PV Solar stands for Photovoltaic Solar. It refers to the technology that converts sunlight into electricity using solar cells, typically made of semiconductor materials like silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it excites electrons, creating an electric current. This direct conversion of sunlight into electricity is known as the photovoltaic effect.

Solar power is most definitely a cleaner and more sustainable energy source when compared to the CO2 output of traditional fossil fuels, gas and coal. While there is a ‘carbon cost’ associated with producing the panels themselves, this is paid off within two years on average.

One of the most common questions people ask about solar is a simple one: will solar power work on cloudy days? It’s called ‘solar power’ after all, implying that the sun is an important part of its production, so you can understand why people would want to know this one. So, does solar power work on cloudy days? Or only when it is sunny?

The simple answer is that yes, solar power works on cloudy days. As the photons inside solar panels that are responsible for creating electricity can be stimulated by any visual light, they work in the same way as normal on cloudy or overcast days. Basically, if it’s light enough for you to see the solar panels, it’s light enough for the solar panels to work.

Of course, solar panels work best on really sunny days. Why? Because those little photons that move around to create charge are forced to move more when the light, UV and heat levels go up. Busier photons means more charge being built up. But it doesn’t mean it has to be sunny for them to move at all.

There is no way to give exact savings figures without conducting an in-home consultation with one of our Cre8 Zero super hero’s. They’ll be able look at your existing electricity usage, roof layout and design a system specifically to you. 

Solar panels have become the go-to home upgrade for those looking to save money on their energy bills, as well as help the environment. But are solar panels worth it? We find that in the vast majority of customer consultations, solar panels are worth the investment. Solar panels make your home more energy efficient, they reduce household bills and can also lead to you earning money on your energy usage – although there are a couple of things to be aware of if you’re trying to determine whether solar panels would be worth it for you.

First, a south-facing roof makes the installation of solar panels more worth it, simply because the orientation of the panels means they will be operating at maximum efficiency. That’s not to say you can’t have solar panels on roofs that don’t face south, just that they work even better if they do face that way. In fact, experts say the further south you live, the more you can save through solar, because of the enhanced panel operation that comes with more sun.

Assuming your roof isn’t too shady for any other reasons (such as overhanging trees), the benefits of solar panels are there to be had. The biggest one is that you can sell solar power generated by your panels back to suppliers through the Smart Export Guarantee or platforms such as Social Energy. This means you can earn money through your solar panels. Also to be considered when weighing up whether solar panels are worth the investment is the fact that a good system can, like an EV charging point, add value to your home, as more and more buyers see energy efficiency as a desirable quality in their new house.