biomass
heat pumps
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solar PV
solar thermal
windSolar Photovoltaics, or PV for short, is the name for systems that produce electricity from sunlight. In fact, electricity is even produced when its cloudy. Solar PV should not be confused with Solar Thermal, which produces hot water, not electricity.
- The technology is considered very clean - with no emissions or sound produced. And advances in manufacturing is expected to continue to reduce the cost.
- Solar panels are normally attached to your roof, but can also be positioned in your garden. It is important for them to be facing South, or close to South, and not be shaded by trees or other buildings for too long during the day.
- The electricity produced can be stored in batteries, but for most houses or offices attached to the electricity network, batteries are not needed. The panels are connected to your electricity supply, and you can even sell any surplus electricity back to your electricity supplier. But normally, the electricity you produce just helps to reduce the amount of electricity you buy - and so saves you money.
- Solar PV panels are very reliable and require little maintenance as they have no moving parts at all.
Try reading the Solar PV Details Guide to find out more.
