Solar PV panels work by turning the light emitted by the sun, into electricity. Typically fitted to a roof, they can also be installed at ground level and need to be oriented so that they face the sun and receive the most of the sun's light through the day, and through the seasons.

Using solar photovoltaic cells on your property means you are effectively creating your own renewable energy solar power station. Electricity created from solar panels replaces the need for electricity generated from traditional power stations, displacing the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil.

Solar panels create electricity as DC, or direct current, and are connected to equipment called an inverter, which turns the energy into AC, or alternating current, the form in which it typically arrives at a property. The inverter is often fitted in a building's roof space or loft.

The output from solar panels is linked to a building's existing power supply. Any electricity generated is fed into the building; if it is not required when it is generated, then the excess electricity is returned to the national power grid. You save money, by using free electricity which you generate, in place of electricity that would otherwise be consumed via your metered supply.

You make money by being paid for every unit of electricity you generate, and for what you return to the grid. Rates are set out by Ofgem, the regulator, under its FIT (Feed In Tariff) programme, and depend on the size of installation as well as being reset regularly. But once set, payments are guaranteed for 25 years and are index linked.

Want to find out more? Call 1 Vision Solar today on 0800 1422 194 to find out more.