How Solar PV Works
Solar Panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells that are sandwiched between layers of silicone. The electronic properties vary in each layer and when hit by photons from sunlight, create an electric field. This ‘photoelectric effect’ creates the current that produces electricity, which is passed through an inverter that can be used by the National Grid or directly to the property the Solar Panels are linked to.
The power of a PV cell is measured in kilowatts peak (kWp), the rate at which energy is generated at peak performance in full sunlight. Solar Panels, however, react to the visible light in the spectrum, so if it’s light enough to see, Solar Panels will be generating electricity.
PV Panels come in a variety of shapes and sizes from field scale ground mounted systems to roof mounted systems. Installation by our accredited team, typically takes a few days and we undertake the full turnkey job from arranging any scaffolding, commissioning the system and handling all the paperwork.
With the increasing uptake of electric vehicles, solar generated electricity at your home or business makes conversion from petrol or diesel an even more attractive option!
Photovoltaic solar systems use cells, consisting of one or two layers of semi-conducting material, to convert solar radiation into electricity. The semi-conducting material is generally silicon, which is the second most abundant element on earth after oxygen.
Light shines on the cell creating an electric field across the layers
This causes electrons to flow creating electricity
On its own each cell only creates a tiny bit of electricity, but connected together to form panels, which are linked together to form a system, they create useful amounts
Panels are mounted on the roof or on a frame
An inverter converts the direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC – or mains equivalent) electricity which is suitable for running appliances
Grid connected systems can export electricity they don’t use to the grid, and import it from the grid when there is not enough sunlight
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