Solar panels can be extremely useful for anybody looking to improve on and use renewable energy sources. Check out this handy, easy to follow guide for solar panel operations and maintenance in the UK. Easy, eco-friendly energy generation could be yours today.

System Operation

1. Solar PV Array– for solar panels Glasgow convert sunlight into electricity due to a semiconductor material that each panel contains. The amount of electricity that the panels can produce is dependent on the amount of sunlight that contacts with them. Therefore, solar panels do not produce electricity at night and will produce less electricity on cloudy days.
2. Inverter– the inverter(s) convert the ‘Direct Current’ (DC) from the Solar PV Panel Array into ‘Alternating Current’. This allows the Alternating Current being created by the Solar Panels to be integrated with the electrical supply of the property, by meeting the specifications of the National Grid.
3. Total Generation Meter–the current being created by the Inverter then passes through the Total Generation Meter, which then records the amount of energy being created in kilowatt hours (kWh). The system is then connected directly to the electrical distribution system of the property.

Correct Operation

Remember that inverters will switch themselves off, at night and when there are low levels of sunlight, in order to save power. During daylight hours the followed should be observed to indicate that the system is functioning correctly:

1. Voltage is displayed on the screen of the Inverter
2. The Inverter is connected to the grid – this is indicated by a light on the front cover
3. The Total Generation Meter should indicate the total number of kWhs that are being generated

Turning the System On

1. Connect the DC isolator (switch to ON position)
2. Connect the AC isolator (switch to ON position)
3. Connect to the main supply using the mains isolator and the circuits on the distribution board (MCBs)
4. Observe the inverter to make sure the system connects to the grid and is producing power (Please note that it will take several minutes to connect to the National Grid)

System Failure Checklist

If any problems with the system arise please check the following list below in numerical order before contacting your installer for support:

1. Is there power at your power?
2. Are all the circuits of your Micro Circuit Breaker (MCB) switched to on position?
3. Is the DC isolator switched to the on position?
4. Is there daylight outside?
5. Check to make sure there no debris covering up the solar modules (panels)
6. If you observed any damage has been done to any component of the system, switch the system off and contact DMS Installed Ltd

Steps to Switch the System Off

Complete the steps below in numerical order:

1. Isolate the main supply to the system using the MCB
2. Isolate the Inverter from the grid using the AC Isolator (switch to OFF position)
3. Isolate the Solar Panel Array using the DC Isolator (switch to OFF position)
4. Allow several minutes for the capacitors located in the inverters to discharge remaining electrical current

Isolating the Solar Panels

Solar panels are constantly producing voltage during daylight hours – even if they are disconnected from the National Grid. Although solar panels do not produce any power at night there still may be voltage on the DC output. Please take great care in ensuring that the ON/OFF procedures are followed correctly to avoid harm to yourself and/or damage to the electrical system. Special should be taken to avoid any connect with the DC output at all times.

Repair/Replace

First check to see what components of your system are still under warranty. A time frame for a warranty on workmanship relating to installation would have been agreed upon before commencement of works. All replacement and repair works needing completed (to any part of the system) should only be carried out by a qualified PV engineer.

Servicing and Maintenance of the Solar PV System

Photovoltaic systems have no moving parts and thus require little to no maintenance. Due to the electrical current these systems must always be handled with caution. The power output is the only component that should be checked regularly to ensure the system if functioning properly. The solar panels themselves will only ever need replaced if they become damaged or are defective. Again this should only be completed by a trained professional due to the involvement of electricity.

In order to ensure your system maintains its performance it is important the solar modules be kept clear of debris (i.e. leaves, roof tiles, bird droppings, etc). Make it a habit of regularly checking that the panels are kept clear as this will affect the amount of electricity they are able to create.

If your system does not have a way of automatically recording the amount of energy being created, monthly meter readings should be scheduled to keep an eye on the systems performance. This would also be an ideal time to check the entire system is running properly and that none of the components have become damaged due to weather or wildlife.

If at any time you believe your system is malfunctioning, shut down immediately following the correct procedure and contact your supplier for assistance.

Safe Disposal of System

Solar Panels should not be disposed of with normal waste as traditional methods such as burning or being placed in a landfill will cause harm to the environment. The system should be returned to the manufacturer or a disposal agent that has been deemed safe.

Considerations for future building works

Here are some helpful points to consider if any building works are being carried out and could affect your Solar Panel Array:

• Dust from construction may affect the performance of your panels, possibly even damage them, ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect them (i.e. covers)
• New buildings have the potential of casting shade onto the solar modules which will affect the performance of the system
• Ensure contractors are made aware of the Solar PV system before any works are begun.

Those are the most vital pieces of information you will need for your solar panel operations. Now go forth and see what energy solutions are out there for you and check with local eco-friendly installers for more information on underfloor insulation, loft insulation, energy providers, and more to help you save energy.

A stunning new documentary by a filmmaking team from The Czech Republic entitled The Inside of Us is currently in the works that seeks to emphasize the need for the conservation of the Amazon Rainforest. The filmmakers are attempting to gain funding via the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. It features a unique insight into the perspectives and emotions of the Amazon Rainforest’s indigenous people, and starkly highlights the destruction of their culture, homes, and their source of precious medicines. The Inside Of Us stresses the importance of the Amazon Rainforest, and its social value to Western society. Rather than aiming to engender outrage, it aims to guide viewers toward awareness and action to protect the forest and its people.

The filmmakers are asking for funding on Indiegogo in an attempt to retain full creative control and keep their documentary fully independent.  They have personally invested nearly $100,000 while refusing lucrative contract offers. They chose to remain independent, refusing to accept any private-sector funds that would interfere with the artistic control of the film. Ambitious international plans are underway for the film. It will be distributed to some 300 TV stations worldwide. Screenings will be held at major international festivals.

The Inside Of Us project will be 6 films, highlighting some of the most precious environmental, human and social values on Earth. Future plans include shooting the lush jungles of Borneo, shedding more light on Nepal’s earthquake victims, and introducing people to Diamond Way Buddhism. Now, the filmmakers request the public to help them complete the first film, The Inside Of Us. Part One calls for protecting the human and cultural values of the Amazon Rainforest. Further support is needed to start shooting the next part, which will feature the unique relics and ancient wisdom of Mexico.

The Inside Of Us is a powerful documentary, chronicling the life of a man who leaves modern Western civilization, travelling the world seeking answers to life’s burning questions. He arrives in the Amazon Rainforest, where he shows the alarming destruction of our planet, the need to protect the ancient wisdom of shamans, and illustrates a new path of consciousness to one’s inner harmony.

Now, the filmmakers have launched a 60-day campaign on Indiegogo to raise $340,000. Every donor is rewarded; larger donations give people the chance to enjoy an expedition to the Amazon Rainforest to experience ancient cultures and the wisdom of local shamans. Tomas Moravek heads the fundraising. Check the Indiegogo out for yourself at  https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-inside-of-us-human-values-rainforest#/

Perhaps the most important element of our environment that is in need of conserving is its people. We’re sometimes quick to forget that, and engage in business or other actions that are harmful to indigenous communities. Fortunately, a business is in development that could actually help to preserve them rather than hindering them. Celia Moret-Ferguson aims to establish a mobile bead store that will transport customers to cultures afar via its unique bead selection whilst at the same time bringing about social good and promoting solar power. The inventory of her store will be heavily influenced by beads manufactured and sold from around the world purchased from vendors who support indigenous community artisans. Celia is currently attempting to fund this venture via the crowdsourcing platform Indiegogo.

The store will be called Bead Nation to reflect its global focus. Its primary service will be bead retail, but it will also sell necklaces and offer classes and workshops. The shop will be entirely powered by solar energy, goods will be reasonably priced, and some of the proceeds will go towards charities that are in-line with its mission to aid and uplift low-income artisans and indigenous communities. Check it out at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bead-nation#/