How Solar Energy Works

How does a Solar PV System Work?

Solar Panels use sunlight to produce electricity you can use in your home. Photons from the Sunlight hit the silicon cells in the solar panel and cause electrons to generate a DC current. To use the Solar Electricity in your home you have to convert the DC (Direct Current) into AC (Alternating Current), which is the job of a Solar inverter. The electricity is then usable in your home. Any excess electricity that is not used is passed into the National Grid.

The Benefits of Solar PV

• Reduce your carbon footprint and consumption from national grid.
• You get paid to export energy to the national grid.
• Save on energy bills - using less energy.
• Make a great return on investment.

1. Light

   The sun gives off light, even on cloudy days

2. The Panels

   PV cells on the panels turn the light into DC electricity

3. The Inverter

   The current flows into an inverter, which converts it to AC electricity ready to use.

4. The Electricity

   The current is fed through a meter and then into your home's consumer unit.

5. Powering the home

   Plug in and switch on. Your system will automatically use the free electricity you've generated, then switch back to the grid as needed.

6. The National Grid

   Any electricity you don't use is exported to the grid for others to use.