HOW DO SOLAR PANELS WORK?

Solar panels work by converting light into electricity.
Many people think that solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, this is not the case.

The correct name for solar panels is photovoltaic panels. They generate electricity from the light hitting the panels which is then converted into DC electricity.

Solar Panels

Also known as Photovoltaic or PV panels. Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity, within a solar panel there are many photovoltaic cells.

Generation Meter

Each Solar PV installation has a generation meter installed. This generation meter is used to record the energy the solar panel system generates.

Optimisers

An optimiser allows each solar panel to to operate independently. Adding an optimiser to each panel means your system operates at its best and increases overall yield.

Battery Storage

Solar Battery storage stores the energy a solar panel system generates throughout the day. The stored energy can then be used in the evening when you need it most.

National Grid

With a solar panel system installed at your home you can enjoy the energy the system produces. At the same time your energy bills are reduced as you use less energy.

If you install solar batteries and a smart meter you could also qualify to join the new Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Inverter

An inverter converts the DC energy produced by solar panels into the AC power we use in our homes. The energy can then be stored, used or exported as AC.

Power Socket

With a solar panel system installed you can use the energy the system produces to power your home. At the same time your energy bills are reduced and you lower your carbon footprint.

HOW IT WORKS

Lowering Energy Bills

Solar panels generate electricity from light hitting the solar panels which is then converted into DC current. A common misconception is that solar panels need sun, sun light or heat to generate electricity, this isn’t the case they only need light.

In a typical home solar panel installation you’ll find the solar panels normally fitted to the roof which capture the energy from daylight. For those with a larger property solar panels can be installed in a field using a groundmount system or on a large commercial building roof.

In more modern solar panel installations there are normally optimisers fitted to each solar panel. The optimisers ensure that any shading or other element which would reduce the entire system output only affects a small portion of the solar panel array.

The optimisers pass the DC energy to an inverter which is normally fitted in your loft space. The inverter converts the DC electric to the AC electricity used in your home.

To ensure you get the most out of your energy it is stored in a battery for use in the evenings when you use the most energy. Any stored energy you don’t use can be sold back to the energy companies.

Solar Battery Storage

Installing solar battery storage allows your solar energy generated during the day to be stored until you need it at night time. You could see savings of up to 70% with a battery.

Force Charging

If your energy company provides a cheap energy rate during off-peak times you can top up your solar battery and use the enrgy during peak-times for more savings.

Latest Technology

Huge developments in solar technology means todays solar panels generate more energy in less light. With the UK weather the solar panels will generate all year round.