While Scotland might not quite be the land of the midnight sun, the long daylight hours in summer provide a unique opportunity. Tonight, on the summer solstice, there will be just a few hours of total darkness as the sun sets at 22:18 and rises just after 4 AM, marking the astronomical first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Maximum Solar Potential
In terms of daylight, the summer solstice offers 11 hours and 14 minutes more sunlight than the winter solstice, making it the perfect time for home and business owners to install solar panels. The abundance of extra sunlight, brighter skies, and longer days result in more energy for solar panels to absorb, turning every second of daylight into productive, renewable energy!
On average, solar energy produced 4.7% of the UK’s electricity throughout 2023 but accounted for more than 25% of demand during peak summer output (Solar Power Portal 2024).
At this time of year, many of our clients find that their solar panels meet and even exceed their energy needs, often producing more power than they can use (the perfect opportunity for battery storage). For instance, Mr and Mrs Atkins in Hopeman have only used their oil boiler twice since the start of May and have only needed one public charge for their EV, which is otherwise charged exclusively by solar!
Our Role as Solar Panel Installers
As installers, our mission is to help you harness the sun’s power efficiently and effectively. The summer solstice reminds us why we do what we do: providing sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy solutions. We ensure that each installation is optimised for maximum sunlight exposure, considering each site’s unique geographical and architectural features. From initial consultation to final installation, our focus is on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction!
The process is straightforward:
- Consultation/Survey: We start with a survey to determine the best placement for the panels, considering roof orientation, shading, and structural integrity.
- Design: We design a custom solar panel system tailored to the specific needs and energy consumption of your property.
- Installation: Our skilled team handles the installation with precision, ensuring that the panels are securely mounted and correctly wired to the home’s electrical system.
- Maintenance: Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Should any issues arise we’ll be on hand to help however we can!
The Benefits
If you have ever considered getting solar panels installed, this peak sunlight period is the prime time to do so. Not only will solar production be higher in the summer due to the longer days, but the clearer skies and less chance of rain mean that installers are less likely to experience delays due to bad weather. You can also record the system’s optimum performance to gain a clearer understanding of its efficiency and plan your energy consumption accordingly.
Whilst summer is the best time to maximise your energy consumption, the benefits of solar energy can be experienced all year round. It is a common misconception that solar panels require bright sunny days to operate. In fact, they simply need daylight to capture the radiation from the sun – a bonus for the North of Scotland, receiving an hour more sunlight in the height of Summer.
Advances in solar technology have made solar panels more efficient at capturing sunlight, even on cloudy days. As well as major energy savings by cutting reliance on energy suppliers and helping to protect the environment for future generations, solar has the potential to add value to the price of your property and future-proof your home against rising utility costs.
Embrace the Power of Solar This Summer
Embracing solar energy as we enter the summer months presents an opportune time for home and business owners. On this longest day of the year, the extended period of sunlight will enable solar panels to maximise electricity, leading to a number of benefits such as reduced energy bills and a greener environment, making solar a worthwhile investment.
So, let’s harness the power of the sun, reduce our carbon footprint, and move towards a greener, more sustainable world. May your days be sunny and bright as solar energy shines on summer solstice!
Join the Solar Revolution
If you’re considering solar panels for your home or business so solar energy shines on summer solstice now is the perfect time. Contact us today to schedule your assessment and take the first step towards energy independence and environmental stewardship. Let’s make the most of every ray of sunshine together.