How a PV solar electric installation works

A Photovoltaic installation works by harnessing the clean energy of the sun - a constant and renewable energy source. It is used to power all kinds of electrical appliances from computers and lighting to washing machines, fridges etc. It should not be confused with solar thermal which is used to generate hot water or hot air for heating.




How it works

  1. Photovoltaic modules are panels often attached to roofs or walls, consisting of many solar cells made from one or two layers of semiconducting material, usually silicon which absorb the solar energy from the sun.

  2. When light shines on the cells it creates an electric field across the layers converting the sunlight into electrical energy.

  3. An inverter translates the current from Direct current (DC) to Alternating current (AC) from which electrical appliances are operated.

  4. During the day solar energy powers electrical appliances. Any excess current that has not been used is “fed back into” the national grid.

  5. At night or in winter when it is very overcast appliances can still be powered from the mains electricity therefore savings will only be made during the day.

  6. In the case of a system that is not connected to the main grid – also known as a  standalone/off-grid/island solution, excess energy can be stored in batteries for use during the night.

  7. A meter records any excess electricity that is fed back in to the grid (feed in tariff) and any additional electricity that you require. This way you are paid for the energy you sell back and this is offset against any additional you require. Normally you sell for much higher than you pay for.

  8. The performance of solar is measured in kilowatt peak (kWp). That's the amount of energy the cell generates in full sunlight.  Systems differ in overall effectiveness in terms of energy balancing and the efficiency of solar cells used. This in turn is dependent on the type of solar cells used.

  9. Efficiency of a solar module is the percentage of solar energy that is converted into electricity. The highest value is approximately 20 per cent. 

  10. The Output of a PV (photovoltaic) system is affected by many factors including roof pitch and orientation, power rating of the plant, and shadow.

  11. Solar energy relies on day light through solar radiation not just sunshine so you can still generate electricity even when it’s cloudy although there will be some reduction in the amount produced.

  12. Overall however there is sufficient sunlight in most countries to allow photovoltaic systems to work efficiently – and luckily for us in the UK, you do not have to live in a hot climate!

 

Thinking of installing a solar system?

Get a FREE quote from a vetted licenced contractor in your local area.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Register your company for FREE on Top50-Solar

and start enjoying the benefits now...

HomeDirectory