Solar Power Myths & Money: The Simple Truth for South Wales

Myth Vs Reality: Does Solar Work in South Wales

Have you ever wondered if solar panels actually work in rainy South Wales? The answer is a

big YES! Here is the simple truth about how we turn daylight into "pocket money" for your family.

1. Solar Panels Love Light, Not Heat

One of the biggest secrets about solar is that panels don't need a "hot" day to work; they just need UV rays. These are the same rays that give you a suntan even on a cloudy day!

• Clouds and Rain: Even when it’s grey and rainy in Bridgend, UV rays still get through to your roof to make power.

• Summer vs. Winter: Solar works better in the summer because the sun stays up longer and sits higher in the sky.

• What Blocks the Power?: Anything that hides the light—like thick clouds, heavy shade from trees, or the position of the sun—will change how much energy you make.

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2. The "Brain" of Your System: Inverters

Every solar system has a "brain" called an Inverter. Its job is to turn the "DC" power from the sun into the "AC" power your TV and toaster use.

• Hybrid Inverters: These are great all-rounders. They need about 80 watts of sun power to "wake up" and start working.

• Micro-Inverters: These are the "Super-Brains." They only need 22 watts to start.

• The Result: Because they wake up earlier in the morning and stay awake later in the evening, Micro-Inverters can give you 15% to 20% more electricity overall! This makes them the perfect product for South Wales, where we have lots of cloud cover and changing temperatures.

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3. Batteries: Your Energy "Piggy Bank"

Since the sun goes to bed before we do, we use Batteries to save up all that extra daytime energy to use at night.

• Night-time Savings: In the winter, you can actually "fill up" your battery from the grid at night when energy is super cheap, using smart tariffs like Octopus Go or Flux.

• Energy Independence: You use that cheap "night power" during the day, so you never have to buy the expensive "day power" from big energy companies.

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4. Getting Paid to Help the Grid

When your panels generate more energy than your house can use, you can sell the excess back to the grid. This is called the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). It means you get paid for every unit of energy you share with your neighbours.

Ready to start your journey? Download our Free 2026 Solar Buyer's Guide or book your Free Savings Estimate today to see how much your roof could earn you!