Generating your own electricity

Using solar energy to generate your own supply of electricity will allow you to heat rooms (also known as ‘space heating’) and run appliances, which is particularly useful during the summer when heating isn’t needed.

Electricity is generated using a photovoltaic (PV) system. These are silicon cells with two layers of semi-conductors, one positive and the other negative, which work together to make sunlight into a DC (direct current) electrical current.

A device called an inverter will convert that charge into the AC (alternating current) supply used by your home; you will also need to buy a battery storage system. A professional installer will be able to source and safely fit this equipment.

It’s estimated that this kind of solar power can generate up to 40 per cent of a household’s annual electricity needs. And there’s an added bonus in that any excess can be sold to the National Grid: the best way to find out more about how to transfer energy and the payment rates is to contact an expert at your electricity supply company.