for the best rates)
    • Inflation-proof power generation on-site (the cost to produce your own power is not affected by increases in power costs from your electricity supplier)
    • Silent operation, with very little maintenance required.
    • Expandable system, allowing more than one kit to be installed on one property.
    • Easy to use Soladin 600 Inverter supplied for connection to the "mains" supply of your property.
    • "Commission only" option for those with good DIY skills.
    • "Fully Installed and Commissioned" option available if required.

    How to best use the Power of the Sun...
    click here to download the PowerPoint presentation.

    Our Solar PV (solar electric) kit includes everything required to DIY install a full Grid Connected system. Consisting of 4 x Sharp Solar Panels (165W each), a Mastervolt Soladin 600 Inverter, a "total generation" meter, cabling and switches, this kit allows you to reduce your electricity bills, and get paid for unused power (depending on your supplier). You can also claim Renewable Obligations Certificates (or ROCs) due to the inclusion of a "tamper proof" electricity meter in the kit. Fit more than one kit to your property for even better savings.

    We offer a nationwide installation service (mainland UK) for those who wish to have their Solar PV system professionally installed, or you can choose to have your system professionally "commissioned" once you have completed the installation yourself. These options give you the flexibility of full DIY, if you have skills to do so, or to have your turbine fitted by the professionals. Final connection to your "mains" supply must be carried out by a competent person form the Renewable Energy Industry, or a qualified Electrician.

    Planning permission from your local authority is sometimes required for this type of installation.

    A refundable "Site Survey" is required, whereby we will arrange for a technical expert from the Renewable Energy Industry to assess your site for suitability for solar power (or other technologies offered on our site). This will give you peace of mind, knowing that you won’t spend money on technology that is unsuitable for your location (site surveys typically carried out within 28 days of purchase and are available in Mainland UK only). This survey fee will be refunded on purchase of your energy system.

    Commissioning and Installation Note:
    The Solar PV Installation service would typically cost between £1400 and £1800, with the "commissioned only" service is typically £400.
    Please note that the charge for     commissioning and installation will be paid directly to our designated installer, The Solar Energy Alliance.
     
     

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