SOLAR PV & UPGRADES 

The term ‘photovoltaic’ means the direct conversion of light into electrical energy using solar cells.

In simple terms, the suns light travels through the atmosphere hitting the solar cells and creating electricity – it’s that simple!

The electricity generated by a solar array (a collection of solar modules) is in the form of ‘direct current’ (DC) which needs to be converted into ‘alternating current’ (AC) for general usage. This is done by an ‘inverter’, which takes the DC electricity from the array and exports AC electricity to your consumer unit or fuse board. You can either use this electricity directly, or export it to the national grid.

We also install a ‘generation meter’ which logs all the electricity you generate. It is the reading from this meter that you will need to give to your electricity provider in order to receive your FiT payments.

Historically, Solar PV systems were installed with traditional inverters that centrally managed panel power production. By adding power optimisers to the back of each panel and choosing the SolarEdge inverter, you will improve the performance, monitoring and safety of your PV system.

Solar Thermal

Solar Thermal (also known as ST) uses the sun’s direct heat to absorb energy and transfer it to either a storage vessel, like a hot water cylinder, or put it straight into a required heat sink, such as a swimming pool.  Solar Thermal is more efficient  than Solar Photovoltaic panels (Solar PV) and therefore take up less roof space for the same amount of energy produced, but has the disadvantage of not being able to ‘export’ the heat off site if not require it.

The designing of Solar Thermal systems is very important in the successful delivery of a system, as incorrect choice of parts can lead to large inefficiencies and long term issues.  At Williams Renewables our design team has over 20 years experience of designing large scale Solar Thermal systems, so is fully aware of how this must be done. As part of the design process, we run computer simulations that  uses 6 minute intervals of data to accurately predict output and therefore avoid overheating of the systems.

Solar Thermal systems are especially suited to swimming pools with their very high demand for low temperature heat. During the summer months a Solar Thermal system can deliver at an efficiency of 90%, providing all the swimming pool heating requirements.

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payment for Solar Thermal provides extremely good returns for swimming pools of up to 13%.  Other buildings suited for Solar Thermal are buildings with high hot water usage such as Care Homes, Hotels and Leisure Centres.

Solar Thermal has different panel types, however the main types are flat plate, vacuum tube and unglazed. These are explained in more depth on the dedicated Solar Thermal Collector Types page.

Electric vehicle charging

In 2020 we launched our specialist EV charging division to help accelerate the UK’s drive towards a greener, more sustainable future, providing electric vehicle charging provisions for local authorities, the public and businesses across the country.

As electric vehicles become the norm, homeowners and business are demanding easier access to charging points. Go further by installing an Electric Vehicle charging point at the location where your vehicle is stored.

We are nationwide EV charging experts who are qualified and approved to design and deliver EV charging infrastructures.

Why choose Green Giraffe?

  • OLEV approved

  • NICEIC electrical installers

  • IET 18th Edition for Electric Vehicle Charging

  • Authorised to work on public highways and street furniture

  • Public liability insurance

  • Manufacturer trained and approved

What we offer:

  • EV consultancy

  • Funding options

  • Fleet electrification support

  • Choice of product solutions

  • Work with leading manufacturers

  • Nationwide coverage

What is OLEV?

The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) have been set up by the UK Government to support the early market for ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV). The UK Government have provided OLEV with over £900 million, available to EV and plug-in hybrid drivers and UK based businesses, to help position the UK at the global forefront of ULEV development, manufacture and use.

  • Sector focused EV charging solutions

We are working with all of the key sectors to help deliver bespoke and cost effective EV charging solutions;

  • B2C Solutions

Ideal for retailers. hotels, tourist attractions, hospitality venues, sports arena’s, restaurants, garden centres and leisure facilities looking to provide EV charging solutions for their customers or visitors:

  • Significant branding and PR benefits

  • Generate risk free revenue

  • Attract new customers and retain them longer