Solar Panels, sometimes known as a PV or a Photovoltaic array, are becoming increasingly popular
given the worlds energy requirements is dramatically changing beyond all recognition. The main
reason for this recent dynamic change is very much to do with global warming and the urgent need,
across the globe, for what has become known as green or clean energy. In regards generation of
renewable electricity, as in what is provided by PV Solar power, it now sits in third place in electricity
generation, sitting only behind wind and hydropower. In isolation, Solar power therefore plays a
major role in UK and World energy transition.
This transition has created a very high demand for quality yet competitively priced materials such as
Solar Panels, Hybrid Inverters, Battery Storage, Solar PV cable and PV DC Isolators in Birmingham.
This massive energy change has also created the need for highly skilled electricians across
Birmingham, the majority needing to be trained, upskilled, and certified to be able to carry out their
new role. As well as materials needed for an actual solar installation, these electricians also require
specialist tools and equipment such as AC/DC current clamp meters and solar irradiance meters.
CWS Electrical Wholesalers in Birmingham are proud to play their part in this green energy
transition, supplying various AC, DC and IP65 or IP66 rated electrical components to the renewables
energy market in the Midlands. Notably, this includes the stocking and supply of quality PV DC
Isolators which tend to be supplied in dark or light grey. Available in various amperes ratings to
include 16amp LBDC1649, 25amp LBDC254P or 32amp LBDC324P, these are an important safety
critical component within your installation.
These IP rated 4pole, enclosed switch disconnector units are an extremely popular product,
particularly for Birmingham solar installers, and you will normally find our DC PV Isolators fitted next
to the solar invertor. What do they do? They manually isolate the entire PV array during installation,
during maintenance or importantly, when there is a safety issue.
With the upskill of electricians comes the need for more specialised tools and test equipment and it
has certainly generated the need for Solar installers to carry a much larger array of equipment.
Inside a PV installers tool kit, you will almost certainly find an AC/DC Clamp Meter. Conveniently, the
DL6508 measures inrush current for the initial start-up current of motors. Other key-features are
1000v DC and 750v AC, it also comes with a set of leads and a hard-wearing nylon carry bag.
For solar PV arrays, whether on your roof a home, the roof of a factory or warehouse anywhere in
Birmingham, Irradiance meters are a must have for qualified PV Solar Installers. Irradiance metres,
such as the SL102 measure various parameters when installing an efficient system. Alternatively, for
the more professional solar panel installer, consider a kit like the SL500 from CWS Electrical
Wholesalers which contains an Irradiance meter and AC/DC clamp, all in a handy black nylon zip up
carry bag.
In conclusion, solar power is becoming an important source of electricity generation and for many
hundreds of PV Solar electricians and technicians across Birmingham, this will create another
revenue stream for those skilled tradespersons. Given the need for safety critical installations, the
installer needs to ensure the products they choose to install PV arrays are of high quality. In the UK,
installers should ensure their installation meets IET regulations and therefore, fit for purpose.
Factors such as correct selection of components, cable sizing and earth bonding, are all critical
factors in providing end users with an efficient and safe installation. If you are looking to purchase
solar materials, be sure to try CWS electrical distributors on 0121 439 8010. Furthermore, if you
would like to become a solar installer, WMD electrical training centre in Great Barr is where many
electricians learn their trade.