Category: Blog

How to clean solar panels has never gotten easier! Solar panel cleaning is an absolute must if you want to get the best possible performance out of your panels. 

Naturally, rain does a good job of cleaning them, however, it is still a good idea to give them a proper clean 3-4 times a year. The solar cells in the panel are covered by a glass coating for protective purposes. The dirtier this coating becomes, the less efficient the solar panel will be. Obstructions to the panels could be caused by pollution, dust, or even bird droppings. 

There are several ways to check and see if your solar panels need to be cleaned:

Physical inspection. Your solar panels should be inspected regularly, especially in areas where the weather conditions are unfavourable or have significant levels of dust. The connections should also be checked at this time so you can keep yourself updated with their condition.

Use a monitoring service. A physical inspection is done regularly, but it’s good to back yourself up with a monitoring system. These are constantly monitoring the status and condition of the solar panels. This helps to prevent damage and could even increase the lifespan of your panels.

After you have checked your solar panel system and discovered that they’re pretty dirty, the panels need to be cleaned. There are several ways you can do this, some of them easier than others, and some are cheaper than you might expect.

It’s best to clean solar panels on an overcast day, early in the morning, or in the late evening. If the panels are warmed by the sun then water can quickly evaporate on the panels and leave marks on the panel. 

There are two main ways of cleaning your solar panels: Hire a professional or do it yourself! If you are looking to do it yourself you’ll generally have all you need to do it at home. 

How to clean your domestic solar panels?

• The most effective way to clean solar panels is with a hose and a bucket of soapy water. Essentially, in the same way you would wash your car at home, as you don’t want to scratch the panels in any way. 
• Using a good quality soft brush, sponge and squeegee with a plastic blade, can make for the perfect tools to clean your panels. 
• Other equipment that can be used effectively is a soft cloth or biodegradable soap, as this will gently clean the panels without a scratch. 
• If you often clean the panels, you might be able to just run a hose along the panels to remove any dirt. Fewer calls on solar panel maintenance.

Important things you should do when cleaning your solar panels!

• If the panels are dry, use the soft brush to brush any loose dirt before tackling the panels with water.
• It is important not to use harsh materials when cleaning solar panels as they could cause damage, and solar panels are expensive to repair.
• Never use an abrasive sponge or soap for your solar panel cleaning as you may scratch the glass. 
• For your safety and the safety of others around you, use a long-handled wiper to clean the panels while you are standing on the ground. However, If you must get on the roof, take proper care as once you begin cleaning, the roof becomes slippery and you could slide off when you get down, so use safety ropes or a harness for support. 
• Always watch out for dirt on the solar panels to make sure it doesn’t build up since they can absorb sunlight better when they are free of dirt. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use any type of high-pressure water sprayer when washing off your solar panels. A high-pressure attachment can damage the solar panels themselves. 

If you would like to invest in solar panels but aren’t sure what to go for, simply enquire here and one of our professional installers will be in touch with the best advice for you. 

According to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), almost two-thirds of wind and solar projects built around the world in 2020 will be able to generate cheaper electricity than even the world’s cheapest new coal plants. 

What is Happening?

• The report found that the falling cost of new wind farms and solar panels meant that 62% of new renewable energy projects could undercut the cost of up to 800GW worth of coal plants. This is enough to supply the UK’s electricity needs 10 times over.

• According to the report, solar costs fell by 16% last year, while onshore wind costs fell 13% and offshore wind 9%. 

• In less than 10 years, the cost of large-scale solar power has fallen by more than 85%, while onshore wind has fallen almost 56% and offshore wind has dropped 48%.

Francesco La Camera, Irena’s director-general, said the agency’s latest research proved the world was “far beyond the tipping point of coal”. He said: “Today renewables are the cheapest source of power. Renewables present countries tied to coal with an economically attractive phase-out agenda that ensures they meet growing energy demand while saving costs, adding jobs, boosting growth and meeting climate ambition.”

• The report found that in Europe, the cost of a new coal plant would be well above the cost of new wind and solar farms. In the US, renewable energy could undercut between three-quarters and 91% of existing coal-fired power plants, while in India, renewable energy would be cheaper than between 87% and 91% of new plants. 

• Phasing out 800GW of coal power capacity would be the equivalent of removing 9% of the world’s energy-related emissions in 2020 or 20% of the carbon savings needed by 2030 to help limit global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

• The cost of renewable energy is predicted to continue to fall in the coming years. The report says that over the next two years three-quarters of all new solar power projects will be cheaper than new coal power plants, and onshore wind costs will be a quarter lower than the cheapest new coal-fired option.

The report says, “The trend confirms that low-cost renewables are not only the backbone of the electricity system but that they will also enable electrification in end uses like transport, buildings and industry and unlock competitive indirect electrification with renewable hydrogen.”

Wind and solar energy are set to gain cost competitiveness over fossil fuel and nuclear power in 2021. It is looking increasingly likely that it will be cheaper to add new wind and solar capacity in comparison to new fossil fuel power plants and nuclear power plants.

Today, scam calls are driving us all crazy, not to mention email inboxes full of junk. Solar panel scams can come out of nowhere, and if you’re not working with a quality solar installer, then there’s a chance that you’ll be tricked out of your hard-earned money.

The idea behind solar energy is clean and fresh. Everyone seems to want our society to rely less on the grid and become more self-sufficient. But like most pure ideologies, scammers can exploit the idea for their gain.

If you’re considering switching to solar energy, you have the right idea. But make sure you’re not deceived by a fake company pretending to care about renewable energy. Not all solar companies in the market are looking out for you, some just really want your money. 

SPOTTING THE SCAMS

If you’re going to avoid a solar scam, you first have to identify it as a scam. Like any other scam, solar scams can sometimes be very difficult to identify, so the key is to know and understand the tactics that reputable and not so reputable companies use to sell their products.

The easiest way to avoid solar panel scams is by doing an online search for testimonials. But if you’re talking to a salesperson, it can be difficult to whip out your phone and conduct research. In this case, ask probing questions about the company.

HIGH-PRESSURE SALES TACTICS

Solar panels are a very large investment. Like other large investments, you’ll need time to make sure that you’re ready to move forward on the purchase.

There is a possibility that a legitimate solar company simply has a pushy salesman. In these cases, stand your ground, don’t feel pressured to sign up, and research the company online.

OFFERING CHEAP REPLACEMENTS

Another solar panel scam companies try to use is offering to replace your existing solar panels free of charge. In most cases, this offer signifies cheap or faulty replacement equipment. Remember, no one offers things of worth freely.

SOLAR PANEL SCAMS – CHECKLIST

If you’re going to avoid solar panel scams then, you can use a list to check off when you start looking more in-depth at solar. Here is a solar panel scam checklist based on the list of different tactics we looked at above.

• Avoid salespeople that use high-pressure tactics.

• Watch out for individuals that pose as government or utility company representatives.

• Watch for unrealistic prices to avoid companies that won’t get the job done right.

• Look for companies that offer good contractual warranties.

• Avoid companies that want to start without a contract.

• Avoid leasing solar panels instead of buying them.

CHOOSE MTG Energy Solutions

Choosing solar energy is a responsible decision, but it should always be done under the right circumstances. Avoiding solar panel scams is just as crucial for the environment as the solar panels themselves. Our friendly team is always working hard to give you the best solar panel installations we can, and your satisfaction is our top priority. Call or visit our website for a free quote on our stellar solar installation services today!

The best way to bring down the ongoing cost of your electricity is to generate your own and distribute it around your building. This makes you more independent from utility companies and their ever-increasing energy prices. Generating your own electricity from a renewable source such as Solar PV also gives you the added benefit of reducing your Carbon footprint and increasing your Corporate Social Responsibility.

Environmental credentials are an increasing concern for businesses as more and more companies are considering not just their own environmental impact but also that of the companies within their supply chain. Having Solar PV installed is a definite good news story that should be broadcast on social media channels. With the monitoring now available with Solar PV why not have a screen in your reception detailing how much energy you have generated and how much Carbon you have saved. Currently, there are tax benefits for installing Solar PV and grants may also be available to help towards the cost.

By not using electricity generated from fossil fuel sources, you will be directly helping the planet by lowering the carbon footprint of your business/home. Using renewable energy sources to power our everyday lives means less pollution in the atmosphere and helps move us towards a lower-carbon future.

With many businesses striving to decarbonise or achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon’ status, installing a PV system is a very simple way of working towards this goal, while saving your business money as well.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Solar PV.

Advantages:

• Tax benefits.
• Increase CSR.
• An investment giving a return over time.
• Non-intrusive – make use of the unused space on your roof or carpark.
• Low maintenance.
• Increase CSR.
• An investment giving a return over time.
• Non-intrusive – make use of the unused space on your roof or carpark.
• Low maintenance.

Disadvantages:

• Need sufficient space on roof, car park or grounds.
• Need permission from building owner.
• The initial outlay can be high.
• Business rates may increase.

Pandemic put a handbrake on transport emissions and slowed economic activity, while uptake in renewables also helped drive down levels.

Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped last year to levels not seen in more than 30 years due mostly to the coronavirus pandemic that put a handbrake on fossil fuel burning in the transport sector and slowed economic activity.
New government data released Monday shows sectors where emissions fell sharply in 2020 due to factors beyond the government’s control – the global pandemic and the end of a sharp drought – were starting to rebound.

In the final quarter of 2020, transport emissions – which includes road and rail movement as well as domestic air travel – rose by 11% in the previous three months, reflecting the easing of lockdown restrictions and increases in domestic air travel.

We are passionate climate warriors. Our legal battle is not over but my heart is a bit lighter

Increasing levels of solar and wind energy were continuing to push out coal in the electricity sector that accounts for a third of the country’s emissions.

Emissions in this sector have dropped 21% since 2009. A milder December meant people had used less power for cooling than usual, helping cut emissions further.

But the energy department data says long-term trends for other high-emitting sectors are heading in the wrong direction.

Since 1990, the department data shows the annual energy used mainly to produce goods in heavy industry has risen 52% and transport emissions have gone up 43%.

The department said there was also likely to be a growth in emissions from agriculture in coming quarters as sheep and cattle stocks increased following an easing of drought conditions and crop production went up.

Fugitive emissions from gases escaping into the atmosphere along the production and supply chain of oil, coal and gas fell 9% in 2020 from the previous year but were also rising long term as a result of the LNG industry, the government said.

Energy analyst Hugh Saddler, honorary associate professor at Australian National University’s Crawford School of Public Policy, said: “The only thing the government can take credit for here is not completely blocking the transition in the electricity sector.”

But he warned for the transition from coal to renewables to continue to deliver gains, much more would need to be done to allow the electricity network to accommodate more renewables.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic had caused the fall in transport emissions, which the government’s report says is now rising again.

Australia’s globally significant LNG export industry was increasing the emissions in the stationary energy sector. Burning gas to provide the energy needed to compress it into LNG for export was “putting a big kick up on Australia’s stationary energy emissions”, said Saddler.

In a statement, the energy minister, Angus Taylor, said despite the “upward pressure from growth in exports and industry”, emissions per capita and the emissions intensity of the economy were “at their lowest levels in three decades”.

Since 1990, Australia’s rate of land clearing has fallen rapidly and, while still high, is responsible for the biggest fall in the country’s annual greenhouse gas accounts.

The Greens leader, Adam Bandt, said Taylor’s “crowing about emissions reductions” relied on “a renewables transition he’s trying to slow, a Covid-related transport shift that he cannot prolong and a coal production drop that he’s trying to reverse”.

Bandt said while coal emissions were falling, “gas is pushing up climate pollution” and the government’s “hostility to electric vehicles” meant transport pollution would keep growing.
He said: “The lack of an EV plan is costing us. Transport pollution is going back up and will continue to do so while the Liberals keep waging war on EVs.

“We need 75% reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2035, but today’s data shows we’re nowhere near that.”
Taylor said the government would “meet and beat our 2030 Paris target” to cut emissions by 26-28% compared with 2005 levels.

The Monday data, he said, showed Australia was now 20% below 2005 levels. Australia’s 2030 target has remained the same since 2015.

Sick of losing heat whenever you open the door? With infrared, you can make your life that touch easier. Continue reading to learn why you should install IR this winter!

As winter is getting closer and closer, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to heat your home during the colder months. Electric infrared technology will be the future of heating powered by renewable energy. Heaters that are easy to install, completely silent and maintenance-free. IR provides high comfort levels, reduces dampness & mould, and doesn’t waste energy heating the air.

The main difference with IR compared to the traditional heating system is that it works by heating objects and surfaces to a comfortable temperature and not the air in the room. Meaning you won’t lose the heat when opening doors or in a draughty room.

There are many benefits to Far Infrared Heating such as;

• Infrared panels produce almost instant heat.

• Infrared heating costs are lower than electric convection heaters.

• Infrared heating is Simpler and cheaper to install than wet central heating systems.

• IR heat is safer than conventional, resistive heat.

• Far infrared works exactly the same way as the warmth from the sun, but without the harmful rays.

• With far infrared, there is no more stuffiness since it heats up objects rather than air. With no dust circulation or damp spots, switching to this heating system can help with your health.

• It removes condensation in your home, compared to conventional heating systems – it helps remove mould, mildew and damp.

• You can expect to save 60% on your energy as far infrared costs less to run than your standard, conventional heating systems.

At MTG Energy Solutions, we are qualified far-infrared installers and works best for new build homes which aren’t run on gas. This method works by firing harmless, safe beams to warm up objects and people – rather than the air.
We can supply and install panels that suit the interior of your home.

If you’re interested in our renewable energy services, then call us on 0115 888 2777 or enquire online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Myth 1: Solar only works when the sun is out

A common misconception about solar energy is that it only works when the sun is out. In fact, the sun’s ultraviolet light is all that solar power needs to create energy. Solar panels will create heaps of the stuff during foggy and overcast days too, as the UV light still manages to get through. Surprisingly, solar panels are actually more efficient at cooler temperatures than hot ones.

Take Germany for example, not the sunniest place in the world. Yet in June of 2014, more than half of Germany’s electricity demand was met by 23.1 gigawatts of solar power. This was half of the entire world’s production at the time. Germany is still one of the top spots for solar production globally.

Myth 2: Using solar energy is too expensive, I’ll never get my investment back

Throughout Europe, there are misconceptions about how many solar panels cost and the return on investment. UK based solar power comparison site, The Eco Website, states that around 66% of UK residents don’t know how much solar panels cost.

The cost of panels has been rapidly decreasing and is set to continue this downward spiral.  Researchers at Oxford University found that, since the 1980s, panels have gotten 10% cheaper each year and this is likely to continue. Falling solar power costs meant that back in 2016 the typical ROI (return on investment) for solar panels is 4.8% over 20 years. Not only are they getting cheaper but they are gaining your income in the background.

Myth 3: Solar panels can’t withstand extreme weather conditions

It snows, its rains, it hails; can solar panels withstand all of that? Solar panels are sturdy and made to last a long time in various weather conditions. American solar panel manufacturer Solar World conduct tough tests to make sure the panels are ready for the world.

The company starts by dropping half a kilo, 2.54cm steel balls onto solar panels from a height of 4.2 metres. This process is repeated up to 20 times in the same place on at least 11 different points of impact. They then drop heavy or hard objects onto the panel to ensure stability and break resistance – including a 45kg lead-filled sack from a height of 1.2 metres right into the middle of the panel! After this, the solar panels are put into a climate room which emulates 25 years of weather changes. In the chamber, the panels manage to withstand temperatures as low as -40°c to as high as 85°c. These thorough and destructive tests prove that a solar panel can withstand the harshest of conditions.

Myth 4: Solar panels might damage your home

People are often afraid to install solar panels because they think this process might damage their roofs. However, the way these panels are made and installed has evolved over the years, which is something that experts are quite familiar with. All of that means that opting for solar systems will not damage your roof, but protect it instead. Moreover, if you turn to professionals, there is nothing to worry about as they have plenty of experience when it comes to installing solar panels.

Myth 5: Solar panels require a lot of maintenance

Another common misconception about solar panels is that they are maintenance-heavy. In reality, they require very little maintenance. Most of them outlive the 25-year warranty they usually come with. There are no moving parts and they are designed to be durable. Inspecting and hosing them off once a year should be enough to keep them running smoothly. In case there is any debris, you should remove it to protect the panels.

The truth is that tastes differ. What one might find unattractive, others might not even notice. In any case, solar panels are now being made with aesthetics in mind. They can be sleek and blend in with the roof. In addition, they can even be mounted on the ground.

Myth 6: Solar panels keep excess energy in batteries

Most homes that are powered by solar energy don’t use batteries. All excess energy is added to the electrical grid. The grid through battery banks stores extra energy. This extra energy can be used at night or during darker months. It can also be used for power outages.

On the other hand, batteries can be added like power walls by Tesla. Especially since the upfront cost is a relative increase. However, this means that you will not lose power in case the grid goes down.

At MTG we fit PV batteries that are off the grid quickly and efficiently so you don’t have to worry about losing out on your investments in solar power.

We hope that this has cleared up some misconceptions for you about solar panels and solar power. If you are interested in reading more please visit our blog page here.

By having solar panels, you’ll gain a better score on your EPC, and your property will become more attractive to buyers. EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate that rates the energy efficiency of the building. The building will be given a rating between A – G.  The EPC will also include tips and the most cost-effective ways to improve your homes energy rating. Not only that, they’ll get the benefits immediately without any of the cost or hassle of installing them.

The benefits of solar panels are significant savings on your electricity bills and could generate half of your annual building electricity. They protect the environment by reducing the carbon footprint of your home by 80% in one year, as well as more people turning to renewable energy as the cost of gas and electricity is increasing. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy. Solar panels don’t affect the household as they don’t create any noise and don’t need much maintenance. Finally, they can increase your property value. Some studies show that installing solar panels can increase your property value by an average of £30,000 across the UK.

Previously, solar panels were installed unattractively in a mixture of portrait and landscape formats. However, as the new technology behind solar panels has improved, more people are getting them installed as they look more attractive. The panels are now black, so when they sit on dark tiles or slates, they look like part of the roof and seem more aesthetic. Installing solar panels can make your property seem attractive to some buyers and could give you that much-needed edge in the property market when the time comes to sell. 4 in 10 people say solar panels are to be the most desired extra on a home.