HOW DOES A SOLAR PV SYSTEM WORK

What is Solar Energy ?

​

The energy associated with sunlight - solar energy - is converted into electric energy by silicon based PhotoVoltaic cells (PV's).  The greater the surface area under sunlight the more energy can be harvested.

​

Solar PV panels convert sunlight into electric energy in the form of Direct Current (DC). 

​

Solar panels don’t require direct sunlight but do require some level of daylight in order to generate energy.  They are usually located on a roof or on ground areas that are not blocked or shaded by trees or buildings. 

​

The rate at which solar panels generate electricity does vary depending on the amount of direct and diffuse sunlight and the quality, size, number and location of panels in use.  Ideally, solar panels should face south but east and west facing panels will also work well.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

How a Solar Energy (Solar PV) System Works

​

An efficient Solar PV System has a number of basic components (Solar Panels and an Inverter) and a number of optional components depending on your needs.

​

Solar Panels:  A typical Solar Panel used in domestic installations can generate around 400 Watts.  Commercial installations typically use larger Solar Panels which can generate up to 700W.

​

The number of panels will dictate the size (in KiloWatts - kW) of your system - the total potential power that your system can generate.  If you have sufficient roof or ground space, you may want to add panels to increase the overall power output.  Optimisers can be added to minimise the impact of panels that are in shade or are underperforming - you get the most from each panel.

​

Inverter / Hybrid Inverter:  The inverter is a core part of any Solar PV system.  Its main function is to convert the direct current electricity (DC) generated by your panels to alternating current (AC) which your appliances use.  Commercial installations may have more than one inverter.

​

The Inverter will collect information on power generation and usage and will link in to your monitoring system.  A Hybrid Inverter will also have a charge controller for battery storage.

​

There are a wide range of Inverter types and they range in capacity size up to 5kWh for residential systems - Commercial systems can be much larger.

​

The inverter is connected through your normal fuse box to your appliances.

​

Battery Storage:  Excess power generated by your PV panels can be stored in one or more batteries for use when your panels are producing less than you need (at night etc.).

​

Exporting to the Grid:  At times when your system is generating more power than you need or can store, the surplus can be exported (sold) to the grid.  This requires a Smart meter.

​

Diverter (for Hot Water):  You can include a Diverter in your system which ‘diverts’ some of the electricity generated by the Solar panels to your existing hot water tank.  A Diverter will provide you with free hot water.

​

​Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging:  One or more EV charging units - for charging cars or other electric vehicles - can be added to your system.

​

Managing Your System:  Your system will prioritise power to your appliances with excess directed to your battery, immersion or EV charger.  When you require more electricity than is generated by the panels, the excess power required will be taken from your battery system and then from the grid.

​

​

​