It may be hard to imagine that a solar panel system could be very efficient in the United Kingdom, but it’s a fact – your solar panel investment in the UK should provide you with the energy you need for your property. This is one solid reason why more property owners are investing in solar panel installations. The efficiency of your installation will be higher during sunnier days, but what you should know is that your system doesn’t require direct sunlight for it to work. But what other facts should you be aware of when it comes to solar installations in the country? Here are the best attributes that prove the efficiency of solar panel systems in the UK.

  • Solar panel systems are more suitable for cool temperatures

 Did you know that solar panel systems are ideal for cool temperatures? Not only does your system not require direct sunlight for it to work – it can still produce a significant amount of energy even on days that are cloudy or in the winter. Also, solar panel systems tend to overheat when installed in hotter climates, thus reducing their efficiency. In this sense, the weather in the UK is ideal for your system to become more efficient.

There is a phenomenon referred to as the albedo effect, where solar panels have proven to be very effective in snowy regions. The snow’s white colour can reflect sunlight, and with this, the system produces more energy. The effect works much the same way as when snowboarders and skiers get sunburnt whilst on the piste. Of course, you would need to clean off the snow from the panels to generate energy, but they can work well, just the same.

  • No matter where you are in the UK, your solar panel investment will work

Here’s one fact to remember: no matter where you are in the UK, your solar panel investment will work. Its efficiency will vary depending on your region, but a domestic system that faces south and has a 4kW capacity combined with a 40-degree angled roof in London can produce up to approximately 490kWh of energy per month in July and around 150kWh of energy in December.

As confirmed by Manchester solar panel experts like www.atlanticrenewables.co.uk, if you are in Manchester and you have the same 4kW system facing south with a roof angled at 40 degrees, your system can produce more than 400kWh of energy from May to July and about 110kWh of energy in December.

  • The efficiency of your solar panel system will depend on other factors aside from climate

Other factors can affect the efficiency of your system, namely its location, direction, and angle; its size; your roof, and maintenance. Ideally, your system should be facing south with a 34o tilted roof angle, and you should choose a bigger size if you want it to produce more energy. Your roof should be large enough to accommodate your system, with a system of 4kW often requiring a minimum of 29 square metres of space on your roof.

It’s also essential to perform regular maintenance on your system to optimise its lifespan, and you should have it regularly checked by a service provider or your installer. Cleaning the panels also involves removing debris such as branches and leaves and making sure you rinse them well with water.